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.

.

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.

Mata Janki Temple, Janakpurdham (Janakpur), Dhanusha, Nepal.

Mata Janki Temple, Janakpurdham (Janakpur), Dhanusha , Nepal

Location

Mata Janki temple is located at Janakpur (also called Janakpurdham), district Dhanusha in Nepal. It is an important tourist destination in tarai plain of Himalaya.

Janki Temple

The temple is situated in the centre of the town. Janakpur is called DHAM indicating this religious place in the category of Hindu pilgrimage.

As he name indicates, this temple is dedicated to Mata Janki (Sita), who was the consort of Lord Rama. Janki temple is regarded as the most important religious site of the town. Janakpur is also characterised by the presence of numerous ponds and are considered sacred. At present most of them dried up or were encroached due to mismanaged urbanization, killing the beauty of the ancient heritage.This historical town houses many ancient temples,monasteries, arts and crafts of many deities.

The temple is also known as Naulakha temple as nine lakhs rupees of that time was the construction cost of the temple.

Importance of this Region

Janakpur is the region from where the famous Mithila culture originated. In the ancient time Janakpur was the capital of the Mithila kingdom, ruled by King Janak who was also named as Videha.

This place is rich in terms of cultural and religious heritages from the ancient time. It is known as the birthplace of Mata Sita. Mithila is deeply associated with our Hindu holy epic Ramayana.

Mithila has given many legend like Vidyapati, Mandan Mishra, Nagarjuna. Madhubani paintings  of Mithila is famous world wide. The spoken Maithili is heart touching with pleasant in hearing even without knowing the meaning. Chhat Puja (worshiping Sun God) was originated from Mithila.

A Saint Shurkishore Das Nepali was the founder of modern Janakpur. He was a great poet and devotee of Goddess Sita. He wrote Sita upnishad which contains the process of Puja and rituals.

About the Temple

The kingdom of Nepal and Queen Vrish Bhanu of Tikamgarh provided aid to Gorkha soldier General Amar Singh Thapa to build the temple in 1910 AD. It is called that Goddess Sita was found from the earth at the very spot and to commemorate her birth a temple was constructed at this place.

The architects of the temple resembles to Mogul – Rajput architecture style in Nepal. The huge temple has 60 rooms, stages, prayer rooms,stores, and sitting rooms. Fully built in bright white marble and constructed in the area of 4860 sft. The domes of the temple are in mixed style of Islamic and Rajput culture. It is a three story temple being 50 m in height.

All the rooms inside the temple are well decorated .The temple is adorned with artistic engravings, paintings, with beautiful lattice windows and turrets.

The sactum houses the idols of Lord Rama, Mata Sita and other related deities..

Legend

The legend is narrated in Hindu epic Ramayana. According to it Mata Janki is described as the daughter of Earth Goddess and adopted by King Janak and Queen Sunaina.

King Janak found her while ploughing as a part of Yagna. Mata Janki is also known as Vaidehi, Maithili, Sita and she is the central female character in Hindu epic Ramayana. Lord Ram is supposed to be the Avatar of Lord Vishnu and Sita as Avatar of Mata Lakshmi.

Sita is an ideal example of dedication, self sacrifice, courage and purity. According to Rigveda Sita is a Goddess who blesses the land with good crop.

Festivals

There are many festivals organised here in which the devotees from India Nepal and locals gathers in large numbers. The main festivals are -Ram Noami - is the birthday of Lord Ram, Vivah Panchami – the day commemorates the marriage of Lord Ram and Mother Sita 

The idol of Ram and Sita in the form of a procession is circulated around the town with joy and vigour. The devotees in thousands from India and Nepal participate in these procession every year.

Best time to visit

September to March is the best season to visit Janakpur as the weather is pleasant and several festivals fall during this period.

Places to Visit Nearby

Ratna Sagar Temple

Ratna Sagar pond is situated at a walking distance from Ramanand chowk, a landmark of the town. It is supposed to be the most sacred pond having a beautiful garden all around. Ratnasagar temple is on the bank of the pond in which beautiful idols of Ram-Sita are installed.

Shri Sankatmochan Temple

At a distance of 10 Mt's walk, this temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is famous in the surrounding area. The people believe that worshipping at the temple fulfils the desire of the devotees.

Dulha Dulhi Temple

[ Ram Sita as Bride-Groom ]

The idols of deities Ram Sita in form of bride- groom is installed here.The idols are kept in a huge glass box looks attractive.

Ram Mandir

The temple is located in between Janki temple and Dhanush Sagar. Huge fairs are organised here on Ram Nawami, Vivah Panchami and Chhat Puja.

Vivah Mandapam

This is the place where marriage ceremony is celebrated every year on Vivah Panchami. 

