Bimala Devi is located inside the temple complex of Sri Jagannatha Temple. She is considered the protector of the Sri Jagannatha temple. It is located in the south-west corner of the temple, and near Rohini Kunda.
There is a name of Bimala Devi and Purushottama mentioned in the Puranas, like the Matsya Purana.
Among all 51 Shakti Peethas, this is the most significant and foremost one. This temple is a beautiful blend of Shakta and Vaishnava traditions. According to the tradition of the temple, devotees must first offer their prayers to Vimala Devi, then have the darshan of Lord Jagannatha.
The famous Mahaprasadam that is offered to Lord Jagannatha becomes Mahaprasadam only after it is being offered to Bimala Devi. The bhog that is offered to Lord Jagannatha becomes Mahaprasadam after it goes through multiple steps, one such step is offering it to Vimala Devi.
As stated in the Sanskrit verse “bimala purushotame”, which means that Bimala Devi stays at Puri or Purusottama.
As Jagannatha Temple in Puri is purely a Vaishnava temple, it follows a strict vegetarian diet. But in Bimala Devi Temple, non-vegetarian food is offered on Durga Asthami, Navami, and Sapthami during the Navaratri festival, as a part of the tantrik ritual.
Sthala Purana of Bimala Devi Shakti Peetha
Once Lord Vishnu fell asleep after eating his food, and the remnants of the food were distributed among all devatas by Ma Lakshmi. When Sage Narada Muni reached Vaikuntha, only three grains were left. Unable to control the urge to eat the Mahaprasadam, with due respect, he ate 2 grains and one struck his beard.
Without knowing about this, Narada Muni went to Kailasha. Lord Shiva immediately ate one leftover grain. Parvati Devi got angry with Lord Shiva for not sharing the Mahaprasadam of Lord Vishnu. She performed severe Tapasya to get a boon from Lord Vishnu. Pleased by her devotion, Lord Vishnu blessed her, saying to her that in Kali Yuga, in Jagannatha temple, his prasadam will not become Mahaprasadam unless it is offered to Bimala Devi. That is the reason that she is staying in this temple as Bimala Devi
Architecture of Bimala Devi Shakti Peetha
The architecture of the temple is similar to that of the structure of Narasimha Temple, which is located near Muktimandap. This marvellous temple facing east is constructed using four main components, such as vimana, jagamohana, nata mandapa, and bhoga mandapa.
The present architectural glory of the temple dates to the period of the Ganga dynasty. It was reconstructed over the ruins of the previous temple.
Festivals Celebrated in Bimala Devi Shakti Peetha
Durga Puja: It is a major festival celebrated for 16 days, unlike the regular 9 days. It is celebrated in the month of Ashwina with grandeur and divinity. Goddess Bimala Devi is highly worshiped, and special rituals are performed to invoke the deity’s blessings.
Temple Timings of Bimala Devi Shakti Peetha
The temple is open for darshan on all days. The darshan timings of the temple are as follows:
Morning: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Best Time to Visit Bimala Devi Shakti Peetha
October to March is the best time to visit Bimala Devi Shakti Peetha. During the festival of Navaratri, this temple experiences a high spiritual energy. Performing meditation or mantra chanting here brings immediate results.
Nearby Places to Visit
Gundicha Temple: This is a renowned Hindu temple dedicated to the worship of Lord Jagannatha during the famous Ratha Yatra. Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Subhadra Devi stay here for 7 days during the Ratha Yatra.
Alarnatha Temple: This is the most famous temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Puri. Here in this temple, Lord Vishnu is worshiped as Alarnatha with four hands, holding Shankha, Chakra, Gada, and Padma.
Lokanatha Temple: This 11th-century temple is located in Puri. It is located just 2 Kms from the Puri Jagannatha Temple. Here in this temple, Lord Lokanatha is worshiped in the form of Shiva Lingam.
Bedi Hanuman Temple: This is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, located near Puri Beach, who guards the city of Puri against the destruction caused by the fury of the sea.
How to Reach Bimala Devi Shakti Peetha
If you want to travel to Bimala Devi Shakti Peetha and nearby places, then join Tirtha Yatra’s world-famous Jagannath Puri yatra.
If you wish to travel on your own, then follow the options below.
By Air: Biju Patnaik International Airport, located in Bhubaneshwar, is the nearest airport to reach Bimala Devi Shakti Peetha. From the airport, you can hire an auto or a cab to reach the temple. Also, you can opt for readily available bus services.By Rail: Puri Railway Station is the nearest railway station, which is connected to major cities. From the railway station, the best option is to hire a taxi or a cab. Also, public transport is available at an affordable price.
By Road: The city of Puri is connected by a good road network. Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) and private buses are available that connect to major cities.
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