Maa Ugra Tara
The Goddess Ugratara (Odia: ମା ଉଗ୍ରତାରା)(Sanskrit :उग्रतारा) is the tutelary deity of Eastern Ganga dynasty kings of erstwhile Kalinga dynasty. Her ancient temple lies at Mulajharigarh village, Bhusandapur 65 kilometers from State capital Bhubaneswar. The icon of Mother Tara is three-eyed and Chaturbhuja, holding potent weapons as sword, dagger, blue lotus and a drinking cup in her hands. She stands over a corpse on burning flames of funeral pyre. Serpent anklets and a serpent on crown are visible which clearly dates back to the time of the 11th-century Tantrik text Sadhanamala Tantra.[1] When later kings of Gajapati dynasty revered goddess Kali or Shyamakaali she had less importance and her worship received less attention. But many people belonging to Vasishtha Gotra revere her as Ishta devi. She is one among ten Mahavidya in Hindu Tantrik theology. She is very popular as Ugratara due to her fierce aspect, but benevolent to the adorers as Ekajata/Neela-Saraswati. Nearby railway station is Bhushandapur in Khordha district which is accessible from Bhubaneswar and Balugaon by local passenger trains. The main festivals here are Chaitra parba, Raja Parba, Sharadiya Durga Puja. She is worshipped in tantrik way and offered all tantrik fivefold paraphrenalias.[2]
Dedicated to Sati Devi, the first partner of Lord Shiva, Ugratara Temple is an important Shakti Temple which is flocked by several religious tourists and local inhabitants annually. It is towards the eastern part of the city of Guwahati and was built by old Ahom ruler, Siva Singh during the year 1725. Beside the temple, lies the famous Jol Pukhuri. There is no actual idol which is worshipped but a small ditch of water which is considered to be the great form of Goddess Ugratara. Goddess Ugratara is venerated like the Kamakhya Goddess with many offerings and sacrifices. Legend says that Goddess Ugratara likes consuming meat, coconut, liquor and much more. Several devotees shower such offerings to the Goddess for earning her blessings and showing their love and devotion for her.
Once you visit Ugratara Temple, you can give a puja to the Goddess Ugratara or simply witness a puja. The best time to visit Ugratara would be during the time of Durga Puja when the temple lights up with mirth and joy and several extensive prayers are sent out in extraordinary manners. During this time, several buffaloes are sacrificed to appease the Goddess Ugratara. While you’re at Ugratara Temple, you can also visit the historically important and beautiful JorPukhuri which is blessed with both man-made and natural beauty.
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