Spiritual PlaceHindu temple

Mahishamardini Temple, Sergarh

11th-century laterite Rekha Deula at Sergarh, Balasore, with an eight-armed Durga slaying Mahishasura

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01 — The story

Mahishamardini Temple Complex is at Sergarh in Balasore district, Odisha, about 2.5 km from Phandi chowk in Balasore. The main temple honours the goddess Mahishamardini, shown as an eight-armed Durga killing the demon Mahishasura. It dates to the 11th century, under Somavamsi rule, and was renovated in the 19th century.

The west-facing shrine is a Rekha Deula of laterite, with chlorite used for the doorjambs and sculptures; it is triratha in plan and triangabada in elevation. The complex also has a Shiva temple and images of Surya, Ganesh and Kartikeya, and several broken images are looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India. Panda Utkala Brahmins serve as priests, a Senapati family supports the temple, and Navaratri and Dussehra are the chief celebrations.

Unmapia

02 — About

Coming soon

We’re still writing about Mahishamardini Temple, Sergarh: its history, what’s there and why it’s worth the trip.