Bimala Temple or Vimala temple is located at the complex of Jagannath Mandir, Puri. It is considered as one of the Shakti or Sati Peetha. It is also said that Maa Sati’s feet fell in the temple. She is also said to be the consort of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Laxmi. She worshipped here as Goddess Parvati or Durga also. She is also said to be the protector of the Lord Jagannath Temple.
The temple is built in Deula style. The temple is located at the south-west corner of the Jagannath Temple. And at the west corner of the Rohini Kunda. The temple is built by Laterite and Sandstone.
The temple has four main parts: Vimana or the main hall, Jagamohana or the prayer hall, Nata Mandira or the dance hall and Bhoga Mandapa or the place of prasad. The main idol is built by Chlorite stone.
Also she is sitting on a lotus and she has four arms. She holds a Akshayamala and Nagaphasa, a serpet on another arm. A Amrit Kalash in her third arm and she bless with her another arm.
Goddess Vimala also considered as the Goddess Katyayani, Goddess Bhuvneshwari, Goddess Bhairavi, Goddess Ekanamsha and Goddess Durga in so many rituals and festivals.
History of Vimala Temple
As per Mandala Panji, Yayati Keshari I and II were built the Vimala temple in the 6th century. He was the king of Somvanshi Dynasty. It is said that, the temple was built in 6th century but it may be destroyed and then again reconstructed in 9th century.
It is also said that Adi Shankara wanted to build Govardhana Matha along with devi Vimala or Laxmi, his consort in Puri, and worshipping them.
It is also said that, the Jagannath Temple earlier was a place of worship of Trimurti: Lord Shiva, Lord Vinshu and Lord Brahma along with their consorts. Then day by day Shiv devotees left the place after 17th century and only Lord Visnu and his wife Goddess Laxmi or Vimala are worshiped here.
Best time to visit Vimala Temple
Though weather is remains same for whole year but from the months of April to June the temple should be avoid because of the hot summer. But the time of rath yatra is best time to visit the temple, in the month of June-July.
Timings of temple of Vimala Temple
The temple opens everyday from morning 6 AM to 11:30AM and again 3 PM to 11 PM. Between this 11:30AM to 3 PM the temple remains close.
People don’t need to pay a charge for entering in the temple. There are some Aartis which are offered to the Goddess. At 6 AM Kapoor arti is offered to Goddess and at 9 PM sleeping arti is offered.
Between these 6:30 AM to 8:15 PM other aartis are offered like Mangal Arti of bath then Bal Bhog Arti, Midday Bhog and Shayan Aarti, Sandhya Arti. Sandhya Aarti is offered at 6 PM.
Facts about Temple
- Mahaparasad is first offered to Goddess Bimala and then offered to Lord Jagannath
- 16 days Festival is celebrated as Durga Puja which ends at Dashmi.
- People visit Goddess Bimala first, and then Lord Jagannath, which shows the importance of this temple.
How to Reach
Vimala temple is located in Puri, Jagannath Temple. Vimala temple can be reached by bus, train and flight.
By Bus: Puri bus stand is the nearest bus stand to the Vimala Temple. From the bus stand various local, intercity buses are available to different cities. Also OSRTC also run buses from the bus stand. From the bus stand auto, rickshaw are available to the temple.
By Train: One of the major railway stations of Odisha, Puri Railway station is the nearest railway station to the temple. From the station trains are available to various cities.
By Air: Biju Patnaik International airport, located at Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport to the temple. From Bhubaneswar buses, cars, taxis are available to Puri.
FAQ- Frequently Asked Questions
Which part of Sati fell in Vimala?
It is also mentioned in the Devi Purana that Temple Vimala is a Pitha where Sati’s feet landed.
Who is Bimala in jagannath temple?
Goddess Vimala is seen as Lord Jagannath’s tantric consort and is hence thought to be another manifestation of Goddess Laxmi. It is thought that she guards the temple compound, and devotees should pay her a visit before requesting Lord Jagannath’s blessings.
Who is the husband of Maa Bimala?
While Lakshmi is the orthodox consort of Jagannath at the temple complex, Bimala is the Tantric (heterodox) consort and guardian goddess of the temple complex in Jagannath-centric traditions.
What is the timing of Vimala Temple Puri?
There is no fee to enter the temple. It is remains open everyday of the week from 5 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Who built Bimala Temple?
According to Madala Panji –Yayati Keshari, Ruler of Somavashi Dynasty Built the temple.