On the way back from Konark there is a big arch that indicates the location of Ramchandi mandir. We went through it towards the sea shore.
It’s a small simple temple with very rural atmosphere. The grand banyan tree tied with red jari cloth are signs of wishes made here by worshipers. The main deity is Chandika who is a form of Durga. So Durga Puja is a big festival here.
The legends are as fascinating as they can get. To some she is Mayadevi the wife of Surya Dev as she is near the Surya mandir of Konark. KalaPahad tried to destroy her temple but couldn’t. He was stopped by a woman dressed as a maid telling him she will fetch him cold water after he destroyed Konark temple. She disappeared on him as she was RamaChandi herself. He found the temple empty so he went to the seashore looking for the maid. He found the Kushabhadra river flooded and the idol of Ramachandi floating in the middle flow where it was impossible for him to reach. He exhausted by then left the temple unharmed. Later the Goddess appeared in the dream of a poojari and told him to build this temple for him.
However the temple is more ancient that the Surya Mandir so believe it or not? Is the question!
I was most fascinated by the Dasha Mahavidya present here! They have a fascinating history. These are parallels to Dashavatar in Tantra. Each of the Mahavidya is associated with an avatar of Vishnu and is considered the ugam sthan of the avatar.
The Dash Mahavidya are fierce goddesses and not everyone can cope with their darshan. Some might be filled with fear by their representations.
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