Uchhaith Durga Temple, Uchhaith, Benipatty,Madhubani, Bihar, India.

Uchhaith Durga Temple, Uchhaith, Benipatty, Madhubani, Bihar, India.

Location

Uchhaith Durga Temple is located in the village, Uchhaith, subdivision Benipatty, district Madhubani in the state of Bihar. It is a famous temple of Mithila region and visited by a number of  deotees regularly

Devi Bhagwati is believed to be in Jagrat (awaken) state and a Siddhpeeth. In front of the main temple, a temple of Lord Shiva is situated along with small temples of other Gods constructed by the devotees time to time. There is a hall in the temple campus in which the images related to the life history of Kalidas are kept and maintained beautifully.

[ Temple of  Bhagwati]

[ C M of Bihar at the Temple ]

A tributory of River Kamla is flowing just below the temple. In the south east side of the temple there is a Sanskrit school known as the school of Kalidas (the great Poet) as per the villagers and survey records. It is believed that four Vedas were read and taught here in the ancient time.

There is a pond in the temple campus which was cleaned a few years ago and a number of images were found in it. The images were transferred to Patna museum for its historical importance.

The priest inside the temple are all of Vaishnava cult. The temple is their ancestral property. There is no trust or temple committee to maintain the temple. 

The ladies of the locality bring pitha made of flour and milk as a special offer for the Goddess on Vijaya Dashmi.

The earth of the temple campus is believed as a pious and powerful earth..The local people take away with him a small amount of earth, from the temple campus and make small Pindis (small globes) in there houses on the occasion of sacred thread (janeu) of their sons. 

A small amount of the earth is kept in Darbhanga at Mithila Institute of Post Graduate Studies and Research in Sanskrit.

Legend (Story of Kalidas)

According to a legend there was a Sanskrit school on the east side of the temple. A river Kamala was flowing in the middle of the school and the temple.

According to a story, Kalidas (the great poet) being neglected by his wife came to the school and appointed there as a cook. 

He was illiterate. After some time, in the rainy season heavy rain started which resulted, a severe flood in the river. The Puja, rituals evening lighting and Aarti were managed by the students of the school. But today, crossing the river in such a situation was felt impossible. Then they planned to send Kalidas for this work. They thought that he is a foolish and poor, so prepare him to go to the temple would not be difficult for them. Any how they convinced him and Kalidas became ready to go to the temple. They also told Kalidas to leave any mark in the temple as a proof of his presence 

Kalidas became agree and jumped in to such a swollen and turbulent water of the river and any how managed to cross it. He then went to the temple lighted the lamp and did Puja and rituals there. 

Now he started to think about the proof of his arrival to the temple. He saw that the roof above the lamp was black due to the burning of the lamp. He took some soot of the lamp and wanted to write some thing on the wall. But he found no space for it. 

Then he wanted to put it on the face of Maa Bhagawati. Mata Bhagwati then appeared before him and  hold his hand and told that I am pleased by your devotion that in such a flood you came here regardless of fear of life. 

She told him to ask whatever he wish. Now, he recalled the abuse of his wife for his foolishness and asked Devi to give him knowledge, education and wisdom. Devi then directed him to go to the school and touch as many books as he can. Immediately after this incident he returned to the school and touched all the books of Vedas and other holy books belonging to the students. 

In this way, he became a renowned scholar just by touching books. Later on, this great poet of Sanskrit wrote mahakavya like Kumashambhava, Raghubansa, and Meghdoota etc

According to an another legend famous among the locals, Late Maharajadhiraj Sir Rameshwar Singh of Darbhanga desired to reinstate the head of the image.

An order was passed and the head of the image was carved out. After that Maharajadhiraj had a dream that I am the creator of the world and you want to create my head, is it a right decision taken by you. 

This makes the Maharaja disturbed mentally. The same dream also happened to the Head priest of the temple. After a discussion it was decided to place the carved head beside the image, keeping usual offerings.  The stone head is still lying in the temple precincts and Puja and rituals are done in usual way.

How to Reach

By rail

Madhubani is the nearest railway station connected to the major cities of India. Direct trains for Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, are available from Madhubani.

By road

North Bihar have now good roads. one can reach here by his own car or taxi conveniently.

By air

Patna is the nearest airport. From Patna airport one can reach Mdhubani in 4 - 5 hours.

Where to Stay

Madhubani is a District town. Although star Hotels are not available, but medium and lower budget hotels are many. Madhubani is the main centre of Mithila culture. One can see and know about its beauty after a brief stay.

Must watch this Video:

Chhat Feitival in Mithila,Bihar, India.

Chhath Puja in Mithila (Bihar)

History in brief

Mithila, as described in Hindu Epic Ramayana, was the kingdom of King Janaka (also known as Videha). King Videha was not only a brave king but was also well versed in Vedas and Shashtras like Rishi Maharshi. He was a Karmyogi having no attachment with the luxury of the kingdom.

