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Varahi Deula
Overview
Varaahi Deula is an ancient 9th century built temple situated on the eastern coast of Orissa in Puri district. Chaurasi is situated between Nimapada - Kakatpur road and is at a distance of 30 kilometres from Konark and 14 kilometres from Kakatpur village with easy transport available from Puri and Konark. The easiest way is to drive 29 km to Charichhaka, take a right and drive 3 km to Amareshwar and then take a left and drive 1.8 km.
Overview
This temple was built in honour of Varaahi in the first quarter of 10th century A.D. during Somavamsi rule. The temple is facing east and built with sandstone. The main temple is like the Kakara style belonging to Kalinga Kingdom architecture. Other such example is Vaytal Deula, in Bhubaneswar.
Spread over 2 acres of land, this shrine’s presiding deity is Goddess Varaahi, locally called as Matsya Varaahi. She sits in lalitasana (a yogic sitting posture) on a cushion placed on a plain platform with her right foot on the buffalo mount carved on the pedestal. She is represented as the pot-bellied goddess, with the face of a boar. She holds a fish in her right hand and a bowl in her left. A third eye is engraved into her forehead. Here Varaahi is worshipped in accordance with the tantric rituals. Goddess Varaahi is offered fish every day. The semi cylindrical shape of the temple shows variation from the medieval temples of Orissa. Every day the Mahaprasad (offerings) of Lord Jagannath comes to this temple.
Festivals
Major festivals include Vijaya Dashami and a fair in Chaitra.
Accessibility
Airport
Biju Patnaik airport in Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport.
Railways
Puri Railway station is the nearest railhead.
Road
Puri is connected to the rest of the country by a wide network of roads.
Temple Address
Varaahi Deula Temple,
Puri district,
Orissa.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Relief from evil
Shlokas
Balam Balavatam Caham Kamaragavivarjitam Dharmaviruddho Bhutesu Kamo'smi Bharatarsabha
Meaning -According to this sloka, God is the isolated and aloof strength of the controlling and virtuous craving in men.
Ye Caiva Sattvika Bhava Rajasastamasasca Ye Matta Everti Tanviddhi Na Tvaham Tesu Temayi
Meaning -According to this sloka, though the only source of satva, rajas and tamas (good, obsessive and dark) elements is God, they are not present within the God or the deity.
Tribhirgunamayairbhavairebhih Sarvamidam Jagat Mohitam Nabhijanati Mamebhyah Paramavyayam
Meaning -According to this sloka, the entire world doesn't recognize the eternal God beyond them, because they are consumed by the elements of satva, rajas and tamas (good, obssessive and dark).
Daivi Hyesa Gunamayi Mama Maya Duratyaya Mameva Ye Prapadyante Mayametam Taranti Te
Meaning -According to this sloka, the heavenly maya of God is very complicated, but those who worship God will be able to overcome it.
Timings
Morning 6 AM to Evening 9 PM