Historically, the temple was located inside the 'Majhighari' (Middle Room) of the Rayagada Fort built by King Vishwanath Dev of the Jeypore kingdom. When the fort was destroyed during subsequent regional wars and the British era, the deity remained in the same spot. For a long period, the deity was worshipped under the open sky or a temporary shed, emphasizing her raw, elemental power, before the modern structure was erected.

The Modern Shrine and the Sacred Spot

The current temple architecture is relatively modern but follows the Odishan Kalinga style of temple building with a prominent Vimana (tower). However, the heart of the temple—the sanctum—is unique. The deity is not a full-body stone idol but a set of sacred stones representing the Goddess, placed exactly where the 'Middle Room' of the ancient fort once stood. The temple walls are painted with vibrant murals depicting the various forms of Shakti and scenes from local folklore.

The Goddess is considered a form of Durga. Local legend says that when the King of Jeypore shifted his capital, he installed his family deity in the middle of his palace complex for maximum protection. Over time, the palace vanished, but the 'Mother of the Middle Room' (Majhighariani) stayed back to protect the common people. She is often seen as a sister to Goddess Manikeswari of Bhawanipatna.

Worship here is unique because it is open to all, reflecting the egalitarian nature of tribal culture. The rituals are a blend of high-tantric Vedic poojas and indigenous folk offerings. Devotees often offer 'Aruna' (red cloth), bangles, and incense. It is common to see people from all walks of life—from top government officials to local Kondh tribesmen—standing in the same queue for the Mother's blessings.

The most significant event is the Chaitra Parba (March-April), which lasts for several days. It features traditional tribal dances, massive animal sacrifices (symbolic or actual depending on current regulations), and a grand carnival atmosphere. Thousands of devotees from neighboring Andhra Pradesh cross the border to participate in this festival.

Maa Majhighariani is locally famous as the 'Goddess of the Railway'. Since Rayagada is a major railway junction on the Raipur-Vizianagaram line, many railway workers and drivers believe that the Goddess protects the tracks and the trains. It is a common modern tradition for train drivers to slow down or sound the whistle as they pass near the temple area as a mark of respect. Additionally, it is believed that no structure can be built taller than the temple's Shikhara in the immediate vicinity out of reverence for her supreme authority over the 'Middle Room'.