Bharati Matha Temple

Overview

The Bharathi Matha is situated in Bhuwaneshwar, which is the capital of Orissa State. The temple is devoted to the Lord Shiva. This is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar belonging to the 11th century AD. The temple was an important religious centre in the olden times but presently the three story Mutt (Hindu monastery) serves only living purposes.

Bharati Matha is located in the Badheibanka Chowk locality of the old Town Bhubaneswar. One can approach the Matha on the left side of Ratha road leading from Lingaraja to Ramesvara Goswami is the present Mahanta of the Matha. It is one of the oldest Hindu monasteries of Bhubaneswar. The Matha is surrounded by Ratha road in east, Jamesvara Patna road in south, private buildings in north and Bhrukutesvara temple in west.

About The Temple

The architectural design of Bharathi Matha pertains to that of the Kalingas, which is most commonly seen in Bhubaneshwar. The monument measures 26 metres in height. The Temple is built facing the west and is made up of coarse grey sandstone. The Bharati Matha Temple is square in shape occupying and area of 26 square mts. The temple is built on an elevated platform of 1.50mts with seven mouldings.

The temple is surrounded by a wall which is 2.52 Mts high. It encloses a courtyard within. The shrine looks simple and plain with very less decoration. The temple is poorly maintained and is in dire need of restoration.

Legend and Stories

The Matha Mahantas, devoted their lives preaching Hinduism, lived around the 11th century AD. These godmen were revered and respected general public. These Mahantas had the divine power of knowing when and where they would die. As their end comes near, they appoint a successor to take forward their legacy. On fulfilling their commitments, they go on a deep meditation at a particular place and eventually their souls depart from this material world. The public then buried them in the same place and within 15 days, construct a small Shiva temple with a Yoni Pitha around it. This is how the Bharathi matha burial temples came into existence. 9Small temples were constructed on that site.

Festivals

Durga Puja is the biggest festival which is celebrated for a period of ten days, starting from the Ekadashi day. This grand festival ends on Dhashami and is considered an auspicious day receiving knowledge and blessings. Maha Shivrathri is another festival which is celebrated with much fervour. Karthika purnima and Prathamastami are also celebrated here.

Rituals

Various poojas are performed for the deity every day. Apart from this, religious ceremonies such as marriages, Upanayanam (thread ceremony), Naming ceremony and wedding engagements are also performed in the temple. Performing these rituals at the temple in the presence of the Lord gives immense satisfaction and happiness to the worshipper.

Best Time To Visit

The months between September and February are the most ideal time for visiting the temple, during which the climate is pleasant. Months between March to May is very hot. Orissa usually witnesses heavy rains from June to August. The famous Lingaraj temple is located very near to this temple. Tourists can also visit the beautiful Astasambhu Siva temples ( 8 shrines of Lord Siva) which look uniform in its architecture.

How To Reach

Airport

Bhubaneswar Airport is the nearest and is well connected with regular domestic flights to cities like Delhi, Mumbai.

Railways

The Bhubaneshwar railway station has trains connecting the city to other major cities like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Ajmer, Pali, Jaipur and Ahmedabad through good rail network.

Road

Situated in the ourskirts of Bhubaneshwar, this temple can be easily reached from some of the major cities of Orissa through roads. It takes approximately 20 minutes from Bhubaneswar, 30 minutes from Cuttack, one hour from Konark and Puri through roads. Bus services are also available from this place to different parts of the country.

Temple Address