Mathiyana Devi Temple, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand

Mathiyana Devi Temple, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand

Mathiyana Devi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sakthi, located near to Rudraprayag in Uttarakhand State, India. The Temple is located in Bhardhar Patti above the village of Mathiyana Khal near Tilwara. This temple is considered as one of the popular 51 Siddh / Shakti Peeth. This temple is maintained by the Gram Panchayat Jakholi Bhramans. Mathiyana Devi is the clan deity of Bhardari Dynasty. The temple premises offer beautiful views of Himalaya ranges. Navaratri is celebrated here with much fanfare.

Legends

Sakthi Peetha:

As per a legend, when Daksha (Sati’s father) organized a Yagna, he did not invite Sati and Shiva. But Sati still went to meet her father and mother. However, Daksha, who loathed Shiva, did not receive her warmly and said disrespectful things. This angered Sati and she committed self-immolation in the fire pit of yagna Kund, due to an insult committed by her father Daksha towards her consort Lord Shiva during the Yaga. Raged by the death of Sati, Lord Shiva destroyed the Yaga of Daksha and with the body of Sati in his hands started to do 'Tandava'.

Lord Vishnu cut the dead body of Goddess Sati with his Sudarshan to free Lord Shiva from the grief caused by her death. Parts of the dead body of Goddess Sati were scattered to fifty-one different places, which were consecrated as Shakti Pithas. The Mathiyana Devi Temple is one among them. But this story can also be a myth because Mathiyana Devi Temple is not mentioned in the list of Siddh Peeth.

Mathiyana Devi:

According to the ancient folk tale, Mathiyana Devi was the Dhyani of Sirwadi Garh Dynasty. She married to the prince of Tibet. Her husband is murdered with the help of her stepmother by the help of some rebels. In the sorrow of her husband’s death, she goes to Suraj Prayag for suicide. Goddess appears in front of her in Suraj Prayag. Then Goddess punishes all the culprits responsible for her husband death. She settles there for public welfare. Jagara is organized in this temple every 3 years in which the saga of the goddess is mentioned.

Prayers

It is believed that the devotees who go to this temple with the empty stomach, their desire is fulfilled. And on completion of the wish, the devotee raises a bell in this temple.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Saunda, 26 Kms from Dangi Bhardar, 36 Kms from Rudraprayag, 66 Kms from Srinagar, 66 Kms from Karnaprayag, 99 Kms from Pauri, 174 Kms from Rishikesh, 171 Kms from Rishikesh Railway Station, 194 Kms from Haridwar, 195 Haridwar Railway Junction, 189 Kms from Dehradun Airport and 421 Kms from New Delhi Airport. Mathiyana Devi Temple is easy to access. Devotees can reach the temple, by taking bus or taxi. Devotees have to trek around 2 Kms from main road to reach this Temple.

There are two ways to reach the temple. The first way is from Srinagar from where the visitors have to come via Tilbada and Saunda village. From Saunda village, the visitors have to walk about 2 Kms to reach the temple. The second way is from Kirti Nagar from which the visitors have to travel via Badyargad, Saurakhal village. Nearest Railway Stations are located at Rishikesh and Haridwar. Nearest Airport is Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun.

Location