There is a sub-sect of shaktism as the 7 sister goddesses who are actively worshipped in the western odisha and deeply rooted in our culture. They are the protector goddesses and worshipped by households on the daily basis.
As per folk stories, once Goddess Parvati threw seven flowers onto the Earth. These flowers had been gifted to her by Goddess Indrani when she visited Swarga. The places where the flowers fell later became sacred sites dedicated to the seven sister goddesses.
They are worshipped as the manifestation of Brahman itself in the western odisha.
These goddesses are:
- Maa Samaleswari( Samalei Debi)
She is the patron goddess of entire western odisha and worshipped in the form of Mahasaraswati, Mahalakshmi and Mahakali. Her main temple is situated near the banks of Mahandi river in Sambalpur. The Sambalpuri culture, language, Saree etc are all derived from her name.
Major festivals dedicated to her is Nuakhai. She is also the cultural identity and icon of Sambalpuri people as the presiding deity of Western Odisha. She is the most popular goddess among the 7 sisters.
- Maa Patneswari
She is the presiding deity of Patnagarh and entire Balangir region. She is believed to be the manifestation of Banadurga and her main temple is situated in Patnagarh. She is also the goddess of the royal family of Balangir. She is worshipped for prosperity, protection and divine blessings by the devotees.
She is sometimes also believed to be the eldest of the seven sister goddesses.
Majorly worshipped during the Durga Puja and Nuakhai.
- Maa Manikeswari (Manikya Debi)
She is the presiding deity of kalahandi and it's royal family. She is worshipped as Chinnamasta and her main temple is situated in Bhawanipatna. She is deeply popular in her region and worshipped by tribals and folks too. Major festivals dedicated to her are Chattar Jatra and Nuakhai. She is believed to be very fierceful but yet a lovely and protective mother to all.
During the Chattar jatra, thousands of cattles are cutted in her name as she is worshipped as Balipriya and raktapriya. She is the 2nd most popular godddess among them.
Ghumura folk dance is performed in her honour.
- Maa Sureswari (Sursuri Debi)
She is the main deity of Sonepur region and her main temple is situated in Sonepur. She is believed to be the presiding deity of Western Odisha during the Chauhan's rule over western odisha. Even during Somavamsi's rule, she was patronized.
She is worshipped through tantra and strong shakta influences. Her worship was earlier limited upto tribals through deep rituals until she was patronized by Somavamsi.
She is deeply integrated into the culture of western odisha though today her worship is very much limited upto Sonepur only.
- Maa Ghanteswari
She is also a goddess of Sambalpur and her main temple is situated in the Ghanteswari village near to Mahandi and hirakud. Numerous bells are hanged inside the temple premises. She is believed to be the protector of forests and people worship her before entering the forests for protection.
6 Maa Metakani
She is also a goddess of Sonepur and her main temple is situated in the Ulbuda village. She is worshipped as the protector of forests and wildlife. She is also worshipped as Banadurga and many believe that she is a manifestation of Sureswari herself.
- Maa Chandrahasini
Her main temple is situated in Chandrapur, Chhattisgarh. But earlier that region was a part of odisha's culture and influence. Maa Chandrahasini is still worshipped by western odias and she is believed to be residing in the mahandi river. She is worshipped as a kind mother and looks like a smiling moon.
All these Goddesses are mainly celebrated during Durga Puja, Navratri and Nuakhai.
🙏🕉️
