Introduction
Hindu temples are a link between man, deities and the Universal Godhood. Vedic traditions and the Hindu way of life are condensed in an esoteric way in the construction of the temple. The main theme underlying a Hindu temple is to focus the mind on the deity away from the distractions of daily life. In ancient India, temples were not only sacred places of worship but also the central hub to celebrate arts through dance and music, perform significant events like child birth, thread ceremony, marriage and other important events as well as places for economic and social activity including centres of education. The Mahamaya Devi temple in Ratanpur in the Bilaspur district of Chhatisgarh is one of the most famous temples of Chhatisgarh as it is one of the 52 Shakti Peethas spread across India.
History
The temple was said to have been built in the 12th century during the reign of Kalchuri dynasty by King Ratnadev on the spot where the King is said to have had a vision of Goddess Kali who was then venerated here as the Kuldevi of Ratanpur kingdom.
Temple Description
The temple is built beside a huge water tank in the Nagara style of architecture. The image of the Goddess Mahamaya is dual, the front image is of Goddess Mahishasuramardini and the rear image is of Goddess Saraswati which is supported by 16 columns. There are pillars, domes and forts located around the temple. The temple was later renovated by the Kalchuri King Prithvideva in the 15th century. The walls of the temple have sculptures of Goddess Lakshmi. There are ponds near the temple which add beauty to the place.
Other Temples
The other temples around the main temple are Pancha Mukhi Shiv Mandir and Kanthi Dewal. The Shiv Mandir is made of red stone and is said to grant the desires of pilgrims if a coconut (Shriphal) is wrapped in a red cloth on the tree in front of it with the prescribed puja. The Kanthi Dewal temple is also made of red stone and is octagonal in shape. Its walls are decorated with 9th and 12th-century sculptures with Moghul and Hindu type of architecture. Inside the temple is the Shiva Linga where pilgrims perform puja with milk and water. Besides this, there is the Kal Bhairav temple, Lakhani Devi temple, Hanuman Mandir, Ram Tekri Mandir and Vrideshwar Nath Mandir. Kal Bhairav is said to be the doorkeeper of Devi and hence devotees visit the temple before they enter the Mahamaya temple.
Festivals
Navratras are performed twice a year for nine days each, namely the Chaitra (Jawara) Navratras which is a fortnight after Holi and the Shardiya (Kwaar) Navratras during Dussehra. Jyothi Kalashas are lit in the big halls surrounding the main temple on the nine days of Navratra referred to as Akhanda Manokamna Navratra Jyothi Kalashas. They can be lit by oil (Taiil Jyothi Kalash) or by ghee (Ghrit Jyothi Kalash) by devotees who pay prescribed subscription for them. There are lifelong subscriptions allowed for these Kalashas and devotees send contributions from countries all over the world like UK, US, Canada and others to light the Kalashas. It is believed that the Goddess grants all desires and so pilgrims throng the temple to either watch their particular Kalash or offer fasts and prayers with great devotion and zeal. Nearly 25000 Kalashas are lit in the temple halls on behalf of the devotees.
Social activities
The management and organisation of the temple is done by the Sidh Shakti Peeth Shri Mahamaya Devi Mandir Trust which also performs several social service activities for society like spreading knowledge of Sanskrit and Vedas which is run by their educational institute Mahamaya Vedic Sanskrit Vidyapeeth. It is open to all irrespective of caste or creed and as a mark of encouragement, free lunch is provided to the participants. Free Community marriage ceremonies and thread ceremonies are organised by the trust in Vedic traditions. This helps to combat dowry menace and relieve the financial burden of the families. The Trust runs a Homeopathy Hospital and free medical camps and medicines are distributed to patients. Tricycles are distributed to physically challenged people and cultural traditions are encouraged by organising activities like folk music, bhajans and ballets.
How To Reach
Air – The nearest airport is Mana airport or the Swami Vivekananda International airport located at Raipur which is at a distance of 130 km from the temple.
Rail – The nearest railway station is Bilaspur station which is connected to all major cities.
Road – The nearest bus terminus is at Bilaspur which is at a distance of 25 km and which is connected to all neighbouring towns and cities. Taxi services are also available to the city as the temple is situated on the Bilaspur – Ambikapur state highway.
Accommodation
There are two Dharamshalas managed by the trust which are free of charge. There is also paid accommodation at Bilaspur city which is 25 km away from the temple.
Conclusion
Temples in ancient India were built in different styles of architecture reflecting the dynasties that ruled during that period. They were the hub of society inspiring the people towards discovery of higher truths and awareness of the inner Self by offering worship to the deity of their choice. Hundreds of devotees visit the temple to take darshan of the beautiful dual statue of the Goddess Mahamaya and to visit Ratanpur which was the capital of then Kalchuri Kings. The temple has attracted archaeologists and historians and has even been reconstructed by the Archaeological survey of India to enable it to be preserved for posterity. It is visited by pilgrims from all over the world as they believe that the all powerful Goddess grants wishes, bestowing happiness on one and all.
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