Mausi Maa Temple

Dedicated to Goddess Shakti/Amman, this temple stands as an important spiritual destination for devotees visiting Puri. Its architecture follows the distinctive Kalinga style, making it easily recognizable at Balagandi Square with its white iron gates and traditional design.

The temple is situated approximately 1.5 km from the famous Shree Jagannath Temple, along the Grand Road (Bada Danda) toward Gundicha Temple.

Pilgrims can reach Mausi Maa Temple by arriving in Puri via train or road, with the nearest railway station being Puri Railway Station (about 3 km away) and the closest airport being Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar (60 km away).

From the Puri Railway Station or bus stand, visitors can hire an auto-rickshaw, e-rickshaw, or taxi toward the Lion's Gate of Jagannath Temple, then proceed down Grand Road to Balagandi Square.

Mausi Maa Temple is open daily from 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM, with possible early opening at 5:00 AM and closing by 10:00 PM. There may be a midday ritual pause, so planning darshan during early morning (5–8 AM), evening aarti, or festival times is recommended.

The temple offers free darshan to all devotees. Key poojas performed here include Mangal Aarti and Sandhya Aarti, conducted in Sanskrit and Odia.

The temple comes alive during major festivals such as Ratha Yatra/Bahuda Yatra (June–July), Durga Puja/Navaratri (September–October), Makar Sankranti (January), Vasant Panchami (January–February), Maha Shivaratri (February–March), Holi (March), and Gamha Purnima (August).

During Bahuda Yatra, the signature prasadam, Poda Pitha (baked rice cake), is offered and distributed to devotees. While there is no daily annadanam, community food distribution takes place during major festivals.

Visitors are advised to follow the dress code: men should wear traditional Indian attire or full-length trousers and shirts, while women are expected to wear saree or salwar kameez, covering legs and shoulders.

Photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple premises and near the sanctum; electronic devices must be switched off or left outside.

Accommodation options are plentiful nearby, including Jagannath Ballav Bhakta Niwas, Goroomgo Neelachal Lodge, and various hotels around Swargadwar and VIP Road.

For those exploring Puri, nearby attractions include Shree Jagannath Temple, Gundicha Temple, Narendra Tank, Puri Sea Beach, and the Konark Sun Temple. Limited street parking is available, but during major festivals, vehicle access is restricted and visitors must walk along Grand Road.