Kalijai Goddess, Temple And Island #AToZChallenge

Odisha boasts of many Goddesses, temples and islands. Kalijai is one of them.

This island named Kalijai is located in Asia's largest lagoon, the Chilika Lake. There is a temple named Kalijai Temple that is dedicated to Goddess Kalijai. 

Chilika Lake has many islands out of which Kalijai is the most famous island as it has the legend of Kalijai associated with it. Kalijai was a newly-married girl who was on her way to her in-laws place when bad weather capsized the boat, she was travelling in, in Chilika Lake. Since then, she has been worshipped as Goddess Kalijai. It is believed that She protects the boats and the travellers.

Local residents worship Goddess Kalijai. Goddess Kalijai is the presiding deity of the lagoon.

Fishermen pray to Her for their safe return from their fishing-trips. Thousands of fishermen visit the Kalijai Temple during the 'Makar Sankranti' festival.

The Kalijai Temple is an important attraction, that attracts visitors all throughout the year. As per boatman, Suchitra Kumar Jally, "Even during adverse weather viz. cyclones or rainstorms, at least one visitor lands up on Kalijai island to offer puja to Goddess Kalijai at the Kalijai Temple."

You will love to visit this picturesque location that is majestically nestled in the turquoise-blue waters of the Chilika Lake. The view from the Kalijai island is great!

You can feed the birds at Kalijai island and they will gladly pose for you!

Kalijai island is just five kilometres away by boat from the Swosti Chilika Resort located at Pathara, Ganjam district, Odisha. Apart from Kalijai, there are many islands in Chilika Lake.

Do you like islands? Doesn't Kalijai look awesome? Do share in the comments below.

Note- I had heard the story of Maa Kalijai from my mother and grandmother when I was very small.
My travel to Kalijai island this week was amazing thanks to Swosti Travels.

Post for my second #atozchallenge. K for Kalijai.

My Theme is- "Odisha- The Soul of Incredible India".
Odisha is a state in the eastern part of India. Have you visited Odisha and India? 

I am sharing some glimpses from Odisha. Do keep reading and discovering!