Nabarangpur,29th Sept 2025: The nine-day Sharadiya Dussehra festival of Maa Bhandar Gharani, the presiding deity of Nabarangpur, commenced on Monday. This year also marks the 27th anniversary of the new temple construction of Maa Bhandar Gharani.
The deity is considered the guardian of wealth, prosperity, and life. The temple of Maa Bhandar Gharani is located near the old palace road in Nabarangpur town. Originally worshipped by the royal family in Jagannathpur village, she was later enshrined in Nabarangpur town by the rulers.
Maa Bhandar Gharani is regarded as the protector of the district, and it is believed that she blesses devotees from the west-facing side, even though her temple faces east—a unique tradition.
Historical Background:
- The first temple was a thatched hut located in front of the present-day Tripti Hotel.
- In 1945-46, a cement and tin-roofed structure with a veranda was constructed.
- In 2004-05, the current massive temple about 100 feet tall was built and managed by the temple committee.
- The royal priest Raja Chaitanya Dev transferred the deity from Jagannathpur to Nabarangpur in 1832.
- The deity was initially worshipped in the royal treasury (“Bhandar Ghar”), hence the name “Bhandar Gharani”.
Navratri Rituals:
- Special worship is done on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sankranti (transitional) days.
- Daily Chandi Path and lighting of 1,008 oil lamps take place during Navratri.
- Worship is conducted jointly by fishermen caste priests (Keuta Sampradaya) and Brahmin priests.
- The nine forms of Goddess Durga—Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri—are worshipped.
- The major festival “Ghata Yatra” is observed every year in Chaitra month.
Special Events This Year:
- On the first day, a sacred bath of Maa’s representation (“Patta Khanda”) was held at Pratap Sagar lake, followed by a grand procession.
- At 1:30 PM, the Mahadhwaja (sacred flag) was hoisted.
- At 3 PM, Mahadeepa (sacred lamp) was installed.
- At 3:30 PM, the Ghata Sthapana (pot installation) ceremony was performed.
- This year also celebrates the 27th year since the construction of the current temple.
- As the deity’s idol exited the temple, the whole town’s main road vibrated with sounds of gongs and bells, creating a divine atmosphere.
Bilai Yatra (Concluding Procession):
- On the Dussehra day, elaborately decorated “Lathi” (representative icons) of other Shakti Peethas arrive at the temple.
- They come from various villages such as Jagannathpur, Dashpur, Miriganiguda, Kusumi, Dedeshpali, Menjara, Deula, Kangara, Ekamba, Nandahandi, Maliguda, and others.
- These icons participate in a massive procession with conch shells, drums, and other traditional instruments throughout the town, which is called “Bilai Yatra”.
Other Highlights:
- Maa Pendani, the presiding deity of Umarkote, visits Nabarangpur and stays at Maa Bhandar Gharani’s temple for a few days before proceeding to Jaypur.
- This year, under the supervision of royal priest Narasimha Nath Tripathy, temple sevayats like **Rajiv Lochan Pujari, Mrutyunjaya Rath, Prasanna Rath, Babuna Pujari, Pankaj Pujari,