Chandi Temple, Chandikhole

Chandi Temple is a revered Hindu Shakti shrine located at Chandikhole in Jajpur district, Odisha, beside National Highway 16. Dedicated to Goddess Chandi, an incarnation of Durga, the temple sits atop a small hillock surrounded by forested hills. It is a prominent pilgrimage and tourist stop between Cuttack and Bhadrak, known for its religious importance, scenic setting, and association with local legends and annual Durga Puja celebrations.

Visitors can expect a small hilltop temple complex dedicated to Goddess Chandi, reached by a flight of stone steps. The shrine houses the idol of the goddess and offers views of the surrounding forested hills and highway town below. The premises include a courtyard, smaller shrines, and shops selling prasad and offerings. The atmosphere is that of an active pilgrimage site with devotees performing darshan and prayers, especially during festivals.

Chandi Temple at Chandikhole is regarded as an ancient Shakti shrine with local legends linking the goddess to the protection of the area. The present temple structure is a more recent construction on the traditional hillock site, maintained as an important regional pilgrimage centre in Jajpur district.

The temple is a significant Shakti worship centre in Odisha, dedicated to Goddess Chandi, a form of Durga. It draws devotees year-round and sees large congregations during Navratri and Durga Puja, when special rituals and fairs are held. It forms part of the cultural pilgrimage circuit with nearby Shaiva and Shakta sites.