Location
Varahi Deula (Maa Varahi Deula) stands in the village of chaurasi, on the prachi valley plain near the eastern coast of odisha, close to konark and puri.
Coordinates: 20.0585° n, 86.1185° e (approximate, at the chaurasi site).
History & Spiritual Significance
The Deula (temple) was built during the Somavamsi period (around the 9th–10th century ce) and is a rare and exquisite example of khakhara (gourichara) style architecture dedicated to Maa Varahi (here worshipped as Matsya Varahi). The sanctum houses a remarkable image of Maa Varahi — a pot-bellied Divine Mother with a boar’s face, holding a fish and a bowl (kapāla). Local tradition and tantric texts associate this form with protective, nourishing, and transformative powers; the iconography reflects tantric matrika worship in the region.
The image in the garbhagriha is celebrated for its artistry: the third eye on the forehead, spiral hair coils, the buffalo vahana carved on the pedestal, and attendant vidyadhara figures on the back slab mark it as one of the masterpiece Varahi icons of the subcontinent. Daily offerings historically include fish — a unique local custom linked to the Matsya Varahi iconography.
Festivals & Rituals
- Vijaya Dashami / Dasara: Large observances and temple gatherings take place around this time.
- Chaitra Fair: An annual fair (mela) in chaitra attracts pilgrims and local devotees.
- Tantric Observances & Daily Offerings: Traditional tantric puja forms are observed here; local custom includes offering fish and performing yantra/homam rites specific to Varahi worship.
How To Reach Varahi Deula (practical directions)
Nearest major cities / airports
- bhubaneswar (biju patnaik / bhubaneswar airport) — the closest major airport hub (≈ 56 km by road to the chaurasi area).
- puri — the famous pilgrim city is nearest among tourist centers (≈ 30 km).
By Road (recommended)
- From puri or konark drive toward the nimapada / kakatpur route. From konark the temple is roughly 29–30 km; from kakatpur about 14 km. Local directions: drive to charichhaka, take the right turn to amareshwar village, then a short left to the temple approach. Buses or hired taxis from puri/konark can be arranged.
By Rail
- puri railway station and konark (nearest halt / local stations) connect by road to chaurasi; take a taxi or local bus for the final 20–35 km depending on your start point.
Local access notes
- The final approach is via rural lanes; auto-rickshaws or local jeeps are commonly used. Temple hours are limited (early morning puja is the main access time), so plan visits early in the day and check with local guides if possible.