Maa Dhamarai Temple is a wonderful temple in the Bhadrak district. This temple is established 300 years ago. There is a crowd of people in this temple all the time. This temple of Bhadrak district is very unique in terms of its location. This temple is located in the coastal town of Bhadrak, Dhamara.
History of Goddess Dhamarai
According to folklore, Maa Dhamrai had five sisters and lived at a place called “Satavaya”. Her five sisters were non-vegetarians as opposed to her being a pure vegetarian, which angered her sisters and they pushed her into the deep sea. While floating on the water, Maa Dhamrai came towards Chandanipal and is believed to have been caught in the fishing net of Sanatan Dalai and Bulei Behera, who rescued her and started worshiping by keeping her in her house.
Later it is believed that on the same night the then king of Kanika, the queen of Sailendra Narayan Bhanja Deo had a dream where Mother Dhamrai ordered her to build a temple. King Sailendra Narayan Bhanjdev had built a temple that was destroyed in 1953. After that, the Maa Dhamarai was being worshiped inside thatched roof house. The new temple that has been built was built in 1990.
Also, historians say that Goddess Dhamarai was found in the form of a stone by a fisherman. That stone was found by a fisherman in the deep sea. Wrapping that stone in a net, the fisherman slept keeping it in the boat. After a dream that night, that fisherman installed that stone on the bank of the Baitarani river of Dhamra village.
*There remains a mystery about Goddess Dhamarai and the temple. The historian has not examined any conclusions.
Some interesting facts about Maa Dhamarai Temple
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The priest of this temple is a female who is a widow. Only that widow priest can worship the Goddess.
It is believed that the wishes of all the devotees are fulfilled.
Every year on the day of Makar Sankranti, a big fair is organized here for 10 days.
In this fair, people from 5-6 nearby districts come to visit.
Best nearby places at Dhamara
Dhamara is a small town, situated on the seashore of Bhadrak district. Due to this town being very far from the main city of Bhadrak, there was no development of any kind here earlier.
Now, this town is moving towards progress. Most of the roadways, waterways facilities have become available here because of the Odisha government.
There are some places around this town that you must visit.
Bhitarkanika National Park
Bhitarkanika National Park is famous for saltwater crocodiles, Indian python, king cobra, black ibis, darter, and many other species.
Here you will find many mangrove species surrounded by this place, which is the second-largest mangrove ecosystem in India.
The fastest route to reach: Dhamara to Bhitarkanika National Park via Kalinali Boat Services
At present, there is a business boat service from Kalinali in Dhamra to Talchua.
To connect Kalinali with Talchua, the Ropax jetty project on the Dhamra river has been started by the government.
Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary
Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary is very famous for its nesting beach for Olive Ridley Turtles. It is a very popular tourist attraction of Odisha.
It is one of the most important nesting beaches in the world for turtles.
Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary is the only marine sanctuary in Odisha.
The fastest route to reach: Dhamara to Gahirmatha beach via Kalinali Boat Services
Dhamra Port
Dhamara port is a most modern all-weather, deep-water port. It has a huge role in the development of Dhamra and its surrounding area.
You can visit this port campus with children for educational purposes.
Abdul Kalam Island
The island is the Integrated Test Range Missile Test Center in India. This island is located near Dhamra.
Since the construction of the Integrated Test Range, Abdul Kalam Island has restricted entry for general visitors.
Nearby Sea Beaches
1. Dhamara Sea Beach
2. Hrudayaprasad Sea Beach, Dhamra
3. Kanika Seach Beach
Suggested Article: Chilika Lake: A Largest Salt Water Lake In Asia
Local Tourism Says on Dhamara
Local tourism also feels that the Surrounding area of Dhamra has a lot of potential for tourist spots. Because the location around Dhamra Town can make a good eco-friendly tourist destination. I hope Maa Dhamarai Temple is a good destination for you.
FAQs on Dhamara Tourism
Dhamara is a coastal town located in the Bhadrak district of the eastern Indian state of Odisha. It is known for its beautiful beaches, ancient temples, and natural beauty. The town is situated on the banks of the Dhamra River, which is home to a variety of aquatic species, including crocodiles, dolphins, and turtles. Dhamara is also known for its traditional crafts, including pottery and weaving. In recent years, Dhamara has become an important industrial hub, with the development of the Dhamra Port and several other industrial projects in the area.
Yes, Dhamara is generally considered a safe place for tourists to visit. However, as with any tourist destination, visitors should take standard safety precautions such as being aware of their surroundings, not carrying large amounts of cash or valuables, and avoiding walking alone at night in deserted areas. It is also advisable to follow local customs and dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. Additionally, tourists should be careful while swimming in the sea and always follow the safety guidelines provided by the beach authorities. Overall, Dhamara is a peaceful and welcoming destination, and most visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience while exploring the town and its attractions.
Dhamara has a tropical climate, with warm and humid conditions throughout the year. The town experiences three main seasons: summer, monsoon, and winter.
Summer (March to May) in Dhamara is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging between 30 to 40 degrees Celsius.
The monsoon season in Dhamara begins in June and lasts until September. During this time, the town receives heavy rainfall, which can sometimes lead to flooding and disruption of transportation.
Winter (October to February) in Dhamara is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. This is the best time to visit Dhamara as the weather is comfortable, and the town looks lush and green after the monsoon season.
Overall, the best time to visit Dhamara is during the winter months, when the weather is most conducive for tourism. However, visitors should be prepared for occasional rain and humidity throughout the year.