[ Vivah Mandapam ]

Dhanusha Dham

A huge rock, in the shape of a part of a bow is believed to be the part of the broken Shiv Dhanush. There is also a huge pond here called Dhanush Sagar

How To Reach

By Rail

[ Janakpur Railway Train as usually seen ]

Jaynagar is a railway station of Indian railway connecting Delhi and rest of India. From Jaynagar a narrow gauge train for Janakpur is operational being the only train connecting India and Nepal. Travelling by this train may be a unique experience in one's life.

By air

Janakpur has a domestic airport with most of the flights connects it to Kathmandu.

By Road

Nepal has good roads. One can enter Nepal by any check post on the boarder. Buses from every major cities of Nepal are available for janakpur.

Where To Stay

Janakpur has many good hotels and restaurants which offers food and accommodation on genuine rates. Some of them are- Hotel Manaki, Hotel Welcome, Hotel Rama, Hotel Sita Palace, Hotel Adarsh, Hotel Sitasaran, Hotel Janki Batika Palace.etc.

There are also cheaper lodges and Dharamshalas, available for stay. Pagal Baba Dharmshala is famous one at Janakpur.

Angrabadi Temple (Amreshwar Dham), Khunti, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India.

Angrabadi (Amreshwar Dham )Temple, Khunti, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India.

Location

Angarabadi Temple is located in a village near Khunti, a district HQ of Jharkhand and only 35 km away from the State capital Ranchi on Khunti – Torpa road.

[ Angrabadi Temple] 

[ Temple Campus ] 

Khunti is a new district carved from Ranchi district, is a terrorist effected area. For the fast development and to control the terrorist activity it was felt necessary to make it an independent district.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Shivlingam is situated in a hollow space of a mango tree. It is believed to be a self created Lingam by the locals.

Sage Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati renamed the temple as Amreshwar Dham.

The temple campus is very specious and houses, small temples of Lord Rama - Sita, Lord Hanuman, Lord Ganesha and other Gods.

The campus comprises of several big and small trees giving peace to your eye and heart. It is popular among the locals due to its spiritual enrichment and natural beauty.

In the Hindi month Shrawan large numbers of devotees from Ranchi visits the temple  carrying water from Swarnarekha river and offer it on Lingam. Many of them cover the distance bare footed. The numbers of devotees are increasing day by day.

On Mahashivratri the temple witnesses large gathering of devotees from different regions of Jharkhand.

Popular Places of Khunti

Khunti is a place situated in the lap of nature and have many falls parks, picnic spots, falls and many places of tourist importance. Some of them are - 

Panchghagh Waterfall

[Panchghagh Water Fall]

It is located at a distance of approx 15 km from Khunti on Khunti – Chaibasa road. There are five streams of water looks like ornament on the body of the hill. The river generating water fall is known as Banai river.

The site around this fall is a beautiful picnic spot. The tourist enjoys a unique experience of bath in gushing water. There is a proper cemented pathway constructed by the tourism department to reach very near to the flowing water.

Hirni Fall

It is at a distance of 20 km from district headquarter Khunti. It is a beautiful spot favoured by nature with a dense forest and greenery, The height of the water cascade is 120 ft. Although the fall is small one but is in a dense forest adding to the aura of peace and tranquillity to ones experience. 

Deer Park

On the half way from Ranchi to Khunti, the Deer Park is situated. It is surrounded by the forest, is a picturesque site. The Park is beautifully developed by the tourism department with gardens, Jhoola, Sliders for children.  Tea, coffee and break fast are available in the restaurant. It is a beautiful park a few kilometer away from Ranchi. People of Ranchi prefer to come here on Sunday or holiday.

Perwaghagh

It is one of the most beautiful water fall in Jharkhand hidden in the lush green forest and very near to Torpa block of Khunti district. In New year and Chris mas it is the most liked place of picnic.

How to Reach

By Rail

Khunti is not connected by railway network. Ranchi is the nearest rail head. Ranchi is well connected by railway network to major cities of India.

By Air

Nearest airport is Birsa Munda Airport Ranchi only 30 kms away from Khunti. Taxis are available at airport. 

By Road

Khunti is well connected by road from all major cities of Jharkhand and roads are good.

Where to Stay

Ranchi is the state capital of Jharkhand. There are many hotels of every budget are available here for comfortable stay.

Mata Deori Temple, Tamar village,Bundu, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India

Maa Deori Temple, Tamar village, Bundu, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India

Location

Mata Deori temple is located in village Tamar near Bundu subdivision of district Ranchi (Jharkhand) on Ranchi -Tata road at a distance of 70 km from Ranchi. It is almost the midpoint and almost equidistant from Ranchi orTata. 

