My visit to Maa Urgatara Temple
By Lokanath Mishra:
What a fascinating and divine experience! On 30.12.2024, as I along with my wife, son and mother in law descended from the majestic Barunei Hills, a local resident approached us with an unexpected request. With a sense of urgency, he appealed to my mother-in-law to visit the Maa Ugratara Temple in Bhusandapur, emphasizing that Maa had called her. This serendipitous encounter felt like a divine intervention, guiding us toward a new spiritual destination . This was a remarkable and miraculous experience! The local youth, seemingly guided by divine forces, urged us to visit the Maa Ugratara Temple for darshan. This unsolicited invitation felt like a direct message from the goddess herself.
As if fate had orchestrated the events, I subsequently visited the office of one of my clients. In a surprising coincidence, my client also expressed a desire to visit the Maa Ugratara Temple. We embarked on the journey together, and upon arriving at the temple, we were blessed with the opportunity to participate in the arti ceremony.
The timing of our visit was nothing short of miraculous. We arrived during the Alati time, a sacred moment for worship, and were able to offer our prayers to Maa Ugratara. This convergence of events felt like a divine blessing, as if the goddess had orchestrated our visit to coincide with this auspicious moment.
As we concluded our worship, we were offered Arna Prasad, a sacred offering from the goddess. This gesture felt like a tangible manifestation of Maa Ugratara’s divine grace and blessing.
This experience has left an indelible mark on my heart, reminding me of the mysterious and divine forces that guide our lives.
Maa Ugratara, the presiding deity of the temple, is revered as a powerful and compassionate goddess. According to local legend, Maa Ugratara is believed to possess healing powers, granting solace and relief to her devotees. The temple’s history and significance are deeply rooted in the local culture, with many devotees visiting the temple to seek Maa’s blessings and guidance.
As we offered our prayers and worshiped Maa Ugratara, we felt a deep sense of connection and gratitude. The unexpected visit to the temple turned out to be a profound spiritual experience, reminding us of the power of faith and the divine forces that guide us.
The Temple is steeped in legend and local tradition. While the exact date of the temple’s construction is unknown, here’s a glimpse into its rich history:
According to local legend, Maa Ugratara is believed to be a manifestation of Goddess Durga, who is said to have appeared in the dreams of a local priest. The priest was instructed to construct a temple in her honor, and thus, the Maa Ugratara Temple was born.
Historical records suggest that the temple was built during the Gajapati dynasty, which ruled Odisha from the 15th to the 16th century. The temple’s architecture, with its intricate carvings and sculptures, bears testimony to the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Over the centuries, the temple has been an integral part of local traditions and customs. The temple is revered as a sacred site for worship, healing, and spiritual guidance. Devotees from far and wide visit the temple to seek Maa Ugratara’s blessings and to participate in various festivals and rituals.
In recent years, the temple has undergone renovations and preservation efforts to maintain its structural integrity and cultural significance. The temple’s management committee, along with local authorities, has worked tirelessly to restore the temple’s original glory.
Today, the Maa Ugratara Temple remains a vibrant center of spiritual and cultural activity, attracting devotees and tourists alike. Its rich history, combined with its serene atmosphere and divine energy, makes it a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
Maa Ugratara Temple is Located in Mulajharigarh village, Bhusandapur, 65 km from Bhubaneswa . Nearby railway station: Bhushandapur, accessible from Bhubaneswar and Balugaon by local passenger trains.
Maa Ugratara is the tutelary deity of the Eastern Ganga dynasty kings. The temple is one of Odisha’s oldest “Shakti Pithas” (centers of divine feminine energy). Maa Ugratara is revered as a fierce yet benevolent goddess, worshipped in tantric traditions.
The icon of Mother Tara is three-eyed and Chaturbhuja (four-armed), holding potent weapons. She stands over a corpse on burning flames of a funeral pyre.
Serpent anklets and a serpent on her crown are visible, dating back to the 11th-century Tantrik text Sadhanamala Tantra.
Worship includes tantric rituals, offering of cooked vegetarian and non-vegetarian items, and recitation of Tara Mantra.
Main festivals: Chaitra Parba, Raja Parba, and Sharadiya Durga Puja.
Maa Ugratara is one of the ten Mahavidyas in Hindu Tantrik theology. The temple is situated in a beautiful, natural location, making it a popular spot.
My visit to the Ugratara Temple on December 30, 2024, was a profoundly spiritual and miraculous experience. The divine intervention that guided us to the temple, the synchronistic encounter with my client, and the opportune timing of our worship all converged to create an unforgettable experience. The temple’s serene atmosphere, the majestic idol of Maa Ugratara, and the warm hospitality of the locals all contributed to a deeply moving and enriching experience.
To all devotees of Maa Ugratara, I offer this message:
Maa Ugratara’s temple is a beacon of divine energy, radiating love, compassion, and spiritual growth. As you embark on your own journey to this sacred site, remember to approach with an open heart and mind. Allow the goddess’s divine presence to guide and transform you.
May Maa Ugratara’s blessings illuminate your path, and may her love and compassion fill your heart. Jai Maa Ugratara!