Dhamara is located in the eastern Indian state of Odisha and is well-connected to major cities in the region. Here are the distances between Dhamara and some of the major cities in India:
- Bhubaneswar: 186 km (approximately 4 hours by road)
- Kolkata: 286 km (approximately 6 hours by road)
- Visakhapatnam: 425 km (approximately 8 hours by road)
- Ranchi: 394 km (approximately 9 hours by road)
- Raipur: 537 km (approximately 10 hours by road)
- Patna: 585 km (approximately 12 hours by road)
Dhamara does not have an airport, but the nearest airport is the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, which is well-connected to major cities in India and abroad.
There are no specific restrictions for tourists visiting Dhamara, but visitors are expected to follow the local customs and traditions. Here are a few things that visitors should keep in mind:
- Dress modestly while visiting religious sites or public places.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuable items with you.
- Seek permission before taking photographs of people or their belongings.
- Do not litter or damage the natural surroundings.
- Follow safety guidelines while swimming in the sea or participating in adventure activities.
- Do not consume alcohol or drugs in public places.
Visitors should also check the latest COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions before planning their trip as there may be some specific regulations in place due to the pandemic.
Yes, there are several local tour guides available for tourists in Dhamara who can help visitors explore the town and its attractions. These guides are usually fluent in multiple languages and have a good knowledge of the local history, culture, and traditions. They can assist visitors in planning their itinerary, arranging transportation, and providing information on local customs and practices.
Visitors can easily find local tour guides by contacting the tourist information center, the hotel where they are staying, or by searching online for local tour operators. It is advisable to choose a licensed and experienced guide who can provide reliable and authentic information about the town and its attractions.
It is recommended to book accommodations in advance while visiting Dhamara, especially during peak tourist season. While there are several options available for accommodations in Dhamara, including hotels, guesthouses, and resorts, they can fill up quickly during the peak tourist season.
Booking in advance not only ensures that visitors have a comfortable stay, but it also provides them with an opportunity to compare different accommodations and choose one that suits their budget and preferences.
Moreover, during festivals or events, it can be challenging to find accommodation in Dhamara at the last minute, so it’s always advisable to make reservations in advance. Visitors can book their accommodations online or through a travel agent or tour operator.
Yes, there are several adventure activities available for tourists in Dhamara. Some of the popular adventure activities that visitors can enjoy in Dhamara include:
Water Sports: Dhamara Beach is an ideal location for water sports such as jet skiing, banana boat rides, and parasailing. The beach is safe for swimming, but visitors should follow the safety guidelines provided by the authorities.
Trekking: The nearby hills offer several trekking trails, and visitors can enjoy a beautiful view of the countryside from the top.
Cycling: Cycling is an excellent way to explore the town and its surroundings. Visitors can rent a bicycle and explore the beautiful countryside and nearby villages.
Wildlife Safari: Visitors can take a wildlife safari to the Bhitarkanika National Park, which is home to several endangered species such as saltwater crocodiles, Olive Ridley turtles, and many species of birds.
Camping: Visitors can also enjoy camping in the beautiful countryside of Dhamara. Several tour operators offer camping packages that include accommodation, meals, and adventure activities.
Overall, Dhamara offers plenty of opportunities for adventure and outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for adventure enthusiasts.
Dhamara is well-connected to other parts of Odisha and neighboring states by road and rail. Here are the modes of transportation available for tourists in Dhamara:
Road: Visitors can reach Dhamara by road through National Highway 16, which connects it to other major cities in Odisha and neighboring states. Taxis, private cars, and buses are available for hire in Dhamara for local transportation.
Rail: The nearest railway station to Dhamara is Bhadrak Junction, which is approximately 35 km away. Bhadrak Junction is well-connected to other major cities in India, and visitors can hire taxis or take a local bus to reach Dhamara.
Air: The nearest airport to Dhamara is the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, which is approximately 186 km away. The airport is well-connected to other major cities in India and abroad, and visitors can hire taxis or take a bus to reach Dhamara.
Local Transport: Visitors can hire bicycles, motorcycles, or auto-rickshaws to explore the town and its surroundings. Local buses also run on specific routes, and visitors can use them for local transportation. Taxis and private cars are also available for hire in Dhamara.
Overall, visitors have several options for transportation in Dhamara, and they can choose one that suits their preferences and budget.
To learn more about the history and culture of Dhamara, visitors can take a guided tour of the town with a local tour guide or visit some of the following places:
Dhamara Port: Dhamara Port is a historic port that played a crucial role in maritime trade during ancient times. Visitors can learn about the history of the port and its significance in the local economy.
Maa Dhamarai Temple: The Maa Dhamarai Temple is a popular religious site in Dhamara, dedicated to the goddess Dhamarai. The temple has a rich history and architecture that reflects the local culture and traditions.
Bhitarkanika National Park: Bhitarkanika National Park is a popular tourist destination near Dhamara, known for its mangrove forests and wildlife. Visitors can learn about the local flora and fauna and the efforts being made to conserve them.
Local Markets: Visitors can also visit the local markets in Dhamara to learn about the local culture and customs. The markets are a great place to interact with locals, taste local cuisine, and buy souvenirs.
Museums: There are several museums in nearby cities such as Cuttack and Bhubaneswar that showcase the history and culture of Odisha. Visitors can plan a day trip to these museums to learn more about the local culture and history.
Overall, Dhamara offers several opportunities for visitors to learn about the history and culture of the town and its surroundings. Visitors can choose a mode of transportation that suits them and plan a customized itinerary based on their interests and preferences.
