Varsha PandeyMahamaya Temple is in the old fort area on the banks of the River Khaaroon near Maharajbandh Temple in Raipur.
The commanding deity is known as Mahamaya, a goddess possessed with all good qualities, supposed to be the blend of the powers of Lords Vishnu and Shiva.
She is also known as Durga and Mahishasura Mardini or Jagadambe.
The original temple constructed in the Kalchuri era has been refurbished many times later.
Nearby is the Samaleswari temple dedicated to Goddess Samlai.
the most religiously celebrated, architecturally superb, and culturally rich temples of southeast India.
Location of Mahamaya Temple
Adashakti Maa Mahamaya Devi Divine Temple is in the ancient mythical city of Ratanpur of Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh.
The Mahamaya Temple is one of the 52 Shakti Peethas in India, making it a prominent pilgrimage site with thousands of devotees visiting each year.
Establishment of Mahamaya Temple
Mahamaya Temple was built between the 12th and 13th centuries and dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Saraswati.
This temple is also dedicated to Goddess Mahamaya who is known as the deity of the state in which it is located.
Ratanpur is also known as the city most visited during pilgrimages as it is a city with numerous temples.
Many idols of all the religious gods and goddesses can be found here and the city is surrounded by ponds and trees, so people will enjoy their stay in this city and the countryside.
Architectural style of Mahamaya Temple
The Mahamaya temple was built in the Nagara architectural style and was built by Kalachuris Regin.
History
According to legend, it is said that Goddess Kali appeared at the very place where the temple was built and King Ratnadeva had a darshan of the Goddess. It is also said that there are three idols namely Goddess Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Goddess Kali, later when the temple was built in 1552 AD, the idol of Goddess Lakshmi and Saraswati remained. Idols of Lord Shiva and Hanuman Ji are also found near the Mahamaya temple. Schedule
Opening Time
Ratanpur Mahamaya Temple is open from 06:00 to 20:30 (During festival season, the temple is open all day)
Can’t see mother’s idol with open eyes
There is a belief in the miraculous Maa Mahamaya temple that the idol of Maa Mahamaya cannot be seen with the naked eye, due to which the idol of Maa Mahamaya is kept locked in a box.
That’s why another idol has also been established as a symbol in the temple, which is worshiped by the devotees.
Dol Jatra Festival is organized here every year on Chaitra Krishna Paksha Pareva (Amavasya).
During this, the manjusha (box) is placed on a platform outside the temple and after that, the chief priest of the temple worships the mother.
But while worshiping, the priest is blindfolded.
The chief priest of the temple conducts puja on special occasions.
The history of the temple is related to this movement.
It is said that the history of the famous Mahamaya temple is linked to the Larka movement.
Local people say that a person named Barju Ram from Hapamuni village was worshiping Maa Mahamaya in the temple.
At the same time, outsiders attacked here and killed Barju Ram’s wife and child.
Barju’s friend Radho Ram tells Barju that his wife and child have been murdered.
After this Radho Ram fought with the attackers with the power of Maa Mahamaya.
Then Maa Mahamaya appeared and told Radho Ram that they can fight alone with these invaders, but if they look back, they will be beheaded.
By the grace of Maa Bhagwati, Radho Ram started conquering the attackers with his sword, but as soon as he looked back, his head was severed.
The place where Radho Ram used to worship, today there is a samadhi of both of them.
The main temple is still made of tiles. There are idols of many deities in the temple.
Tantrik Peeth is the Mahamaya Temple
The period in which the Mahamaya temple was established was one of great upheaval.
At that time it was said that ghosts reside here.
That’s why Tantrik gathered here and worship started.
It is believed that criminals were brought here to take the oath.
The criminal used to confess his crime even before going inside the temple.
At that time people used to believe the words of the priest of the temple.
How To Reach
By air
Raipur Airport is the nearest one.
By train
The nearest station is Surajpur Railway Station and a taxi from there.
By road
Surajpur bus stand is the nearest one and a taxi from there.
