Mahamaya Temple, Ratanpur, Chattisgarh

Mahamaya Temple, Ratanpur, Chattisgarh

Mahamaya Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sakthi located in Ratanpur Town in Bilaspur District in Chattisgarh State, India. Goddess Mahamaya is also known as Kosaleswari, presiding deity of old Dakshin Kosala region (modern Chhattisgarh state). The Temple is considered as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. Being one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of Hindu Mythology, this temple is one of the holiest sites for devotees of the Shakti sect of Hinduism.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/05/mahamaya-temple-ratanpur-legends.html

History

The Temple was believed to be built by Kalachuri King Ratnadeva I in 1050 CE. The Temple was renovated in 1492 AD by King Bahar Sai. The shrines for Lakshmi and Saraswathi were built by him.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards North. The Temple follows Nagara style of architecture. There is a huge water tank situated beside the temple. The temple is surrounded by a 18 inch thick boundary wall. The main gate of the temple is adorned with large metal sculptures, one on either side. One sculpture depicts Shiva carrying dead body of Sati and another sculpture depicts Shiva gulping Halahala (poison) which came out of churning the ocean.

There are two rampant lions on either side of the entrance  gate. The gate leads to the inner courtyard. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of 16 pillared Mandapam and Sanctum. There are two idols present in the sanctum. One idol is Mahamaya in the form of Mahishasuramardhini and second idol is Saraswathi, placed behind the former idol. There are two inscriptions at the entrance of the mandapa dated to the reign of Haihaya King Vahara in 1495 CE.

The main complex of the temple houses the smaller idols of Goddess Mahakali, Bhadrakali, Sun god, Lord Vishnu, Lord Hanuman, Bhairav and Lord Shiva. Most of the idols and motifs used in the temple might have been taken from ancient temple ruins. Some of them were taken from Jain Temples. The main temple is surrounded by huge halls where Jyoti Kalashas are lit on behalf of the devotees. The Kalashas are kept alive for the entire nine days of Navratri.

Festivals

Chaitra Navratri, Ram Navami, Vasantha Navratri, Maha Navratri and Diwali are celebrated in this temple with much fanfare.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Ratanpur Bus Stand. Ratanpur is located at about 25 Kms from Bilaspur, 30 Kms from Bilaspur Junction Railway Station, 38 Kms from Bilaspur Airport, 65 Kms from Pali, 142 Kms from Raipur and 159 Kms from Raipur Airport. Ratanpur is situated on NH 130 connects Bilaspur to Ambikapur. Frequent Buses are available from Bilaspur.

Location | Photos