[ Deori Mandir ] 

[ Tieing Sacred Thread ]

The temple is situated just on road side, hence easily approachable and one can park the vehicle very near to the temple.

The main Deity inside the temple is Mata Deori, believed to be the incanation of Mata Durga. Normally Maa Durga is Ashta bhuja Goddess but Mata Deori is a Goddess having sixteen arms (Solahbhuja devi as named among the locals ). The idol is small in size and said to be 700 yrs old. It is believed that the original temple was built by the tribal having walls and pillars made of sand stone. The head priest of the temple is a tribal with five tribal priests with him.

Perhaps this is the only temple where tribal priests known as PAHAN performs Puja and rituals and offer prayers.

 The deity of the temple is believed to be very powerful and praying her with true devotion fulfils the desires of her devotees. The devotees ties yellow and red sacred threads on bamboos for the fulfilment of their desire. After fulfilment they again come to the temple and untie the thread. Prasad and Puja materials are available in shops outside the temple.

Renovation

The original temple which was in time worn condition due to negligence from a decade is now being renovated.

This all happened due to the belief and devotion of M. S. DHONI towards Maa Deori. According to Manoj Panda the footfall numbers of the devotees increased amazingly from 50 per day to 1500 per day, increasing the income of the temple. Apart from the temple income donations received by the VIP’S and Mahi is being used to renovate the temple. 

The new structure is being constructed  includes domes and sculpted with colourful artistic images of Gods and Goddesses, keeping the original temple intact. Artists from Odisha are working and carving out the images giving special effect.

Jharkhand State Tourism Department have acquired one acre of land for the beautification of the surrounding of the temple. An ATM has come up to cater to the needs of the devotees.

Devotion of M S Dhoni

The captain of the Indian cricket team Mr Dhoni is an ardent devotee of Deori Mata. He visits the temple whenever he comes to Ranchi. He used to visit the temple from his school time.

A fruit seller recall the time, when Dhoni used to come here as an unknown personality a decade ago. But now he comes as a star in his SUV car. Is it not a big change,I think all this happens by the blessings of Mata.                       

[ Mahi at Deori Temple ]

Now many VIP like congress M.P.Sri S. K. Sahay and former C. M.Sri Arjun Munda are among the regular visitors. The Pandas of the temple accept it as the charisma of Mr Dhoni for increasing numbers of foot falls to the temple. Narsingh Panda, the president of Deori Mandir Puja Samittee agrees ‘ Dhoni has turned around our fate after 2004.'

Places to Visit Nearby

There are many falls, temples and tourist places nearby Ranchi. But on the way to Deori temple one can visit a few without devoting extra time.

Sun Temple

The sun temple is situated on the way to Deori temple near Bundu on NH 33. It is an elegant Sun temple fashioned in the form of a huge chariot with artistically decorated 18 wheels and seven life sized horse looks ready to move. It is really worth visiting.

[ Sun Temple ]

Dasam Fall

Dasam Fall is located near a village Taimara in Bundu subdivision of Ranchi. The tourist visiting Deori Mandir muset are adviced to visit Dasam Fall. It is only 45 mts drive from Deori.

Water falls from a height of 144 ft. it is also called the small version of Niagra Fall.

[ Dasam Fall] 

Where to Stay

Ranchi or Jamshedpur is the most suitable place to stay. Hotels and rest house of every budget are available for a comfortable stay. There are many line hotels and restaurants on the road side for lunch or breakfast.

How to Reach

By Air

Ranchi and Jamshedpur are the nearest airport. From the airport one can hire a taxi for Deori temple.

By Rail

Ranchi and Jamshedpur both cities are well connected by railway. Super fast trains are available from Delhi Kolkata and major cities of India.
By Road

Jharkhand has now good roads. All types of buses are available from major cities of Jharkhand and Bihar are available for Ranchi.
Video Link

Rani Sati Temple, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan.

Rani Sati Temple, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan

Location

Rani Sati temple is located in Jhunjhunu, a district town in Rajasthan. The temple is dedicated to Sati Devi (Dadi maa), also known as Narayani Devi and referred as Dadi Ji.

Goddess Sati is worshipped for its Sati Power and devotees belief on miracles to remove the trouble in one’s life. The devotees from every corners of India and abroad come here to worship. There is no statue inside the temple, only the trident (Trishul in Hindi) depicting power and force is worshiped religiously by the devotees.

[ Main Temple ]

[ 12 Other Sati Mata Temple ]

The followers of Rani Sati Dadi are mainly Marwari Agrawal Samaj living in Rajasthan or any where else in India or abroad. They have firm belief that Dadi Ji is incarnation (Awatar ) of Maa Durga. 

Meaning of Sati

Sati literally means, one who believe in Truth and loyalty and stand on it in any difficult circumstances.. Rani Sati was the example of it.

