Mahavinayak temple is a major centre of pilgrimage and one of the oldest Ganesha temples in Odisha and also a major shaiva pitha or centres of Odisha. Previous names of Odisha are Orissa or Kalinga or Utkal. In Odisha, there are five different Kshetras or religious centers celebrated for this Pancha Devata viz: Vinayaka or Ganesh kshetra at Mahavinayak hills.
Shrine’s History
Chandikhole is generally popular for supplying construction materials such as chips,metal,bajuri,dust etc.This is the location of ‘Mahavinayak’ from popular places of Orissa.This temple is situated at the foot of ‘Barunabanta’ or ‘Barunei’ Hill.
Legends Associated with This Shrine
It is a place of both mythological and historical importance. This sculpture has been constructed by the kings of Keshari Dynasty of Orissa during the 12th century and later it became the centre of worship of Darpan King. Rati Devi, the wife of Kamadev worshipped here for the release of her husband from the curse of Lord Shiva for which while she was offering her prayer to Lord Ganesh simultaneously five hands were stretched out towards her to receive her offer and her,being in dilemma, when prayed to Brahma, Brahma clarified that five Gods named Ganesh,Sun,Vishnu,Shiva and Durga had been over pleased with her prayer and at a time they had stretched their hand to receive her offer.
So Kamadev was released thereafter and from the very day, five Gods unitedly in one granite stone with huge size had emerged from the earth there. This place is also related to Mahabharat legends. The Baruna hill area was the capital of Yudhistir. From this place he left for the heaven by making royal charges of his empire to a teli who later became the king and his palace was named as Teligarh and the remaining of his palace is still seen just at the opposite side of the hill and the temple. The rehearsal place of Bhima is still known as “Bhima khala”. During the Mahabharat battle, mother Kunti also offered one lakh swarna Champa flowers to Lord Shiva from this place for the victory of her sons to fulfil her wish.
As per another legend, the detached head of Lord Ganesha fell at this place and so the place is named as Vinayak Kshetra. Moreover, the importance of the place came to light and became popular when a cowherd boy discovered some strange sight of secretion and flowing of milk from the nipples of a calfless cow to offer to feed to the undiscovered deity. Then it became famous gradually and it claimed to be one of the best holy places not only of Orissa but also on the pilgrimage map of India as Five Gods congregated as one stonic form is unique.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
Reaching Mahavinayak Temple of Chandikhole, Jajpur by road Way Mahavinayak Temple of Chandikhole is 4 k.m from Chandikhole Chhak and Chandikhole is 40 k.m far from the old city Cuttack and 61 k.m from the capital city Bhubaneswar. The road is from Cuttack towards Bhadrak on NH-5.
By Rail
Nearest main Railway station from Jajpur is Cuttack Mahavinayak Temple of Chandikhole is 44 k.m away from Cuttack main Railway station and 6 k.m away from two small stations Railway station Haridaspur and Dhanamandal.
By Air
The nearest airport from Mahavinayak Temple of Chandikhole, Jajpur is This place is 65 k.m far from Bhubaneswar Airport .
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Many festivals such as Shiva rare, Makar Sankranti, Raja are celebrated here. Shiva Ratri is celebrated for 5 days with Yagna and Homa every year with pomp and glory.A lot of people come on each Monday and Sankranti to offer their prayers. In the month of Shravana, the lot of Shiva devotees offer the holy river water to fulfil their wishes.