Introduction
Magadha Shakthi Peeth is the place where Devi Sati’s Right Thigh fell. Here Devi is worshipped as Sarvanandakari (also known as Bari Patan Devi) and Lord Shiva as Vyomkesha. It is also believed that Devi Sati’s “pat” (cloth) fell at Patna and the Devi is called as Choti Patan Devi.
Location
Magadha Shakthi Peeth also known as Bari Patan Devi temple is located at Maharajganj, about 10 kms east from Patna Junction Railway Station, Bihar. Patna, being one of the ancient cities of India has derived its name from Patan Devi temples, the presiding deity. The Choti Patan Devi temple is located in Patna City Chowk, about two miles from Patna City Railway Station. The temple can be reached easily from Patna bus stand. Gulzarbagh Railway station which is about half a mile from Magadha Shakthi Peeth is the nearest rail station. Several local transports such as rickshaws, taxis are available to reach the temple.
Temple History
The Bari Patan Devi and Choti Patan Devi temples are ancient temples. They are rebuilt from time to time. The temple architecture is in Brahmanical style with liberal use of marble and mosaic stones.
The Bari Patan Devi temple faces the north. At the entrance of the temple is a portico leading to the sanctum where the images of goddess Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati are in a standing position on a pedestal. The deities are carved out of black stone. All the three deities are dressed in a sari with a mukut(Kirit) crown adorning the head.
Choti Patan Devi temple faces the south-east direction. This temple also has the same goddess as in Bari Patan Devi temple. There is also a big statue of the Sun god, broken into two parts located at the northern compound side of the Choti Patan Devi temple. There are images of other gods and goddess in the western compound of the temple complex. There is also an image of Devi Parvati made out of black stone in a standing position, in the temple complex. The image of Devi Parvati is believed to be 100 years old. There is also a temple of Lord Shiva built in 1950 to the right side of Devi Parvati statue.
The temple is open from 6.00 a.m to 10.00 p.m.
Puranic References
According to one puranic reference, the right thigh of Devi Sati fell near Maharajganj and the pat (cloth) fell at Chowk from which three small deities goddess Maa MahaKali, Maa Mahalakshmi and Maa Mahasaraswati emerged. The names of goddess Bari Patan Devi and Choti Patan Devi are derived from the word “Pat” (clothes) which fell at Maharajganj and Chowk. The goddess are said to be the guarding deities who protected the founder of Pataliputra- Putraka*. A stone image was found in a tank near the temple which is kept in the eastern veranda of the temple and is worshipped as a goddess.
*Putraka was a mythological king who created the city by a magic stroke for his queen Patali, meaning “Trumpet flower”, which gives the ancient city its name of Pataligram. In honour of the first born to the queen, the city was named as Pataliputra.
Rituals and Beliefs
The deities at the temple are given a ceremonial bath (abhishek) daily in the morning followed by doop, deep and Nyvaidya. Daily morning Aarti accompanied by customary recitation of hymns is offered to the goddess. Tuesday is considered to be most auspicious day for visiting the Patan Devi temples. Usually newly married couple or new born babies are brought to the temple for seeking the blessings of the deities.
It is said that whenever there is an epidemic of small pox in the city, people pray to Patan Devi by offering sweets to the deities. This practice is prevalent even to this day in Patna.
Festivals and Fairs
Navaratri during Ashwija masa (Sep- Oct) is celebrated with great fervour. During Saptami, Durga Ashtami and Mahanavami, people throng in large numbers to the temples to offer prayers to the deities. A fair is also held on Vijayadashmi. Devotees offer saris, sweets, flowers and fruits to the deities. Goats and pigeons are also offered to the deities on special days.
