The Sacred Seat of Maa Charchika at Banki
Maa Charchika’s shrine is located in the pious land of Banki, in the district of Cuttack. According to legend, King Indradyumna of Utkal was deeply moved upon seeing the worship of the goddess adorned with a garland of human heads. With the permission of Sage Narada, he descended from his chariot and paid his respects with full devotion. The goddess came to be known as Mundamala-Charchita, or simply Charchika.
Later, King Indradyumna established an idol of Charchika on the Bada Danda (Grand Road) in Puri and began worshipping her. It is believed that it is by her divine grace that the construction of Lord Jagannath’s chariots proceeds without obstacles. Thus, she is enshrined near the Ratha Sala (chariot workshop). Charchika is depicted as an eight-armed Chamunda form, seated in a heroic posture upon the corpse of the demon Ranasura. She wears a garland of skulls, has unbound hair, a fierce face, and is clad in sky-blue garments. Her eight hands hold a sword, serpent, rosary, skull, spear, trident, drum, and the gesture of blessing.
Her waist is slightly bent, earning her the name Maa Bakreshwari. The region is known famously as Banki, located on the southern banks of the Mahanadi River. The deity Charchika, the tutelary goddess of the Banki royal family, is situated at Ruchikagiri by the Renuka River. Since ancient times, Charchika has been worshipped here. During the Bhaumakara dynasty, the cult of Chamunda worship spread widely, and numerous Chamunda shrines were established—including this one near the Mahanadi.
Charchika is also one of the Ashta Matrikas and part of the group of 64 Yoginis. Scholars believe her worship began around the 7th or 8th century CE, and the current idol belongs to that period. The original ancient temple was destroyed, and the current structure was rebuilt by the rulers of the Dhal dynasty of Banki. The temple’s beautifully carved wooden entrance is a major attraction. Although small, the sanctum houses the deity in a royal seated posture.
To the right of the main deity is the four-armed image of Mahishamardini Paschimachandi. In front of the temple stands a 12-pillared wooden pavilion known as the Shunyabahini Mandap. Facing east, two Shiva temples—dedicated to Sapneshwar and Kusumeshwar—are also present. Other nearby shrines include those of Neelakantheshwar and Gatiswar Shiva. Additional temples of Mangala, Raghunath, Trinath, Santoshi Mata, and Jagannath have been built over time within the temple complex.
A stone slab bearing footprints is believed by locals to be those of Parashurama. The entire region is thus revered as Parashurama Kshetra. Daily worship is conducted by members of the Mali community, while Brahmins officiate on special occasions and festivals. Worship is performed following the Chamunda Tantric rituals.
Each morning, after the breaking of the ceremonial rest (pahada), the deity is offered Jayamangala Aarti, followed by bathing, dressing, and the Balabhoga (morning offering), which includes puffed rice, bananas, and fruits. At 9 AM, the goddess is offered Khichdi and vegetables—her main morning meal. After this Dhoopa ritual, devotees are allowed darshan. Around 1 PM, after temple cleansing, Madhyana Dhoopa (midday worship) is performed with offerings like rice, kheer, cakes, and vegetables. The deity then takes a ceremonial rest (pahada). After rest, a light offering (terapana), followed by evening Aarti, is conducted. The night meal includes curd rice and vegetables, and finally, Adharapana and Bada Singhara Bhoga are offered before the deity retires.
Being a Tantric seat, animal sacrifice is traditionally practiced, though it is prohibited during the months of Kartika, Vaishakha, and Magha. The primary festival is Sharadiya Durgotsav in the month of Ashwina, celebrated with a blend of Tantric and Vedic rituals. Each day involves Chandi Patha, homa, tarpana, japa, and Shodashopachara (16-fold) puja. On Maha Ashtami, following the night rituals, a ram is sacrificed by the Banki royal family, followed by the ritual of Pandabali (offering of large animals). The 16-day ritual includes recitations of the Kavacha, Keelaka, and Sahasranama hymns.
A unique tradition at this shrine is the daily recitation of the Ramayana, believed to be a later addition. On Kumar Purnima (Ashwina full moon), the goddess is worshipped in her virgin form (Kumari Besha). Besides Sharadiya Durgotsav, other grand festivals like Makar Sankranti and Maha Vishuba Sankranti are observed with full traditional rituals.
Dola Purnima is celebrated independently at the Charchika Peetha. On this day, the Ghata (sacred pot symbolizing the deity) is installed and worshipped as the visible presence of Charchika. This pot is taken on a ceremonial procession through nearby villages, accompanied by drums, conches, and devotional singing. Devotees offer food to the Ghata, known as Chacheri Bhoga. The procession and offerings continue from Dola Purnima until Maha Vishuba Sankranti. On the latter, the famous Jhamu Yatra takes place, with thousands of devotees participating. Many vow to walk on burning embers in the name of Maa Charchika.
Shri Ram Navami is also celebrated with great pomp here. Jagajanani Charchika is worshipped as the living goddess in the daily lives of the Odia people. She holds an unmatched presence in the spiritual landscape of Jagannath culture. ।
