Mausi Maa Mandir, also known as Ardhashini Temple, is a small but deeply revered shrine located on the Grand Road (Bada Danda) of Puri, Odisha. The temple is Bhagwan Jagannath’s Aunty’s Mandir. The temple is dedicated to Devi Ardhashini, affectionately known as Mausi Maa.
Mausi Maa Mandir History and Architecture
❀ In Mausi Maa Mandir Devi Ardhashini is the main idol. Devi accurately looks like devi Subhadra. Legend says she once swallowed half the sea’s waters to protect Puri Jagannath Dham from a flood, earning her the name Ardhashini (meaning “half-drinker”) and recognition as one of Puri’s protectors alongside Kapalamochana Shiva.
❀ According to Lakshmi Purana in Manabasa Gurubar Festival, when Lakshmi left the main temple, Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra faced hardship. Subhadra stayed with her aunt at this temple during that time.
❀ During the Bahuda Yatra (return journey), the chariot of Bhagwan Jagannath stops at Mausi Maa Temple. Here, Jagannath is served his favorite Poda Pitha, a slow-cooked rice-and-lentil cake prepared under the temple’s supervision. This ritual symbolizes affection and acceptance from his maternal aunt.
❀The temple was built by the Keshari (Ganga) dynasty in the 14th century, the temple is modest but follows traditional Kalinga-style architecture: a Rekha-vimana, Pidha-jagamohana, and Natamandapa.
Mausi Maa Mandir Drashan Timing
Typically Mausi Maa Mandir Drashan Timing is 6:30 AM to 10 PM; special entry is granted during Rath Yatra. At other times, access is more limited. Along with Rath Yatra, key celebrations include Mahasaptami, Mahanavami, Kartik Purnima, Durga Puja, Diwali, etc. Daily aarti and Poda Pitha offerings—also joyous occasions like Narasimha Chaturdashi with water rituals to keep the deity cool.
How to reach Mausi Maa Mandir
Mausi Maa Mandir located midway along Puri’s Grand Road, roughly a 10 minute walk from Jagannath Temple and close to the Puri bus stand and railway station.
6:30 AM - 10:00 PM
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