Khiching

Khiching, formerly Khijjinga Kotta, was a capital of the Bhanja rulers in the wooded uplands of northern Odisha. Its temples and stone sculptures bear witness to the wealth and religious patronage of their court. The goddess Kichakeswari, a form of Chamunda, was the tutelary deity of the Bhanja family. Remains of shrines and carved architectural pieces mark the site of the old capital. The Bhanjas governed Khijjinga Mandala, a region encompassing parts of Mayurbhanj and neighbouring hill country. Their seat was later moved eastward to Hariharpur and eventually to Baripada. The cult of Kichakeswari remained associated with the ruling house after the departure from Khiching, preserving a religious link with the earlier centre of their power.