Devi Ambika Temple Odisha

Sacred to Goddess Durga, Devi Ambika Temple in Devkund, Odisha lures a considerable footfall of tourists from across India. In the temple, Goddess Durga is worshipped in the form of Maa Ambika also known as ‘The Living Goddess. The idol of Maa Ambika in this temple is built from marble stone having four hands (chaturbhuja). In the idol, she can be seen sitting on a lion with holy weapons in her hands. These arms include dambaru, kharpara, khadga, and trisul. Besides Goddess Ambika, the idols of Lord Ganesha, Shiva, Hanuman, Maa Mangala, and Shri Chandika are also present here at Devi Ambika Temple.

As per devotees belief, one who makes a wish while looking at the goddess Ambika will experience a divine touch and can also fulfil his/her wish. Durga Puja, Pana Sankranti, Basanti Puja, Makar Sankranti, and Rojo Sankranti are the popular festivals celebrated with so much zeal and devotion at this temple. Apart from being a popular pilgrimage site in Odisha, the temple is also a prominent sightseeing choice as it is comfortably seated on a hill with a waterfall cascading below the temple. A 50 m high reservoir is another attraction located in the temple vicinity that makes a great spot in the region for picnicking.

History and Architecture of the Temple

Before the construction of this temple, there was a pitha of Maa Ambika which was rarely visited any attendants. He was late Walji Gobind - a Gujarati contractor in 1920 who reconstructed this temple. Once his son suffered from incurable smallpox which made him worship Goddess Ambika.  He believed that her blessings cured his son and he, therefore, reconstructed this beautiful temple.

Best Time to Visit

Winter season (October-February) is the best time to visit Devi Maa Ambika Temple as during this time temperature of the region ranges in between 10°C and 25°C which is quite pleasant when it comes to tourism.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

• Manatri
• Jagannath Temple
• Haripur
• Jwalamukhi Temple
• Jubilee Library
• Joranda Falls