(Namita Pradhan, Intern Journalist) Katak Chandi is the most ancient temple of the Goddess Chandi at Cuttack, Odisha. It is situated near the banks of the Mahanadi river. The temple is famous for the festival of Durga Puja and Kali Puja festivals. The festival Durga Puja is more prominent at the temple which occurs for 16 days starts from the day of Ashwina Krishna Ashtami till Ashwina Shukla Navami and Vijayadashami. The goddess is most famously known as Maa Katak Chandi, The temple is situated at the heart of the ancient city. The goddess idol has four hands holding the Paasha(noose), Anukusha (goad), gestures eliminating fear (Abhaya), and granting boon (Varada). By several Utkala Brahmins, she was worshipped as Bhuvaneshwari Mahavidya (universe queen) every day. The city people believe Maa Katak Chandi as the living goddess.
Legend believes the place where the temple is located was lying fallow before Late Sri Hansa Panda, who was the purohit of the then Kanika King, used for grazing cattle and sheep on the land. One day while Sri Panda felt tired and took rest on the heap of dry mud present there, he feels something strange within himself. Surprisingly on that night Maa Chandika appeared in his dream and request him to take her out from the land.
After that, he went to the king and said everything and with the king help, Late Hansa Panda dug out the land and then emerged the Maa Katak Chandi Deity. The temple was built there. Hundreds of devotees visit the temple. It was believed that she was the family deity of the Gajapati Kingdom but after the Islamic invaders attack she got buried by kings while the kings migrated to puri.
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