Manikeshwari Temple, Hindu temple in Bhawanipatna, India

Manikeshwari Temple stands in the royal palace complex at Bhawanipatna, Kalahandi district. The inner sanctum holds no anthropomorphic image: a pillar-like body topped by a head is wrapped in cloth. Three small rekha shrines behind the main temple house images of the ten Mahavidya goddesses, Vaishnavi, Varahi and Narasimha. Mahakala Bhairava, called Budharaja, is worshipped here.

Construction of the temple was completed in 1947 under Brajamohan Deo's direction, following groundwork laid by Udit Narayan Deo. The temple emerged during India's post-independence period, reflecting the religious renewal of that era.

During Chhatar Yatra, on the navami tithi of Dussehra, the goddess leaves the sanctum at midnight and travels about 3 km to Jenkhala. A bamboo wrapped in black cloth represents Manikeshwari, topped with a silver vessel engraved with the ten Mahavidya yantra. Ghumura, a traditional tribal dance of Kalahandi district, is performed along the route.

The temple stands in Bhawanipatna, the Kalahandi district headquarters, with Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary nearby. The Chhatar Yatra falls on the navami tithi of Dussehra: the goddess leaves the sanctum around midnight and travels about 3 km to Jenkhala, with the town procession starting that morning. The Budharaja shrine door stays closed all year and opens only at midnight of Mahasaptami, closing again on Vijaya Dashami.

The sanctum holds no anthropomorphic image of the goddess: a pillar wrapped in cloth stands in place of a statue. Each year on Mulashtami night the old clay head is discarded and a new one, set with jewel ornaments, is installed.