Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/ReOxY_FUvYE
Location: "HQ53+84M Maa Marichi Temple, Ajodhya, Odisha 756020"
Ajoddha:
Ajoddha is a small village in the Nilagiri sub-division of Balasore district. It was a
center of cultural hub during the medieval period known from the archaeological
remains of ruined temple, abandoned walls, votive temples/ stupas, sculptures, earthen potsherd etc. scattered all over.
Ajoddha
and Jain connection:
Being situated on the ancient route from Magadha to Kalinga, Jainism marked a
high watermark at Ayodhya, a small village in the
Nilagiri sub-division of Balasore district. It was a center of cultural hub
during the medieval period known from the archaeological remains of ruined
temple, abandoned walls, votive temples/ stupas, sculptures,
earthen potsherd etc. scattered all over. A number of Jaina antiquities are found in this area
along with Brahmanical and Buddhist sculpture. A sixteen sided monolithic dhvajastamba is
installed in front of the Marichi temple.
The special attraction of the dhvajastamba is its crowning
figure lion, which is the vehicle of the Mahavira and Sasanadevi Ambika. Inside the Maninageswar temple two
pieces of Jaina sculpture are kept inside the temple. One of them is the figure
of Risabhanatha and the other is a figure of Gomedha and Ambika in a common stone slab.
Few sculptures of Jaina pantheon are reported in
the private possession. Sri Hadibandhu Raj preserves two Jaina sculptures such
as one image of Parsvanatha and the other is of
Ambika. Sri Bhagavata Behera, another villager, preserves an image of
Mahavira in his residence. In the premises of Ayodhya High School, a lower part
of Parsvanatha and upper part of Tirthankara image
are also found. But, unfortunately few of the images in private collection are
not now with the private individuals; they are either donated, theft or sold.
In order to preserve and protect these scattered beautiful Jaina sculptures
along with other sculptures of different faith Odisha State Archaeology
constructed (1983-1991) a small museum building here (Pl.IVC).
Marichi Temple is a Hindu and Buddhist temple located in Ajodhya, Baleswar, Orissa, India. This temple is situated 9 km north of Sajanagada. It is on the right side of the road leading from Nilagiri to Mayurbhanj in Baleswar district, Orissa.
The temple is a 10th to 11th
century temple built under the “Somvamshi Kesari” dynasty and follows a Kalinga
style of architecture. The temple houses many tantric, Jain and Buddhist images
dating back to 11th century. The current structure is not the
original one and is of pidha deul vimana style. There are many old icons such
as the Hindu goddess
four-handed Varahi,
the Buddha in bhumisparsa or earth
touching mudra,
a Jain tirthankara or
spiritual teacher and the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara.
The central icon is worshiped as the
Hindu goddess Durga and
next to the image is the Mahayana goddess Marici.
The Marici image is flanked by two goddesses. The Garbhagriha or
inner sanctum houses three icons from the late 11th century. Durga Puja is
a famous festival in this temple.
How
to Reach:
By Road: Balasore is the nearest
major city around 25 KMs from Ajoddha. Ma marichi temple is around 1 KM from
Ajoddha. Best way is to have your own vehicle. Buses and private autos
have routes to Ajoddha too.
By Air: Bhubaneshwar is the nearest airport
around 225 KMs from Ajoddha and 200 KMs from Balasore
By Train: The nearest major railway station is
Balasore
Timings:
The temple operational hours are normal. Even
if the temple is closed, you can ask someone to call the priest, he will come
and open the temple and will even explain things to you.
Parking
and Photography:
No restriction in photography, except
Garbagriha. Drone can be used easily from outside.
Parking is a bit challenging, as the temple is
in a narrow gully with very narrow roads all around. Refer to my drone pics to get
an idea.