Bhubaneswar, Oct. 19 -- The Danda Maa Thakurani shrine in Paralakhemundi of Odisha's Gajapati district is known for its unique tradition of worshipping Goddess Mahamaya for only 10 days in a year. While special pujas are being performed at various Shakti Peeths and puja pandals during Durga Puja, this shrine holds a special place because of its distinctive rituals.

The Goddess is worshipped inside a termite mound at the shrine, where a large number of devotees gather during the 10-day period to offer prayers and seek blessings.

The shrine opens for worship once a year that allows devotees to offer prayers to the Goddess during these 10 days. According to local belief, devotees who worship Danda Maa Thakurani during this period have thei...