Saptamatrika Temple, Jajpur

The Saptamatrika Temple in Jajpur, Odisha, honours the seven mother goddesses of Tantric and Puranic tradition: Brahmani, Vaishnavi, Kaumari, Varahi, Narasimhi, Chamunda, and Shivaduti or Indrani. Legend says they emerged from the body of Durga as she fought the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha, and each stands for the inner strength of a male god. Locally they are said to attend the goddess Viraja and guard the people of Jajpur.

The images were installed during the Ashwamedha sacrifice of Yajati Keshari, and their design dates to the 11th century. When armies under Kala Chand of Murshidabad came to destroy temples around Jajpur, Brahmins hid the images in a tunnel near the Baitarani; they were later recovered and worshipped by the Utkala Brahmins of the town. Once in danger, the temple has been renovated by the ASI. It stands on the south bank of the Baitarani beside the Budha Ganesha Temple and Dashaswamedha Ghat, where people take a holy dip in the month of Chaitra.