Who is Sarala Devi
In the village of Jhankad in Jagatsinghpur district, Odisha, on the banks of the river Chitrotpala, stands the temple of Sarala Devi, worshipped as Vak Devi, the goddess of speech, wisdom and learning. Her unique iconography, without a conventional carved idol, sets this shrine apart among Odisha's Devi temples.
Devotees, especially students, writers and those who work with words, hold Sarala Devi in special reverence as the source of eloquence and creative expression.
The Legend of Poet Sarala Das
As per tradition, the great Odia poet Sarala Das, who composed the Odia Mahabharata, was a devoted worshipper of this goddess and took her name in humble gratitude for the gift of poetic expression he believed she granted him. Devotees hold that his life and work stand as living testimony to the goddess's blessing upon sincere devotion.
This association has made the temple a cherished place of pilgrimage for those seeking blessings in education, writing and the arts, following in the footsteps of the poet himself.
Significance and What Devotees Pray For
Students preparing for examinations, writers seeking inspiration and families hoping for their children's success in education often visit Sarala Devi temple to seek her blessing. As per tradition, sincere prayer here is believed to bring clarity of thought and grace in expression.
The temple also draws devotees during the Chaitra season, when the wider community gathers to honour the goddess with grand devotion and festivity.
Darshan Guide: Timings and Festivals
The temple follows a routine of morning and evening worship, with darshan open through the day. Devotees are advised to confirm current timings locally, particularly around the Chaitra festival period.
- The Chaitra festivities at Sarala Devi temple are the most significant occasion of the year, drawing large numbers of devotees
- Students often visit before examinations, seeking her blessing for clarity and success
- Regular Devi worship continues through Navratri and other auspicious days
How to Reach Jhankad
Jhankad village lies in Jagatsinghpur district, Odisha, on the banks of the river Chitrotpala. Bhubaneswar railway station is the nearest major rail head, well connected to major cities.
The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar, from where the temple is reached by road through Jagatsinghpur town. Local transport connects the district headquarters to Jhankad village.
Mantra to Chant and a Devotee's Takeaway
Devotees chant 'Om Saralayai Namah', meaning 'salutations to Goddess Sarala', seeking clarity of thought and eloquence in speech.
The story of poet Sarala Das reminds every devotee that true creative gift flows from humble, sincere devotion rather than self-regard. Worship at Sarala Devi temple is an act of faith and love, not a transaction.
Quick Answers
Why is Sarala Devi called Vak Devi?+
Sarala Devi is called Vak Devi, meaning goddess of speech, because devotees believe she blesses her worshippers with eloquence, wisdom and clarity of expression.
Who was poet Sarala Das?+
Sarala Das was a revered Odia poet who composed the Odia Mahabharata and was a devoted worshipper of this goddess, taking her name as a mark of humble gratitude for his gift of poetry.
Who especially visits Sarala Devi temple?+
Students, writers and families seeking blessings in education and creative expression especially visit this temple, following the devotional example of poet Sarala Das.
About the author
Pandit Ravindra Sharma · Vedic Rituals & Bhakti, 22+ years
Pandit Ravindra is the Vandnaa editorial team's resident specialist on aarti, chalisa, and daily devotion. He has performed home and temple pujas across Varanasi and Delhi for over two decades and contributes the bhakti-focused articles on this site.
Meet the Vandnaa editorial team →
