Marichi Temple (Odia: ମାରିଚୀ ମନ୍ଦିର) is a Hindu and Buddhist temple located in Ajodhya, Baleswar, Odisha, India.

Marichi temple
ମାରିଚୀ ମନ୍ଦିର
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
DistrictBaleswar
DeityMarichi, Varahi, Buddha
FestivalsDurga Puja, Asokastami
Governing bodyMarichi Puja Committee, Ajodhya[1]
Location
LocationAjodhya
StateOdisha
CountryIndia
Geographic coordinates21°33′29.94″N 86°45′9.96″E / 21.5583167°N 86.7527667°E / 21.5583167; 86.7527667
Architecture
TypeOdishan Pidha vimana temple architecture
Completed10-11th Century
Temple(s)

Location

edit

This temple is situated 9 km north of Sajanagada. It is on the right side of the road leading from Nilagiri to Mayurbhanj in Baleswar district, Odisha.

Construction

edit

The temple is a newly built pidha vimana style building like other temples of Odisha. The temple houses many tantric, Jain and Buddhist images dating back to the late 11th century. It is thought that the Somavamsi Keshari dynasty commissioned the statues. There are many old icons such as the Hindu goddess four-handed Varahi, the Buddha in bhumisparsa or earth touching mudra, a Jain tirthankara or spiritual teacher and the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara.

The central icon is worshiped as the Hindu goddess Durga and next to the image is the Mahayana goddess Marici. The Marici image is flanked by two goddesses. The Garbhagriha or inner sanctum houses three icons from the late 11th century. Durga Puja is a famous festival in this temple.[1]

edit

References

edit
edit