Maa Kali Temple, Huma, Sambalpur
About Kali Temple, Huma
The Kali Temple near Huma village in Sambalpur district is a revered shrine dedicated to the fierce form of the Goddess. Situated close to the Leaning Temple of Huma, it represents the Shakti tradition deeply rooted in Western Odisha. Though small in size, the temple holds immense spiritual power and is believed to guard the Huma region from calamities caused by the mighty Mahanadi River.
Quick Facts
- Location: Near Huma Temple, 23 km from Sambalpur
- Deity: Goddess Kali (form of Shakti)
- Built: Early modern period; associated with local kings of Sambalpur
- Architectural Style: Small Pidha Deula structure in Kalinga style
- Significance: Shakti worship, protection of the Huma temple complex
- Best Time to Visit: October – February
Legend and Mythology
According to local belief, after Lord Bimaleswar Shiva revealed Himself at Huma — when a fisherwoman unknowingly cut a divine fish that bled — the Goddess appeared in Her Kali form to protect the sacred riverbank. She became the Guardian Shakti of the Mahanadi, preventing the river from eroding the temple’s foundation and guarding the holy site from calamities.
Another version of the myth tells of a woman who mocked the local belief that the fishes of the Mahanadi were sacred. To prove her disbelief, she caught a fish and cut it on the riverbank — but to her horror, the fish bled like a human. Enraged by her impiety, the Goddess turned her into stone on the spot. Locals still point to a stone figure near the river, believed to be the petrified woman — a timeless reminder of faith and divine justice.
Thus, the Kali Temple at Huma is not merely a shrine of worship but also a symbol of the Goddess’s power to uphold truth and devotion. Her presence beside Lord Bimaleswar embodies the eternal balance of Shakti and Shiva — faith and power, creation and destruction.
Religious and Cultural Importance
The temple continues the Tantric Shakti cult practices that flourished in Sambalpur. Rituals like Deepa Dana (lamp offerings) and Bali (symbolic sacrifice) during Kali Puja and Navaratri invoke the Goddess’s fierce energy to bless devotees with protection and prosperity. During these times, the temple premises echo with hymns, conch sounds, and rhythmic drums, symbolizing divine empowerment.
The temple’s proximity to the Mahanadi, the gentle sound of flowing water, and the distant bells of the Huma Shiva temple create an atmosphere of profound serenity. Together, the two shrines form a sacred pair — Lord Bimaleswar as the eternal consciousness and Maa Kali as His protecting force.
Nearby Attractions
- Leaning Temple of Huma: Famous tilted Shiva shrine on the Mahanadi riverbank.
- Hirakud Dam: 25 km away, one of the world’s longest earthen dams.
- Maa Ghanteswari Temple: Revered Shakti temple, 40 km away.
- Samaleswari Temple: Presiding goddess of Sambalpur, 20 km away.
How to Reach Kali Temple
By Road: Located near Huma, 23 km from Sambalpur; accessible by local transport.
By Rail: Nearest railway station – Sambalpur Junction (25 km).
By Air: Nearest airport – Veer Surendra Sai Airport, Jharsuguda (80 km).
Best Time to Visit
The most auspicious time is during Kali Puja and Diwali (October–November). The temple also welcomes devotees during Navaratri and the winter months for peaceful darshan.
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