Chained Goddess Kali Murti at Siddha Kali Temple in Old Keonjhar Town in Orissa

Siddha Kali Temple, more than 800 years old, located in Old Keonjhar Town in Orissa is famous for the murti worshiped in the temple. The main murti (idol) in the temple is that of Goddess Kali and it is chained to the walls of the temple. Legend has it that a saint had tied the murti of Goddess Kali with chains so that she will not move out of the temple. This is a high form of Bhakti – where the all capturing Mother Goddess in her all mighty ferocious form decides to get tied to a chain to satisfy Her devotee.

Shiva is worshiped in the temple as Mahakal.

The most important day in the temple is Tuesday.

Times of Indiareports 

Situated at the foot of Gandhamardan hills and surrounded by forests, the temple offers an ambience that suits the mystery and eeriness that one associates with goddess Kali. 

A researcher said 'Siddha Matha' was a place for practising tantra. Legend has it that kings used to visit the temple before setting out on hunting expeditions. The lower part of the idol, which looks like a skeleton and made of granite stone, is embedded in the ground. The idol has ten hands, nine of which carries a weapon, and one carries the head of a man. Shiva is worshipped here as "Mahakal" or "Kaleshwar".

According to myths, once a saint had chained the idol to prevent it from moving out of the temple and also protect people from the fury of the goddess. Since then, the idol is chained to the walls of the temple. Even to this day, devotees fear to enter the temple and some of them offer puja through a window which is kept open round the year.