Mysterious Hilltop Thakurani Peetha in Mayurbhanj: Abode of the Seven Sister Goddesses

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Baripada: Nestled amid the scenic hills of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, the little-known Thakurani Peetha is a sacred shrine dedicated to the Seven Sister Goddesses. Located atop Thakurani Pahadi near Haladia Bandha, about 30 km from Baripada, the district headquarters, the shrine is steeped in mystery, ancient beliefs and fascinating folklore.

For generations, the locals have worshipped the Seven Sister Goddesses with unwavering devotion. The shrine is associated with several intriguing legends that continue to captivate devotees and visitors alike.

A Mysterious Shrine Hidden in the Hills

According to local beliefs, the Thakurani Peetha has existed for centuries and is surrounded by several mysteries.
One of the most fascinating features of the hill is a large cave near the shrine, which locals believe is inhabited by a tiger. Another intriguing feature is a well situated atop the hill. Despite its elevated location, the well is said to remain filled with water throughout the year. Adding to the mystery, lotus flowers are believed to bloom in its waters.

The hilltop shrine is generally accessible to devotees only once a year, during Makar Sankranti. For the rest of the year, access to the sacred site remains restricted, preserving its spiritual significance and mysterious character.

The Legend of the Priest and the Flying Axe

The shrine’s history is closely associated with a fascinating legend involving a tribal priest, traditionally known as the Dehuri, who performs rituals dedicated to the Seven Sister Goddesses.

According to local folklore, one evening during Makar Sankranti, the Dehuri completed his worship and offered seven different varieties of bhoga (food offerings) to the Seven Sister Goddesses. After completing the rituals, he began descending the hill.

However, upon reaching the foot of the hill, he suddenly realised that he had left behind his sacred axe, known as the ‘Bali Tangia’, which was used during the sacrifice tribal rituals.

Despite the approaching darkness, the priest decided to climb back to the hilltop shrine to retrieve the axe.
Little did he know that his return would lead to an extraordinary encounter.

When the Priest Witnessed the Seven Sister Goddesses

According to the legend, when the priest reached the shrine, he was astonished to witness the Seven Sister Goddesses sitting together and consuming the food offerings he had placed before them.

Seeing the priest return unexpectedly, Maa Ambika became furious.

As per the sayings, the Goddess told him that he had been spared only because of his years of sincere devotion and faithful service and worship. Otherwise, she warned, he could have lost his life for witnessing the divine gathering.

Terrified by the experience, the priest immediately fell at the Goddess’s feet and pleaded for forgiveness.

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He explained that he had returned solely to collect the sacred axe he had accidentally left behind.

Maa Ambika Throws the Sacred Axe across the Sky

Upon hearing the priest’s explanation, Maa Ambika picked up the heavy ‘Bali Tangia’ and hurled it across the sky with divine force.

According to the traditional account narrated by the Dehuri, the axe travelled a considerable distance before landing in a field near Budhamara at Jagannath Khunta.

The Goddess then issued a strict command to the priest, instructing him never to return to the hilltop shrine.

Instead, she directed him to continue worshipping her from the foot of the hill, assuring him that she would accept his prayers and offerings even from a distance.
The priest obeyed her command, and the tradition is believed to have continued through generations.

A Centuries-Old Tradition That Continues Today

Even today, the legend of Maa Ambika and the sacred axe remains deeply rooted in the religious traditions of the region.

According to local belief, the Dehuri’s family continues to perform daily rituals at the shrine established at the foot of the hill, following the divine instructions passed down through generations.

Meanwhile, the original hilltop shrine remains largely isolated and is opened to devotees only once a year on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti.

On this special occasion, devotees gather to offer prayers to the Seven Sister Goddesses and seek their blessings.

Report: Mitali Priyadarsini

Also Read: Hyderabad: 81-foot Durga idol made of grass, mud draws thousands of devotees during Navratri

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