Dhama, 4th Oct 2025: In Dhama village of Maneswar block, Sambalpur district, the worship of Mother Jhadeshwari has been carried out for more than 400 years. The presiding deity of Dhama village is Goddess Kurti Shanti Swaroopini Karunamayi, worshiped as Mother Jhadeshwari. Before entering her temple, worship is first offered to Mother Bhairavi on the southern side. After crossing five steps, one enters the temple of Mother Jhadeshwari.
Inside the sanctum sanctorum, there is a large stone idol of the goddess adorned with sindoor (vermillion), holding a flame and a garland of red mandara flowers around her neck. The peaceful face of the goddess is decorated with beautiful paired eyes that appear as if they radiate compassion to her devotees. Viewing the goddess is said to alleviate all troubles.
On the left side of the goddess stands a metal tiger vehicle, while on the right side, weapons and an umbrella symbolizing Mother Baouti are worshiped. Inside the temple, there are also idols of door guardians, Kshetrapal (protectors), and other deities who are worshiped.
Legend says that Dhama village was an ancient fortified city. Once, Bakasura had dominance here. Bakasura resided on Asuragad hill, located a little distance from the village. During their exile, the Pandavas lived here in disguise under the guidance of Mother Kurti. Following her instructions, Bhima killed Bakasura and assured the safety of the villagers.
According to local folklore, a fisherman at the Keunt river used to catch fish but repeatedly found only a particular stone in his net. Eventually, he threw the stone back into the river. That night, he had a dream revealing that the land where the goddess was hospitably worshiped by the villagers would always be blessed by Mother Kunti’s grace. The stone is considered a manifestation of Mother Kurti.
Later, the stone was collected and worshiped as Mother Jhadeshwari near the banks of the Mahanadi River. In the past, this place was a dense forest (known as “Jhar” in Sambalpuri language), hence the goddess’s name Jhadeshwari is derived from the forest. Some also call this Shakti Peetha “Guddhadhama.”
After establishing a new settlement on the banks of the Mahanadi, the villagers established the Dhama Peetha temple here. The goddess’s autumn festival begins from Ashwin Krishna Ashtami during the Khandadhua festival. Then on Krishna Chaturdashi, the De’ Puchha festival is celebrated. During Mahalaya, the goddess is invoked from one of the ten peethas, and from Mahalaya until Vijayadashami, Navaratri worship is performed.
On Vijayadashami and Kumar Purnima, according to tradition, the goddess manifests in the form of a bark (Barua). On Vijayadashami day, the deity circumambulates the village and blesses the devotees.