At present, almost half area of Bihar and few districts of Nepal is known as Mithila region.

Darbhaga is a district of Bihar and is the main centre of Mithila culture and its related activity. In Mithila tradition there are many festivals and fairs celebrated and enjoyed with gaiety, enthusiasm in his own style. Excluding the National festivals the main festivals of Mithila and Bihar is Chhat Puja. The history relates Chhath puja to the period of Mahabharat. It is believed that Karna, the son of Sun God started the rituals of Chhath Puja to Honor Sun God.

Chhath Puja

Chhat Puja is basically, worshipping Sun God on the sixth day of bright half of Hindi month Kartik, generally falls in October – November. It is also called Surya shashthi. The origin of this festival is Mithila and later on it spread ed in rest of Bihar and other states of India. Chhath is considered as thanks and gratitude to Sun God sustaining the life on earth and a request for granting of certain wishes of devotees. In Hindu belief Sun is among an important God and a source of energy.

It is a four days celebration which includes fasting, preparing prasad, rituals and other works. It is a festival in which cleanliness is must and maintained at every stage from beginning to the end.

Day 01 (Nahay Khay celebration)

On this day, the main devotee, or Chhath brati (mostly lady) take a holy dip in the river nearby preferably Ganga,or Kosi. Where there is no river, the devotees used to take bath at home. They bring water of holy river that is used in preparing special offerings. The house and its compound is cleaned properly in all respect. The main devotee or the Chhath brati is called Parvaitin. She is supposed to take meal once, on this day. It is the 4th day of the Hindi month Kartik.

[ Parvaitins bringing water ]

Day 02 (Panchami)

This day is also known as Kharna. Again, the house is cleaned properly. The main devotee observe fasting for the whole day and break the fast after sunset. Worshipping earth Goddess is performed at this time. The offerings prepared today are kheer (made of rice and milk), Puri, Banana. Raw sugar (gur) only is used to prepare any sweet item of the offering. This offering is called Kharna prsadam and distributed among the relatives and friends. The fast of the Chhath brati starts from this time which lasts for 36 hrs. This fast is so tough that even a mouthful water is not allowed to take during fast.

[ Prepairing Kharna Prasaddam ]

Day 03 (sanjhia aragia)

Sanjhia Arag, literally means the evening prayer of Sun God by pouring water in front of the setting Sun. On this 3rd day the whole family member spent their time in preparing prasadam which are the special one. Before preparing prasadam the utensils being used are washed and cleaned properly. A bath before entering the kitchen is must for everyone involved in preparing prasadam. The offering consists of deep fried sweet rolls of ground wheat flour which is called Thekua or khabouni by the locals. All types of fruits available in the market are brought as offering. Pieces of sugarcane and raw coconut is must in Chhath puja.

The prepared Prasadam and all fruits are kept in a type of container made of bamboo material called Soop. In the evening keeping all Soops in a big basket carried to the reservoir or a pond by one of the family member on his head. All the family members, relatives and neighbours with the parvaitins moves to the pond to make offerings to the setting Sun. Chhat songs are also commonly sung by the devotees. These songs reflects the history, culture and mythology of each state in which the ritual is performed.Though now a days the folk songs are replaced by remixed Bollywood songs.

[ Soops of prasadam] 

[ Kosi riuals]

Large numbers of devotees gathers on the bank of the chat ghat to receive blessings from Sun God and Parvaitin. The scene becomes like a carnival. There after they returned to home.

In the night of the third day witnesses a colourful event known as Kosi. A canopy is made from five sugarcane sticks and earthen lamp lighted below the canopy along with a basket full of prasadam. These five stick represents the five basic elements of nature from which the human body is formed. This ritual is specially performed by the family who had recently celebrated the occasion of a child birth or a marriage ceremony. Later on the lighted earthen lamp is carried to the pond in the morning of the fourth day for worshipping of rising Sun God.

[ chhath offerings] 

[ Lalu ji offering Arag ]

Day 04 (Bihania Aragh)

In the early morning of the fourth day, again go to the same place and in the same way for the morning offering. to Sun God The morning offering is called Bihania Aragh. 

The festival is concluded after the Parvaitin break her fast and Prasadam is distributed among the devotees, friends and relatives present at the chhhath Ghat.

Must watch this video

Murudeshwar Temple, Murudeshwar, Bhatkal, Uttara Kannada, Karnataka, India

Murudeshwar Temple, Murudeshwar, 

Taluka -  Bhatkal, Uttara Kannada, Karnatka, India

Location

Murudeshwara Temple is located in Murudeshwara town, taluka Bhatkal, district Uttara Kannada in Karnataka state of India. It is built on a small hill named Kanduka hill, which is surrounded by the Arabian sea, on three sides.

[123 ft tall Statue of Lord Shiva]

Murudeshwara is a railway station on Kokan railway,2 km away from the temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Murudeshwara is his another name.

