Maa Sarala Temple in Jhankad, Jagatsinghpur district, is one of the most revered Shakti shrines of Odisha. Here the goddess is worshipped as a union of Durga and Saraswati: the goddess of power, learning and speech. It is also the place linked with Adikavi Sarala Das, the poet who gave Odisha its own Mahabharata.
Devotees come for the goddess’s blessings, students come before exams, and travellers come for the old temple, the calm temple tank and the festivals. Here is a complete guide to Maa Sarala Temple, from its legends to how to reach.
1. Who Is Maa Sarala?
Maa Sarala is regarded as a synthesis of Durga and Saraswati. According to the Odisha Hindu Religious Endowments Department, the stone idol has eight arms and shows the goddess with her right foot on a lion, in the Mahishasuramardini posture. Worship here blends Vedic, Tantric and Vaishnavite traditions, which is rare among Shakti temples.
Because she is also the goddess of learning and speech (Vak Devi), many families bring children here before they start school or sit for exams.
2. Bel and Tulasi Offered Together
One unusual ritual at Maa Sarala Temple is the offering of bel (bilva) leaves and tulasi leaves together. Bel is usually offered to Shiva and tulasi to Vishnu, and the two are rarely combined in worship. At Jhankad both are offered to the goddess, reflecting the meeting of Shaiva, Shakta and Vaishnava traditions in her worship.
3. The Legend of Parashurama
Local tradition says the sage Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu, carved the image of the goddess with his arrow and worshipped her for wisdom and strength. The area is also associated with sage Jamadagni, Parashurama’s father, and is considered a centre of the Parashurama tradition in Odisha.
4. Adikavi Sarala Das and the Odia Mahabharata
Maa Sarala Temple is closely tied to Adikavi Sarala Das, the 15th-century poet who wrote the Mahabharata in Odia. Popular legend says he was born Sidheswar Parida, a simple farmer’s son, and became a great poet through the blessings of the goddess. In her honour he took the name Sarala Das, “servant of Sarala”.
For Odia literature lovers, a visit here is a visit to the place where the Odia epic tradition is believed to have begun.
5. History and Architecture
The Odisha Endowments Department dates the shrine to the Bhauma kings in the 8th century. The temple has been rebuilt and expanded over the centuries. Today you will see:
- Two tall Kalinga-style shikharas, now painted white with colourful crowns
- Older carved stone walls on the lower sections
- A brightly painted Mahishasuramardini (Durga) sculpture above the entrance hall
- A carved stone gateway on the eastern side
The temple is counted among the eight most famous Shakta shrines of Odisha.
6. The Temple Tank
Next to the temple is a large tank with a small painted shrine in the middle of the water. In the morning the shrine and the trees reflect beautifully in the still water. It is one of the most peaceful spots in the temple complex and a favourite place for photos.
7. Festivals at Maa Sarala Temple
- Jhamu Jatra (Pana Sankranti, mid-April): The Odia New Year is the biggest day here. As in many Devi temples of the region, devotees who have taken a vow walk over burning embers.
- Dola Purnima: Decorated palanquins carrying deities from nearby villages arrive at the temple early in the morning.
- Chandan Jatra: The summer sandalwood festival is observed with special rituals.
- Sharadiya Utsav (Durga Puja): The autumn festival of the goddess draws large crowds.
How to Reach Maa Sarala Temple
- By road: Jhankad is about 15 km from Jagatsinghpur town. Buses and taxis run from Cuttack and Jagatsinghpur.
- By train: Cuttack is the nearest major railway station. A small passenger halt called Sarala Road is also nearby.
- By air: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar, is about 80 km away.
Where to Stay
The temple trust manages the Kuberaputa Dharmashala at Kanakpur. For hotels and lodges, stay in Jagatsinghpur town or Paradeep.
Travel Tips for Maa Sarala Temple
- Visit early in the morning for a peaceful darshan and good light for photos.
- Expect big crowds on Pana Sankranti and during Durga Puja. Plan extra time.
- Wear simple, traditional clothes and leave footwear at the stand.
- Photography is not allowed inside the sanctum.
- Temple timings can change on festival days, so confirm locally before you travel.
- Carry cash: the nearest ATMs are a few kilometres away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Maa Sarala Temple located?
Maa Sarala Temple is at Jhankad, near Tirtol in Jagatsinghpur district, Odisha, about 15 km from Jagatsinghpur town.
Why are bel and tulasi offered together at Maa Sarala Temple?
The goddess is worshipped in a tradition that brings together Shaiva, Shakta and Vaishnava practice, so bel (dear to Shiva) and tulasi (dear to Vishnu) are offered together.
What is the connection between Maa Sarala and Sarala Das?
Legend says the poet Sarala Das, born Sidheswar Parida, was blessed by the goddess and went on to write the Odia Mahabharata in the 15th century.
What is the best time to visit Maa Sarala Temple?
October to March has pleasant weather. For festivals, visit on Pana Sankranti in April or during Durga Puja.
How far is Maa Sarala Temple from Bhubaneswar?
It is about 80 km from Bhubaneswar airport, roughly a 2 to 2.5 hour drive.
Other Shakti Shrines of Odisha
- Maa Biraja Temple, Jajpur, one of the Shakti Peethas
- Nabhi Gaya, Jajpur, the Gaya of Odisha
- Maa Tarini Pitha, Ghatagaon
- Puri Jagannath Temple, home of Maa Bimala
Read more about the shrine on Wikipedia. A visit to Maa Sarala Temple is a journey into Odisha’s living traditions of devotion, learning and literature.
