Chandrasekhara temple or commonly known as Khiching, an ancient temple of the Bhanja dynasty rulers of the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, lies about 200 km from Baripada. This place is dominated by scores of temples of which many are still in active worship. The rest are mostly in ruins and form archaeological sites. The most important and key temple in this area is the Chandrasekhara temple, presided by the predominant deity of Khiching, Goddess Kichakeswari. She is the most sacred Goddess of the Mayurbhanj rulers and is still worshiped at present.
The temple is surprisingly present at a remote location surrounded by a thick jungle comprising of the Saal trees which is common in this area. The temple was built by the early Bhanja chief known as Kottabhanja or Digabhanja somewhere around the 11th century AD. However, looking at the temple architecture prevalent in ancient Odisha and the Chlorite slabs and Black stones used, the temple is believed to be far older.
The temple is surrounded by beautiful sculptures and carvings of Lord Ganesha in a unique dancing pose, Goddess Durga killing the demon Mahisasura and many more.
A museum was built by Maharaja Purna Chandra Bhanja Deo, of the Bhanja dynasty in the year 1922 AD to help preserve the statues and ruins surrounding the temple.
One question that arises out of curiosity is that how come the temple was in the middle of such a deep remote jungle? Could there possibly be habitation around the temple in the remote past or was it purposely built at a specific location just like the Sun temple of Konark.
Photographs taken during the actual visit. All rights reserved.