Sati is always a married woman. When the husband of married woman died or killed in fight, the woman set ablaze herself along with the cremation of her husband. It is believed that the fire grows spontaneously which comes by the power of Sati and the woman glorifies as Goddess. What ever it may be, there is no clarification about it.

Many organization during the British period and also after independence opposes Satipratha and tried to ban it. But the belief was so strong that it could not be banned.

There are in all 13 sati temple in which 12 are smaller and one main temple is dedicated to Rani Sati.

Story behind the Temple

Rani Sati, as known was a young lady of 17 yrs of the village Dokwa in Rajasthan. She was the daughter of Gurusamal by caste Bania (a merchant). Her name in childhood was Narayani Devi. She got married to the son of Jaliram named Tandhan Das of Hissar.

Tandhan Das had a beautiful white horse ( female horse ). Nawab of Hissar eyed his mare and wanted to take it from him at any cost. But Tandhan Das refused to hand over that mare to him. Then Nawab decided to take it from him by force. During a confrontation Tandhan Das killed by the Nawab. Only Narayani Devi and her faithful servant named Rana ( care taker of the mare ) survived in the confrontation.

Then, Narayani Devi told Rana ji to make immediate arrangements for her to set ablaze along with her husband 's cremation. Thus Narayani Devi cremated her self by spontaneously appearance of fire by the power of her Satitwa.

Rana ji played a vital role in fulfilling her desire to become SATI. Before the cremation Narayani Devi blessed Rana ji that his name will be taken before her name and worshiped.She also directed to carry the ashes of both on the horse and where the horse stops, construct a temple there in her memory.

In this way the name of Sati is called Rani Sati by the devotees.The events leading to her death vary widely in between 1215 -1595 AD. In some retelling the incident is believed to be of 14 th century.

An another legend relates the history to the time of Mahabharat. When Abhimanyu (the son of Arjun ) lost his life while fighting the battle of Mahabharat.  At that time his wife Uttara was pregnant and wished to end her life with her husband to become Sati.

But Lord Krishna stopped her from doing so. Since she was very much adamant of doing so. Lord Krishna wanted to save the life of the child who was going to take birth in a very short time. Lord Krishna blessed her with a boon that her desire to become Sati will be fulfilled in her next birth.

After many years Uttara was reborn as Narayani Devi and Abhimanyu as Tandhan Das.

About the Temple

The temple was inaugurated in 1912 with a simple construction. Construction of larger complex started in 1936. As of today the temple complex is very large and beautiful having enough space and rooms to stay comfortably.

It is a multistoried structure, a main hall made of marble and dual courtyard surrounded by rooms that can house up to 300 pilgrims. Perhaps the oldest Rani Sati temple outside Jhunjhunu dates to 1837 and is located in Kakurgachhi, Kolkata.

There are also many other temples located in major cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad Varanasi, Delhi as well as in Rangoon, Sigapore, Hongkong, Japan and US.

Administration and Management

The temple is managed by Marwari Temple Board Kolkata by the donation from the devotees. The income of the temple from donation is supposed to be second in India after Tirupati Balaji.

Festivals

A sacred Pujanotsava is organised on the Hindi month Bhadon Amavasya ( no moon day) in which a large gathering is witnessed.

Millions of devotees from every corner of India and abroad stand in queue from early morning to take a majestic glimpse of Rani Sati Dadi ji.

On this day people sings lots of Bhjans, kirtans and read Sati chalisa and at last ends the puja ceremony with Aarti of Dadi Ji.

Facilities

1. There are many rooms available for comfortable stay within the temple campus. One can book   rooms in advance by calling on phone – 01592 – 232755, 232020, 230001, 230002. 
2. Toilets and bathrooms. 
3. Shops for prasadam and other items photos, toys, and books related to Rani Sati Dadi. 
4. Small restaurants for breakfast ,refreshments , cold drinks are inside the campus. 
5. Drinking water 

Places to Visit nearby

• Khetri Mahal
• Bihari ji Temple
• Haveli of Modis and Tibrewal
• Metani baorhi a step well
• Kamruddinsah Dargah

All these places are nearby Jhunjhunu. The devotees coming here generally include a trip to Salasar Balaji, a famous Lord hanuman temple in Rajasthan.

How to Reach

By road

It is advised to hire a car and reach Jhunjhunu by road. It is a five hours journey covering a distance of 240 km. Jaipur is 180 km away from Jhunjhunu.

By rail

No proper railway route for Jhujhunu. Road is the best option. all though one can reach Jhunjhunu in six hours by mail or express train but the timings may not suit according to choice.

By air

Nearest airport is Jaipur and Delhi.

Video (Aarti)