Religious places in Ganjam, Odisha [Updated-2025]

Ganjam, Odisha – A Blend of Spirituality, History & Natural Beauty

Ganjam, a coastal district in southern Odisha, is known for its ancient temples, serene beaches, and rich cultural heritage. It is home to the famous Tara Tarini Temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, and has historical significance from the Kalinga Empire and British colonial era.

Religious & Spiritual Sites in Ganjam

1. Tara Tarini Temple (Shakti Peetha)

• Significance: One of the 4 Adi Shakti Peethas (where Sati’s breasts fell).

• Location: Near Brahmapur (30 km from Ganjam town).

• Unique Feature: Twin goddesses Tara & Tarini are worshipped.

• Festivals: Chaitra Mela (March-April) attracts lakhs of devotees.

2. Maa Budhi Thakurani Temple

• Famous For: The Thakurani Yatra, a grand festival held every 2 years in Brahmapur.

• Ritual: Goddess is taken out in a grand procession.

3. Bhairabi Temple (Biranchi Narayan Temple)

• Location: Buguda (50 km from Brahmapur).

• Specialty: Ancient temple with exquisite stone carvings.

4. Jagannath Temple, Gopalpur

• Dedicated to: Lord Jagannath (similar to Puri’s temple but smaller).

• Location: Near Gopalpur Beach.

5. Mahuri Kalua Temple

• Unique Feature: A black stone Shiva Linga worshipped by locals.

• Legend: Believed to fulfill wishes of devotees.

Historical & Tourist Attractions

1. Gopalpur-on-Sea

• A serene beach town with colonial-era ruins & water sports.

• Famous For: Dolphin sightings & sunrise views.

2. Taptapani Hot Springs

• Natural Sulfur Springs believed to have healing properties.

• Location: 50 km from Brahmapur.

3. Chilika Lake (Nearby)

• Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, famous for Irrawaddy dolphins.

• Kalijai Temple (on an island) is a major attraction.

4. Dhabaleswar Temple

• Dedicated to: Lord Shiva, located on an island in the Rushikulya River.

• Access: Connected by a scenic ropeway.

5. British Cemetery (Brahmapur)

• Historical Site: Remnants of British-era graves & colonial architecture.

How to Reach Ganjam?

• By Air: Nearest airport is Bhubaneswar (170 km).

• By Train: Brahmapur Railway Station (major railhead).

• By Road: Well-connected via NH16 (Kolkata-Chennai highway).

Best Time to Visit

• October – March (Pleasant weather)

• March-April (Chaitra Mela at Tara Tarini Temple).

Local Cuisine to Try

• Chenna Poda (Burnt cheesecake)

• Pakhala Bhata (Fermented rice)

• Fresh seafood at Gopalpur Beach

Religious places in Ganjam, Odisha

Here’s a detailed guide to the religious places in Ganjam, Odisha, known for its ancient temples and spiritual significance:

1. Tara Tarini Temple (Shakti Peetha)

• Significance: One of the 4 Adi Shakti Peethas (where Goddess Sati’s breasts fell).

• Deity: Twin goddesses Tara & Tarini (forms of Durga).

• Location: Near Brahmapur (30 km from Ganjam town).

• Unique Feature:

  • Hilltop temple with panoramic views of Rushikulya River.

  • Chaitra Mela (March-April) attracts lakhs of devotees.

  • Rope-way access to the hill (optional).

2. Maa Budhi Thakurani Temple

• Famous For: Thakurani Yatra (biennial festival in Brahmapur).

• Rituals:

  • Grand procession of the goddess through the city.

  • Devotees wear traditional “Pata” costumes and dance.

• Location: Brahmapur city center.

3. Bhairabi Temple (Biranchi Narayan Temple)

• Deity: Goddess Bhairabi (a fierce form of Kali) & Lord Biranchi Narayan (Vishnu).

• Location: Buguda (50 km from Brahmapur).

• Specialty:

  • Exquisite Kalinga-style stone carvings.

  • Ancient temple with a sacred pond.

4. Jagannath Temple, Gopalpur

• Dedicated to: Lord Jagannath (similar to Puri’s temple).

• Location: Near Gopalpur Beach.

• Festivals:

  • Rath Yatra (smaller version of Puri’s festival).

  • Snana Purnima (bathing ceremony).

5. Mahuri Kalua Temple

• Deity: Lord Shiva (as a black stone Lingam).

• Legend: Believed to fulfill wishes of childless couples.

• Location: Near Polasara (40 km from Brahmapur).

6. Dhabaleswar Temple

• Deity: Lord Shiva.

• Location: Island in the Rushikulya River (connected by a scenic ropeway).

• Specialty:

  • Evening aarti with river views.

  • Peaceful surroundings.

7. Panchama Temple (Panchama Madhaba)

• Unique Aspect: Only temple where Lord Vishnu is worshipped as “Panchama” (5th form).

• Location: Hinjilicut (25 km from Brahmapur).

8. Kalika Temple, Chatrapur

• Deity: Goddess Kali.

• Significance: Known for tantric rituals.

• Festival: Kali Puja (Diwali night).

9. Laxmi Narayan Temple, Brahmapur

• Dedicated to: Vishnu & Goddess Lakshmi.

• Architecture: Traditional Odia temple style.

• Location: Brahmapur city.

10. Maa Tarini Temple, Chandragiri

• Alternative to Tara Tarini: Smaller shrine with similar deity.

• Location: Near Ganjam town.

11. Bada Hanuman Temple, Brahmapur

• Special Feature: Massive Hanuman idol in sitting posture.

• Belief: Known for protection from evil spirits.

12. Maa Khambeswari Temple

• Deity: Goddess Khambeswari (local form of Durga).

• Location: Berhampur.

• Festival: Durga Puja celebrated grandly.

Best Time to Visit

• October–March (pleasant weather).

• March-April (Chaitra Mela at Tara Tarini).

• July-August (Rath Yatra at Jagannath Temple).

How to Reach?

• Nearest Airport: Bhubaneswar (170 km).

• Rail: Brahmapur Station (well-connected to Kolkata/Chennai).

• Road: NH16 connects to Puri, Visakhapatnam.