Kalijai Temple is located on an island in Chilika Lake. It is considered to be the abode of the Goddess Kalijai. Goddess Kalijai is actually Kali, the source and the first 'Mahavidya' of 'Dasmahavidyas'. Highly revered by the local populace, the deity has been venerated in the local folklores and legends. The island provides an excellent destination for pilgrims as well as tourists. Every year in January, a huge gala fair is held during the festival of Makar Sankranti.
The local folks used to hear their cries in the Kalijai Island area. But when the temple was constructed the cries of the sisters were no more being heard at night that proved some auspicious and sacred reasons for it. The area is easily accessible from Barkul. The impressive part of this area is that the flocks of peacocks roam here, mingling with the devotees. Earlier fishermen used to visit the temple before venturing into the deep sea, but nowadays, it's just another tourist spot.
