History, Importance, Timings, Architecture, Activities, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Mahamaya Devi Temple, Ratanpur, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India
The Mahamaya Temple is situated at Ratanpur of Bilaspur district (Chhattisgarh). The temple is devoted to Goddess Durga and Mahalaxmi. It is one of the 52 shrines of Shakti (godly feminine) in India. Mahamaya is the goddess of both creation and destruction. She is believed to be the one who creates and destroys Maya (affection). Raja Ratnadeva, the king of Kalachur built this temple in 1045 AD. The temple is more than 900 years old. Mahamaya is the manifestation of Goddess Parvati and the wife of Lord Shiva’s manifestation Mahakala. Goddess Durga (Parvati) helped Lord Vishnu to kill the demons Kaitabha and Madhu, in the form of Mahamaya.
History of Mahamaya Devi Temple, Ratanpur, Bilaspur
People believe that King Ratnadeva built the temple accurately at the same spot, where he dreamt of Goddess Kali. There is a story behind it. Raja Ratandeva transferred his capital from Tuman to Ratanpur. One fine evening he went to Ratanpur for hunting. After getting tired, he decided to take some rest under a tree near the temple. At the midnight, his sleep was interrupted by a strong light. He woke up and saw the temple of Mahamaya in progress. He saw Goddess Mahamaya present there with her assistants. Later on, he decided to build the temple. The old temple was made for three Goddesses – Mahakali, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Saraswati. The old temple was built in the 12th and 13th centuries. Later on, Mahakali left the old temple. Thereafter, King Bahar Sai built the new temple for Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati. He constructed the temple in 1492 AD. There are temples of Lord Shiva and Hanuman in the complex. People of Ratanpur believe Mahamaya as their ancestral deity (Kuldevi). There is a reservoir beside the temple. Local people believe that the pond has some historical value. The Panchamukhi Shiv Mandir beside the Mahamaya temple has a historical value. Legends believe that the Mahamaya figurine originated from the Shiv Mandir. Devotees believe, that if you wish for anything from Shiva, after performing the rituals, he grants your wishes. Inside the campus, there is a dual figurine of Mahamaya, facing the main pond and the Kanthi Dewal temple. Legends believe that the backward figurine is of Goddess Saraswati and the front one is of Mahishasur Mardini (Durga).
Architecture of Mahamaya Devi Temple, Ratanpur, Bilaspur
The architecture of the temple is influenced by the Nagara method. The temple stands facing the north side, beside a huge water tank. The Kanthi Dewal temple is an architectural delight. The temple has four gates with beautiful notches. The main sanctum with a fine courtyard was built in the 18th century. The Archeological Survey of India reconstructed the temple recently. Though, they kept the original architecture intact.
Festivals celebrated here at Mahamaya Devi Temple, Ratanpur, Bilaspur
As the temple is devoted to Goddess Durga, the Durga Puja and Navaratri are celebrated here. Navratri is a 9 days long festival. Visitors from various parts of Chhattisgarh come to visit the deity during the festival. The temple priest arranges special pujas and Abhishek at this time. Devotees undergo nine days long fast at the time of the festival. People travel miles barefoot just to have a visit to the deity. The temple gets beautifully decorated during Navaratri.
Mahamaya Devi Temple, Ratanpur, Bilaspur Daily darshan time
The temple opens at 5.00 am and closes at 7.00 pm every day. The schedule may change occasionally. The devotees can visit the deity from 5.30 am to 6.45 pm.
Special rituals followed at Mahamaya Devi Temple, Ratanpur, Bilaspur
Two types of Aartis are arranged during worship the morning Aarti starts at 5.30 am. The time for evening Aarti is 6.30 pm.
Best time to visit here - Mahamaya Devi Temple, Ratanpur, Bilaspur
The best time to visit the temple on Navaratri. Thousands of visitors come here during this time.
To know more about the temple, people can contact this number - +91 77532 55526.
Being one of the Shakti Peethas, the temple is a well-known tourist spot. People traveling to Chhattisgarh visit this temple once in their lifetime. The environment of the temple is very peaceful and positive.
How to Reach Mahamaya Temple, Ratanpur, Bilaspur, The important city and district of Chhattisgarh, India
There are many ways to reach the temple. The nearby airport is the Raipur airport. The closest railway station is the Raipur railway station. Raipur, Jabalpur, and Rajnandgaon are the nearest bus stops. Bilaspur being district headquarter of Bilaspur Distirct and important city of 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 Bilaspur more convenient in terms of travel, accommodation and other services. Bilasa Devi Kevat Airport is located at Chakarbhatta is just 10 km away from the city from where you can get flight to all major cities of India. Bilaspur has major rail junction from where you can get train to almost all part of country. It also serves as railway headquarters for South East Central Railway Zone and the Bilaspur Railway Division. Bilaspur is located at 152 km from Durg, 115 km from Raipur, 396 km from Nagpur, 317 km from Jabalpur, 92 km from Korba, 148 from Raigarh, 205 km from Dongargarh, 109 km from Sirpur.
