Kalijai Temple
କାଳିଜାଈ ମନ୍ଦିର
A goddess temple on a small island in Chilika Lake, reachable only by boat. It is the most famous pilgrimage site in the Chilika area.
Kalijai Temple is built on a small rocky island in Chilika Lake and is dedicated to Kalijai, the guardian goddess of local fishermen. Legend says a bride crossing the lake to her wedding was caught in a storm, fell into the water and became a goddess. Each January, during the Makar Sankranti festival, a large temple fair draws many pilgrims, who travel to the island by boat. Visitors usually take a boat from Barkul jetty, about 30–40 minutes one way, or charter a boat from Rambha jetty and sail around the islands. There are small stalls on the island, and you can look out over the lake from around the temple. From Gopalpur to Barkul is about 70 km by car.
Opening hours
Daytime, depending on boat schedule
Nearby sights
- Rambha Bay, Chilika Lake
- Rushikulya Olive Ridley Rookery
- Potagarh Fort
- Tara Tarini Temple
- Gopalpur Beach
- Gopalpur Lighthouse
- Berhampur Silk Market
- Sonapur Beach