The Lingam installed inside the temple is called ATMA LINGAM, (Soul of Shiva). It is believed the Hindu Gods achieved immortality and power by worshiping the devine Atma – Lingam.

The temple is modern and equipped with lift and other facilities generally required by the visitors. The sanctum sanctorum (Garbha Griha) was kept undisturbed and is in its original form even today. That is why, the sanctum is still dark. 

The devotees performing special pujas like Rudrabhisheka, Abhisheka and Radhotsva etc can see the deity standing before the threshold of the sanctum and the Lingam is illuminated by the oil lamps held close by the Priest. The Lingam is a rough rock stone inside a hollowed spot in the ground

Statue of Lord Shiva

There is a large statue of Lord Shiva, 123 ft in height is constructed in the temple complex which is considered as the 2ND tallest statue in the world.

The statue is constructed in such a style that direct sunlight falls on it which made it visible from a long distance. Originally the statue had four arms and was painted in gold paint but one arm having a small drum (Damru) is terminated by the strong wind. The two life size elephant are the guard of the temple at the entrance.

Raja Gopura

A twenty storied and 249 ft high Gopura is constructed over the temple.. The present temple and Gopura as stands now is constructed by a famous businessman and philanthropist R N Shetty of Karnataka. 

At the entrance, two life sized concrete elephant stands as the guard for the temple and Gopura.

[ A 20 Storied GOPURA ]

Meaning of Gopura

Gopura is a large monumental,and pyramidal tower usually constructed over the entrance gate of the temple especially in southern India.

Legend

The legend is almost similar to Baba Baidyanath Lingam Deoghar (Bihar). Murudeshwar, the another name of Shiva.is associated to the period of Lord Rama annd Ravana.

Ravana, the Lanka king wanted to be immortal and powerful by the blessings of Lord Shiva by achieving the Atma - lingam to be installed it in Lanka.

He started deep meditation of Lord Shiva and succeeded to please Him. Lord Shiva is known as most generous Hindu God and is well known for his generosity.

Lord Shiva then appeared before him an asked what he want. Ravana then asked Lord Shiva that he want to establish Atma Lingam at Lanka. At this, Lord Shiva became agree and permitted him to carry with a condtion that it (Atma – Lingam) should not be placed over the ground during the course of his journey to Lanka. Ravana then became agree for it.

All Gods get worried by this happening. Lord Vishnu being the guardian of the universe thought athat if Ravana succeeded in his aim, he may obtain immortality and create havoc on the earth. He then directed Sage Narada to prevent Ravana from carrying Lingam to Lanka.

Lord Vishnu then blocked the Sun to make it appear as dusk. This was the time of doing his rituals for Lord Shiva. As planned by Sage Narada, Lord Ganesha appeared before him in guise of a Brahmin. Ravana then requested him to hold the Lingam till the time of his rituals..

Lord Ganesha warned him that he would call him thrice, if not appeared in time then he would place the Lingam on the earth. As predicted, Ravana could not return in time. Ganesha had already placed the Lingam on the ground. Lord Vishnu then removed the illusion and it was day light again. 

Knowing about the trick, Ravana became angry and tried to damage or uprooted the Lingam from the ground, but he could not Due to the force exerted by Ravana, some pieces scattered and fell down at Suratkal. resulting a temple at this place and named Sadashiva temple

Now Ravana started to damage the covering, lid and, case of Atma Lingam and threw them one by one. Sajjeshwar, Guneshwar, Dhareshwar are the temples constructed where these articles fell down.

Finally Ravana threw the cloth covering of the Lingam to a place which was known as Mrideshwara. Mrideshwara is now known as Murudeshwara.

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Places to visit Nearby 

Murudeshwara temple is treated as a popular pilgrimage centre in south India. It is also a place of tourist interest due to its natural beauty and a picturesque site. The sea on three sides and a small hill having temple on it is a place to watch the sunset. Beautiful beach and Netrani island provides boating, snorkeling, and scuba diving opportunities.

[ Sea Beach]

The visitors become spellbound while watching the spectacular scenery of the Shiva statue and the surrounding exotic location.

Murudeshwara Fort, Sirsi, Karwar, Gokarna, Kollur, Udapi, Manglore, Dharmashthala and Subrmanya are the nearby attractions worth visiting.

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How to Reach

By rail

Murudeshwar is a railway station on konkan railway and is only 2 km away from the temple. Some of the trains from Mumbai and Manglore stop here. But from Banglore one has to take train for Bhatkal.

By Road

From                    Distance

Banglore               455 km

Manglore              162 km

Shimoga               188 km

Hubli                    219 km

Panjim                  214 km

The distance above is by road. Roads are good and well connected from major cities of India

By air

Manglore International airport is 165 km away. Hubli and Panjim airport are the two alternatives.

Best time to Visit

Winter season is always supposed to be the best time to visit those area situated near sea. Hence November to February is the best time.