Kalijai Temple is located on an island in Chilika Lake off coast in Ganjam District of Odisha. It is considered to be the abode of the Goddess Kalijai. Goddess Kalijai is actually Kali, the source and the first ‘Mahavidya‘ of ‘Dasmahavidyas‘. Highly revered by the local populace, the deity has been venerated in the local folklores and legends. The island provides an excellent destination for pilgrims as well as tourists. Every year in January, a huge gala fair is held during the festival of Makar Sankranti.

Legend has it that a newly married girl “Jaai” was a local girl who was going to get married in Parikud island. On the way, the boat capsized in the storm. Jaai met her tragic death and became the Goddess Kalijai. Local people belive that since then, she is protecting every other boat from getting capsized in the lake.

How to Reach: Kalijaai Temple in Chilika Lake can be visited by boat from many points, but the closest point is Barkul. Barkul can be conveniently reached by road, either from Brahmapur (75 km) or Bhabaneswar (105 km). Nearest Railway Station close to Barkul are Chilka (Local Train Stop) and Balugaon (Express Train Stop) on the Howrah-Chennai main line. Kalijaai Temple can also be visted by boat from Satpada near Puri.

The image below gives an idea of loaction of the Kalijai Island. Find excact location and other details on the Google Map.