The Sri Baladevjew Temple, also known as Tulasi Kshetra, is located in Ichhapur in the Kendrapara district of Odisha. Dedicated to Bhagwan Baladev (Balaram)—the elder brother of Bhagwan Jagannath—this temple is one of the state's most sacred Vaishnavite pilgrimage sites. It is considered one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Odisha, ranking second only to the
Jagannath Temple in Puri.
History and Architecture of the Baldevji Temple
In the temple, alongside Bhagwan Baldev, Bhagwan Jagannath and Mata Subhadra are also worshipped on a jeweled throne. The main temple dedicated to Bhagwan Baldev, Bhagwan Jagannath, and Goddess Subhadra stands approximately 75 feet (23 meters) tall. The original temple was destroyed during the Mughal era in 1661. To protect the sacred idol, devotees secretly transported it by boat via the Gowari River and kept it hidden in various locations before finally installing it at its current site in Ichhapur.
The existing temple was constructed in 1761 CE during Maratha rule by King Gopal Sandha and Srinivas Narendra Mahapatra of Kujanga, with the assistance of saints such as Gopi Das and Sairatak Giri. The temple is built in the traditional Kalinga architectural style. The temple complex also includes shrines dedicated to Lakshmi, Shiva, Ganesha, Navagraha, Bhairavi, and Tulsi Devi.
Unlike the wooden idols in Puri, the deities here are considered 'Mani Vigraha' (sacred stone idols); therefore, the '
Nabakalebara' ritual is not performed here.
Darshan Timings at Baladevjew Temple
The temple remains open throughout the week, and the darshan timings are from 5:00 AM to 3:00 PM and from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Major Festivals of Baladevjew Temple
Several festivals are celebrated at this temple throughout the year, including
Rath Yatra, Jhulan Yatra, Janmashtami, Holi, Makar Sankranti, and Kartik Purnima. The daily worship rituals here are similar to those at the Jagannath Temple in Puri; the deities are worshipped according to the 'Shodash Upachar' tradition.
The temple is particularly renowned for its delicious 'Rasabali' prasad. This is a traditional Odia sweet offered to Bhagwan Baladev as bhog.
How to Reach Baladevjew Temple
This temple is located in Ichhapur, Kendrapara, Odisha. Kendrapara is well-connected to Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and nearby cities by bus and taxi. Kendrapara Railway Station is the nearest major railway station, situated approximately 4.1 kilometers away. Biju Patnaik International Airport is the nearest airport.
Popular Name: Tulasi Kshetra