Boudh, Odisha : Since the Vedic era, India has remained a sacred land for worshipping Shiva and Shakti. Across the country, Shiva and Shakti Peethas appear separately. However, the Goddess Bhairavi Shrine Boudh offers a rare exception, where devotees worship both Shiva and Shakti together. Mahamaya Yogeswari Jagadhatri Devi Bhairavi Thakurani resides permanently in the Siddhatantra Peetha of Old Cuttack, Boudh district. She holds the Shakti Ugramurti and grants darshan to devotees, blessing them with divine energy.
At this shrine, Bhagavati Yogamaya manifests in five distinct forms: the fallen wind, destroyer of enemies, the proud, the charming, and the nurturing mother. Devotees come here to honor both power and compassion simultaneously, making the rituals unique across India. Devotees call her Bhairavi because she protects the entire earth with her divine energy. Worship of Mother Bhairavi has continued since the beginning of the royal dynasty. Initially, priests installed her atop Parinikaya Hill, but due to difficult access, they moved her to an old bamboo grove and constructed a temple. Today, the temple undergoes renovation to ensure security while preserving its ancient heritage.
Legends state that the Goddess Bhairavi Shrine Boudh traces its origin to the Satya Yuga. Devotees believe Lord Ramachandra once visited the shrine to honor the goddess. During Maa Sati’s destruction of the Agni Kunda, the Sudarshan Chakra dismembered her body into 54 pieces. One piece—the Nabi Lotus—fell atop Parinkia Hill, forming the original Peetha. Devotees regard this Peetha as sacred, symbolizing the unique convergence of Shiva as Bhairava and Shakti as Bhairavi.
The temple observes secret rituals throughout the year, particularly during Sholapuja. Devotees fast, maintain celibacy, and perform all rites with extreme devotion. Priests conduct various Sotantras seasonally, such as Shyamakali Puja on Diwali Amavasya, Ugratar Puja in Magha, Basantika Durga or Sukkali Puja in Chaitra, and multiple other important pujas in Bhadra. During the 16-day Upachar Puja, the temple closes for general darshan and fences off the premises. Secret worship starts at midnight from Mulashtami to the eighth day of Bhai Jiuntia. Villages rotate daily to offer rituals to the goddess. Devotees must wait outside until the sixteen-day secret worship concludes.
Many mystical phenomena surround the Goddess Bhairavi Shrine Boudh. Worshippers report footprints of a powerful tiger, which appears nightly during secret worship, despite no tigers living in Boudh district. Locals believe Mother Bhairavi rides a black-and-white horse during these nights, accompanied by the tiger, protecting devotees and the shrine. Similarly, at her original seat on Argalia Hill, a perennial spring reacts to offerings. Water stops flowing when priests perform rituals and resumes afterward, which devotees interpret as a sign of the goddess’s presence.
Those who approach the Goddess Bhairavi Shrine Boudh with devotion often experience extraordinary miracles. Stories include the resurrection of the dead, divine guidance in crises, and protection from danger. This combination of mystical legends, unique rituals, and the rare worship of both Shiva and Shakti attracts thousands of devotees from Odisha and beyond.
The Goddess Bhairavi Shrine Boudh stands as both a spiritual landmark and cultural heritage site, preserving ancient rituals, traditions, and legends. It continues to connect generations of worshippers to the divine energy of Mother Bhairavi. Today, the shrine remains one of the most revered destinations in Odisha for devotees seeking blessings, protection, and spiritual guidance.
