History, Importance, Timings, Water Fall, Holy Bath, Navratri Celebration, Architecture, Activities, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Shri Jatmai Ghatarani Temple, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
The Jatmai Mata Mandir also famous as Shri Jatmayi Ghatarani Temple is located in the Gariaband district of Chhattisgarh. The district is almost 80 km away from the capital city, Raipur. The temple is solely devoted to the goddess Durga. The temple is situated in an exquisite location. There are few water streams adjoining the shrine. The water touches the feet of the deity while flowing down the rocks. The local people believe that the streams are the attendants of the deity. The temple is a well-known tourist spot because of its scenic beauty. The Ghatarani temple is located at a 25 km distance from the Jatmai temple. Both of the temples have a visual beauty because of the water streams. People take a plunge in the water stream before entering the temple.
History of Jatmai Mata Mandir
There is a large Shiva Linga present on the temple premises. The Shiva Linga has enthralling legendary stories behind it. People believe that it was impossible to move the Shiva Linga from its place. The place belonged to a group of fishermen in ancient times. When the fishermen decided to move from the place, they wanted to take the Shiva Linga with them. They started to dig the surroundings deeper to take the Linga out. Every time they were digging the soil, the Shiva Linga was going in deeper into the crack. It was becoming impossible to take the Linga out. Later on, they were tired of trying. So, they left the idol there. Eventually, the two temples were built surrounding the Shiva Linga.
Architecture of Shri Jatmai Ghatarani Temple, Raipur
The main appeal of the temple is its location. The temple looks more beautiful in the middle of the forest. The architecture is very astonishing. The temple is designed with a gigantic tower, followed by many smaller ones. They form the shape of a Shikara. The shrine is brilliantly engraved in granite. It gives an elegant look. There are many legendary frescos in the doorway of the shrine. There are few stairs from the entrance to reach the sanctum. The deity is present in the sanctum.
Special Rituals followed at Shri Jatmai Ghatarani Temple, Raipur
The regular worship starts with morning Aarti. There is a particular time for this. The temple priest performs the worship with special chants. They read the chants with huge devotion. Devotees, who visit the temple to offer pooja to the deity, request for special Archana. The rituals are changed at the time of Navratri.
Festivals celebrated here at Shri Jatmai Ghatarani Temple, Raipur
Navratri is the main festival celebrated in the temple. The festival is celebrated for 9 days. The rituals and pooja timings get changed during the festival. Visitors participate in this festival with great devotion and zeal. The temple gets decorated with candles and lights. The view of the temple looks mesmerizing at the time of the festival. The forest looks brighter with the decoration of the temple. The priest gives a makeover to the deity with new outfits and heavy ornaments. Overall, the Navratri celebration is a must-watch at this temple.
Shri Jatmai Ghatarani Temple, Raipur, Daily Darshan time
The morning pooja starts at 5.00 am.
At 12 noon, the priest prepares the deity for the noon pooja.
The evening pooja starts at 7.00 pm.
The morning Aarti starts at 5.30 am and the evening Aarti at 6.30 pm. Devotees can visit the deity as per their suitable time. Though, the timings of worship might change at the time of the festivals.
Best Time to Visit Shri Jatmai Ghatarani Temple, Raipur
If you want to enjoy the majestic view of the waterfall behind the temple, the monsoon is the best option. The surrounding becomes more beautiful during the monsoon. Thousands of visitors gather here at this time.
The temple is a famous travel destination because of its location. Every year many people visit there just to witness the amazing view. The temple looks more beautiful during the festivals. It is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist spots in Chhattisgarh.
How to Reach Shri Jatmai Ghatarani Temple, near Raipur, The Capital of Chhattisgarh, India
There are many means of transport to reach the temple, The closest airport is the Raipur airport, which is located 77 km away from the temple. The nearest railway station is the Raipur station. The temple is 85 km away from the rail station. Public buses are available from Raipur, to reach the forest. Although, a private car is the most suitable option if you are traveling by road. The Pandri bus stand is another convenient option to take buses.
Raipur being capital city along with important district Chhattisgarh, it is very well connected with all major cities of India via road, rail and air network. Lots of peoples visits here throughout the year which makes Raipur more convenient in terms of travel, accommodation and other services. Raipur has major airport which is located just at a distance of around 15 km from the city from where you can get flight to all major cities of India. Raipur has major rail junction from where you can get train to almost all part of country. Raipur is located at 40 km from Durg, 115 km from Bilaspur, 284 km from Nagpur, 350 km from Jabalpur, 215 km from Korba, 246 from Raigarh, 109 km from Dongargarh, 83 km from Sirpur.
