Maa Sarala Temple
Jhankad Sarala Temple
A Shakti Peetha of Odisha where the Sarala Mahabharata was composed — the trail's shadow-planet leg.
⭐ Why it is famous
Maa Sarala, an incarnation of Maha Saraswati worshipped here as Vak Devi and Utkal Bharati, presides over one of Odisha's principal Shakti pithas. There is no documented Rahu-graha tradition at this temple; it is placed here to anchor the Rahu leg of the trail as the region's foremost shadow-goddess shrine blending Shakta and Vaishnava worship.
📜 Pilgrimage history
The poet Sarala Das is traditionally said to have composed the Odia Sarala Mahabharata with the goddess's blessing at this shrine, and Jhankad pitha has been a major Shakti site in coastal Odisha for centuries, drawing pilgrims from across Jagatsinghpur and Cuttack.
🕰️ Temple timings
- 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🙏 Darśan details
- Free darshan; special crowds during Durga Puja and Dussehra.
- Local guides can point out the Sarala Das connection inside the complex.
🚉 Location & getting there
📍 Maa Sarala Temple, Jhankad, Kanakpur, JagatsinghpurCuttack (CTC) — 54 km
Jhankad, Kanakpur bus stand — state transport buses stop here.
Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (BBI) — 70 km
Jhankad is about 15 km from Jagatsinghpur town and 54 km from Cuttack by road.
🪔 Poojas, sevās & tickets
This temple does not publish a rate list. Darśan is free; ārcanā, abhiṣeka and other sevās are booked at the counter inside the temple on the day.
🧭 Around the temple
Places to see besides the temple — tap any one to open it in Google Maps.
🛏️ Where to stay
- Lodges in Jagatsinghpur town
- Wider hotel choice in Cuttack, 54 km away
₹ Indicative trip cost (per head, 2 days)
| Budget | Standard | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| ₹2,000 | ₹4,200 | ₹8,500 |
🛕 Nearby temples
📌 Other attractions nearby
- Jagatsinghpur river ghats
- Paradip port town, further east
🧵 Part of these circuits
📅 Best time to visit
September–October for Durga Puja and Dussehra, otherwise November–February.