Saptamatruka Temple

Saptamatruka Temple

Saptamatruka Temple is a Hindu temple located in Jajpur, Odisha.Temple is dedicated to Hindu Tantric and Puranic goddesses Saptamatrikas.

The temple is dedicated to the seven mother goddesses, known as the Sapta Matrikas.These goddesses are considered attendants of goddess Viraja and are believed to protect the inhabitants of Jajpur.

The rebuilt Saptamatrikas temple in Jajpur is located on the south bank of the Baitarani River. This shrine is also close to the Budha Ganesha Temple and Dashaswamedha Ghat.

History

The temple was in jeopardy and was eventually restored by ASI, India.The deities were installed for protection during Yajati Keshari’s Ashwamedha sacrifice. The idols’ design may be traced back to the 11th century AD. During Kala Chand’s control in Murshidabad, his forces came to destroy Hindu temples in and around Jajpur, and the Brahmins hid the Saptamatrika images in a tunnel near the Baitarani River. The images were later discovered and worshipped by Jajpur’s Utkala Brahmins.

Among the Saptamatrukas Chamunda is depicted in maharajalilasana.
The other goddesses are depicted in lalitasana.All the idols are seated on lotus pedestals, with their respective mounts carved in front, and they hold babies in one of their left hands.

According to legend, these goddesses sprang from Devi Durga’s body while she was slaughtering Nishumbha and Shumbha. The matrikas reflect their respective male God’s inner willpower. Brahmani, Vaishnavi, Shivaduti or Indrani, Narasimhi, Chamunda, Kaumari, and Varahi are the Saptamatrikas.

Devotees take a holy dip in Chaitra month during the Krishna paksha Chaturdashi with Shatabhisha nakshatra here.