The Mausi Maa Temple is situated in Puri, Odisha, about halfway between the Shree Jagannath Temple and the Gundicha Temple. It is around 1.5 km from the Jagannath Temple and is one of the most sacred stops on the Rath Yatra route. During the Bahuda Yatra, thousands of devotees gather here to witness the divine halt of Lord Jagannath’s chariot.
The exact date of construction of the temple is not known, but historians believe the present structure is over 500 years old. The worship of Goddess Ardhasini and the tradition of Lord Jagannath visiting this temple are much older and have been followed for centuries. The temple is also mentioned in the Madala Panji, the historic chronicle of the Jagannath Temple.
The presiding deity is Goddess Ardhasini, affectionately known as Mausi Maa, meaning “Maternal Aunt.” In the Jagannath tradition, she is regarded as the maternal aunt of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. Devotees worship her as a compassionate motherly figure who blesses families with peace, prosperity, good health, and happiness.
The temple is built in the traditional Kalinga style of architecture. It consists of a Rekha Deula (sanctum tower) and a Jagamohana (assembly hall). Though modest in size, the temple displays elegant stone carvings and traditional Odishan architectural features, reflecting the rich heritage of the region.
The Mausi Maa Temple has been closely associated with the Jagannath Temple rituals for several centuries. It occupies a special place in the annual Rath Yatra as Lord Jagannath’s chariot halts here during the return journey. Successive rulers of Odisha preserved this sacred tradition, and even today the temple remains an integral part of the world-famous Jagannath Rath Yatra.
Every year, during the sacred Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra leave the Jagannath Temple in their magnificent wooden chariots and travel to the Gundicha Temple, where they stay for nine days.
When the deities begin their return journey, known as the Bahuda Yatra, Lord Jagannath’s chariot stops in front of the Mausi Maa Temple. Here, Goddess Ardhasini, lovingly regarded as his maternal aunt, welcomes the divine siblings with great affection.
According to tradition, she offers them Poda Pitha, a delicious baked rice cake prepared with rice, black gram, jaggery, coconut, cardamom, and ghee. It is believed that after the long journey and days of celebration, this nourishing offering refreshes the Lords before they continue towards the Jagannath Temple.
This touching ritual symbolizes the warmth of a maternal aunt’s love and the importance of family bonds in Indian culture. It also reminds devotees that although Lord Jagannath is the Supreme Lord of the Universe, He lovingly honours family relationships and accepts the affection and hospitality of his devotees.
Even today, the offering of Poda Pitha at the Mausi Maa Temple remains one of the most cherished and eagerly awaited rituals of the Bahuda Yatra, witnessed by thousands of devotees every year.
The most important festival celebrated at the temple is the Bahuda Yatra, when Lord Jagannath’s chariot halts here to receive the traditional offering of Poda Pitha. During the annual Rath Yatra, devotees from across the world visit the temple to seek the blessings of Goddess Ardhasini. Navaratri and Durga Puja are also celebrated with special prayers, while regular rituals are observed throughout the year according to the traditions of the Jagannath Temple.
