President Droupadi Murmu Offers Prayers at Tribal Shrine Maa Kandhuni Devi and Shiva Temples in Ganjam
Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu paid obeisance at the Maa Kandhuni Devi Temple (a tribal shrine) and the Shiva Temple in Ganjam district, offering prayers for peace, prosperity, and the well-being of all. Her visit was met with a warm reception from local residents, including children, reflecting the region’s vibrant culture and deep-rooted spiritual traditions.
At the renowned tourist destination of Taptapani, the President was accorded a grand and traditional welcome at the Maa Kandhuni Devi Temple. The campus resonated with conch shell sounds, temple bells, and Vedic chants, creating a deeply devotional atmosphere.
In keeping with tribal customs, temple priests and members of the local tribal community extended a ceremonial welcome. The reception featured vibrant folk performances accompanied by traditional instruments such as Tamaka and Changu. Artists from the ancient Saura (Sabar) tribe performed the traditional ‘Saha dance’, showcasing instruments like Changu, Nishan, buffalo horns, and Turi—an expression of the region’s rich indigenous heritage.
Following established rituals, President Murmu offered prayers at the Maa Kandhuni Devi Temple and later visited the nearby Neelakantheswar (Shiva) Temple, where she participated in a sacred aarti.
Chief priest Prashant Kumar Jani described the occasion as a “golden chapter” in the temple’s history, stating that the visit of the nation’s First Citizen filled the community with pride and deep emotion. He expressed hope that the visit would pave the way for greater recognition, development, and prosperity in Taptapani and surrounding tribal regions.
President Droupadi Murmu’s two-day visit to Ganjam district evolved into a vibrant celebration of Odisha’s cultural heritage and public faith. From Bhubaneswar to Berhampur, Taptapani, and Golabandha, her journey was marked by grand welcomes and enthusiastic public participation at multiple locations.
The President arrived at Berhampur Railway Station by a special train, where she was received with traditional performances such as tiger dance, sankirtan, and conch blowing. She was welcomed by Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, along with several dignitaries.
Among those present were Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, Fisheries and Animal Resources Minister Gokulananda Mallik, Berhampur MP Dr. Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy, MLA K. Anil Kumar, Southern RDC Sangram Keshari Mahapatra, IG Niti Sekhar, Ganjam Collector V. Keerthi Vasan, and SP Dr. Saravana Vivek M, among others.
Outside the station, an elaborate display of Ganjam’s folk art was organised. The President interacted with artists, appreciated their performances, and posed for photographs, encouraging their efforts to preserve traditional art forms.
She later proceeded to Taptapani, accompanied by the Governor and Chief Minister. The convoy passed through key locations including Gosainnuagaon, Andhapasara Road, Old Berhampur, Haridakhandi Square, and Fastgate. Large crowds, including students from schools and colleges, lined the route to greet her with national flags and placards. The President acknowledged their greetings with warm gestures.
After a brief stay, the President departed for the Army AD College at Golabandha. Along her route, large crowds gathered to greet her, reflecting widespread enthusiasm. At Andhapasara Road, she briefly halted to distribute chocolates to students of Shivananda Nagar Maa Saraswati Vidya Mandir, delighting the children.
Nestled in the scenic Eastern Ghats, the Maa Kandhuni Devi Temple at Taptapani is one of southern Odisha’s prominent spiritual destinations. Located near natural hot sulphur springs, the shrine holds deep religious significance for tribal communities and devotees across the region.
Despite its modest architecture, the temple embodies a strong spiritual essence, surrounded by forests and hills that offer a serene atmosphere for worship. Maa Kandhuni Devi is revered as a benevolent protector, believed to bless devotees with peace, prosperity, good health, and protection from adversity.
Daily rituals and offerings are performed at the shrine, while festivals transform the campus into a vibrant centre of devotion with traditional music, dance, and cultural practices preserved over generations.
A unique aspect of the pilgrimage is the nearby hot sulphur springs of Taptapani. Devotees often begin their visit with a ritual bath in these mineral-rich waters, believed to purify the body and promote well-being before seeking the goddess’s blessings.
The President’s visit not only enhanced the prominence of the Maa Kandhuni Devi Temple but also brought national attention to Ganjam’s tribal traditions, religious tourism, and cultural richness. It underscored the importance of preserving and promoting Odisha’s diverse cultural and spiritual heritage.
