Goddess Lobhi is worshipped mainly in Angul District in Odisha.
She is also known as Lovi and the name of the Goddess means ‘greediness.’ People
say that this greediness is positive and is associated with greediness of
devotion, offerings and to sacrifice egoism.
Legend has it that the Goddess was originally worshipped by
demon king Ravana. After Rama killed Ravana, the Goddess followed Bhagavan Sri
Ram to Ayodhya and on the way, she settled at Garh Santry in Ankul District.
The main offering done by devotees to Goddess Lobhi is
tonsuring of hair.
The Goddess is worshipped for peace and prosperity. It is
believed that she blesses children with long life and good health.
The main festival dedicated to her known as Lobhi Thakurani
Yatra is observed on the Kartik Purnima day (full moon day in November). In the
festival, the murti of the Goddess worshipped at Garh Santry is taken to a
nearby village temple in a huge procession, which includes drums, music and
dance.