Goddess Sankulai, popular known as Maa Sankulai, is a powerful manifestation of Mother Goddess Shakti and is mainly worshipped in the Ganjam district of Odisha.
The most famous temple of Goddess Sankulai is located at Antarpada village near Balipadar, Ganjam district. The deity is highly revered by the local people and they offer prayers for wish fulfillment, good harvest, before journey and for health children in the family.
To reach the temple of Sankulai Maa once has to start the journey from Kalamba Village to Chandanpedi Village crossing Balipadar and then reach Anatarpada and the temple is located here.
The temple of Goddess Sankulai is very small.
Legend has it that the goddess saved a king of Bhanja dynasty. The king was captured by enemies and bound with chains. As the Goddess opened the chains and rescued the king she came to be known as Goddess Sankulai – the one who opened the chain.
Thousands of devotees visit the temple during Tuesdays in Chaitra Month (March – April). Navratri and Dasara are important festivals in the temple.