Mausi Ma Temple

Located midway along the Grand Road (Bada Danda) of Puri, Mausi Ma Temple is dedicated to Goddess Ardhashani, the maternal aunt of Lord Jagannath. Built during the Keshari dynasty era in Kalinga architectural style, the temple plays a central role during Rath Yatra when the chariots of the three deities pause here to receive Poda Pitha, a sacred baked rice cake. Legend credits Goddess Ardhashani with saving Puri from floods by drinking half the sea water.