Maa Bana Durga Worshipped Deep Inside Bhitarkanika Forest on Mahashtami

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Kendrapara: Deep inside the dense forests of Bhitarkanika in Odisha’s Kendrapara district, Goddess Durga is worshipped in a unique and centuries-old tradition. Known as Maa Bana Durga (Forest Goddess), the deity is worshipped at Bakutha, a sacred site associated with the erstwhile Kanika royal family.

Every year, on the auspicious occasion of Mahashtami during Durga Puja, special rituals are performed at this ancient shrine, drawing members of the royal family, priests, devotees and other visitors.

A Tradition Dating Back to the Kanika Kings

According to local tradition, the worship of Maa Bana Durga began during the reign of the erstwhile Kanika kings.

In those days, the kings would venture deep into the forest for hunting expeditions. Before proceeding, they would offer prayers to Goddess Durga and Lord Shiva, seeking divine blessings and protection.

The kings and queens are believed to have visited the sacred site near a pond known as Padma Pokhari, where they worshipped the Goddess.

Over the generations, the practice developed into a religious tradition closely associated with the Kanika royal family.

The shrine is also linked to the reign of the Bhanja rulers of Kanika. Even today, the royal family continues to maintain its association with the annual worship of the Goddess.

Special Worship on Mahashtami

Although daily worship was reportedly performed at the shrine in earlier times, the religious practices have undergone changes following the declaration of Bhitarkanika as a protected wildlife area.

According to local priests, special worship is now conducted primarily on Mahashtami, subject to restrictions governing entry into the protected forest.

On this auspicious day, priests perform traditional rituals with flowers, incense, lamps and offerings.

Special offerings, including fruits, sweets and kheer, are prepared for the Goddess. Devotees gather to offer prayers and seek her blessings.

Lord Shiva, whose shrine is located near the temple of Maa Bana Durga, is also worshipped during the celebrations.

The rituals continue throughout the day, with special prayers and offerings in the evening.

A Sacred Journey through the Dense Forest

Reaching the shrine is itself a unique experience.

Devotees and priests travel by boat through the waterways of Bhitarkanika before entering the forest to reach the sacred site.

According to a priest associated with the temple, devotees traditionally remember Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga before beginning their journey, seeking protection while travelling through the forest inhabited by wild animals.

Despite the challenging journey, the annual Mahashtami celebration remains an important occasion for those associated with the shrine.

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Ancient Temple Surrounded by Legends

The shrine of Maa Bana Durga is surrounded by several local legends and beliefs.

According to devotees, the Goddess protects the surrounding region and its inhabitants from misfortunes and natural calamities.

Local people also believe that prayers offered with sincere devotion at the shrine can help fulfil their wishes.

However, these accounts form part of the region’s religious folklore and traditional beliefs.

The nearby Padma Pokhari and the ancient Shiva shrine further add to the historical and spiritual significance of the location.

Worship Changed After Bhitarkanika Became a Protected Area

In earlier times, priests reportedly stayed near the shrine and performed daily rituals.

However, with the implementation of wildlife protection regulations and restrictions on human activities inside Bhitarkanika, the traditional worship practices underwent significant changes.

According to those associated with the shrine, the annual Mahashtami Puja has continued as an important surviving tradition.

The practice of animal sacrifice, which reportedly existed in earlier times, has also been discontinued in accordance with prevailing restrictions.

Demand for Restoration of Ancient Shrines

Local devotees and people associated with the religious tradition have expressed concern over the condition of the ancient temples inside the forest.

They have called for the restoration and preservation of the Maa Bana Durga shrine and the nearby Shiva temple while respecting the conservation requirements of Bhitarkanika.

They believe that preserving these structures would help safeguard an important part of the region’s religious and cultural heritage.

Bhitarkanika is internationally known for its rich biodiversity, mangrove forests and wildlife. However, the ancient worship of Maa Bana Durga also reflects the deep historical connection between the forest, the Kanika royal family and local religious traditions.

Even today, the annual Mahashtami worship at Bakutha keeps alive a centuries-old legacy of faith and devotion in the heart of Bhitarkanika.

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