Bhadrakali Temple, Aharapada

Sthala katha — the traditional account

What follows is the temple’s own traditional account, transmitted through liturgy and local memory. It is recorded here as tradition, not as attested history.

Tradition holds that the image was first worshipped by the sage Tapasa Rushi in a cave on Meghasana hill in Mayurbhanj, and was carried to Aharapada by his disciples to keep it safe from Kalapahad.