Chattisgarh Temples

Baglamukhi Temple is a popular Hindu temple dedicated to the Mahavidya Goddess Bagalamukhi which is located in the city of Amleshwar to the south of Raipur town in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The temple was established by Param Pujaya Shri  Pitambara Pithadhishwar Yogiraj Youdhishthir Ji Maharaj. The temple was established on 16^th May and the most sacred occasion to visit the temple during Navratri.

There is an immense significance of Goddess Bagalamukhi who is one among the ten Mahavidyas in Hinduism. She is believed to smash the misconceptions and delusions of her enemies and protects them from their enemies with her cudgel. Popularly known as Pitambara Maa in the northern part of India, Bagalamukhi is the wisdom goddess who symbolizes the potent force of primeval female.

The word Baglamukhi has been derived from “Bagala” meaning bride and “Mukhi” meaning faced. Her name symbolizes “the one with the face that has the power to capture or control”. She represents the hypnotic power of the Goddess.

Another meaning of her name is crane faced. Goddess Bagalamukhi has golden complexion and she is always seen in a yellow dress. The Goddess sits on a golden throne which lies in the midst of an ocean of nectar which is full of yellow lotuses and her head is adorned with a crescent moon. In sacred texts, the Goddess is described as the Dwi-Bhuja or the two handed and the Chaturbhuja or the Four handed.

According to the Dwi-Bhuja depiction, she is described as Soumya or mild where she holds the club in her right hand that is used by her to beat a demon and she pulls out his tongue with her left hand. With this image, she exhibits the power of Stambhana where she can stun or paralyze the enemy into silence. The devotees of Bagalamukhi worship her for this boon.

Bagalamukhi has another name Pitambara Devi as well as Brahmastra Roopini and according to the name she turns everything into its opposite like knowledge into ignorance, speech into silence, power into impotence and defeat into victory. The Goddess allows her devotees to master their weaknesses.

Baglamukhi Temple History

According to Hindu mythology once a huge storm erupted over the earth and this storm threatened to destroy the creation and all Gods assembled in Saurashtra region. Goddess Bagalamukhi at this point emerged from Haridra Sarovara appeased by the prayers of God and calmed down the mighty storm. From then onward, she was worshiped by her devotees as a form of Goddess Parvati.

Significance of Baglamukhi Temple

Bagalamukhi Devi, also known as Pitambara Maa exists is a Shakti. Thus, Goddess Bagalamukhi represents potent female primeval force and is the one among ten forms of wisdom Goddesses.

There are very few Baglamukhi Temple in India and some of the main Baglamukhi Temple dedicated to her are as follows:

1. Aligarh: A major district headquarters in the state of Uttar Pradesh with a Maa Baglamukhi Temple in Biharipuram. The temple lies 4 km from Aligarh Railway Station and 135 km from New Delhi.
2. Haridwar: A pilgrimage temple in the Uttarakhand State has a Maa Bagalamukhi Siddhi Peeth near Bhagiradhi Vidyalayam.
3. Ludhiana- A major district head quarter in Punjab State has a Maa Bagalamukhi Mandir just 6 km from Ludhiana Junction Railway Station.
4. Nalkhera: This is a Nagar Panchayat in the Shajapur district in Madhya Pradesh State with a Bagalamukhi Temple and is 107 km from Ujjain.
5. Pappankulam: This is a small village in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu and this is a location for Shri Bagalamukhi Devi Temple.
6. Raigarh: A major district headquarters in Chhattisgarh State has a Bagalamukhi Mandir and is just 1.5 km from Raigarh Railway Station.
7. Sameli: A small village in the Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh State has a Bagalamukhi Temple.
8. Tewar: A small village near the Kachnar city of Jabalpur district in Madhya Pradesh State has a Bagalamukhi Temple just 16 km from Jabalpur.

Baglamukhi Temple Timings

Baglamukhi Temple is open on all days from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Festivals Celebrated at Baglamukhi Temple

Navaratri that is a major festival dedicated to Goddess Durga and Shakti is one of the most celebrated temples in the Maa Pitambara temple. The baglamukhi temple hosts a major celebration before Dussehara. During the occasion, all forms of Shakti including Maa Baglamukhi are revered and a major ritual that runs a length of 9 days is celebrated here. Special arrangements are made for complete and enriching worshiping procedures for the deity and the methodologies adhere to the principles of the Vedas.

During this time, many yogis and Tantriks pray to the Goddess for special powers and people from all parts of the country visit the region to enjoy the exemplary decorations and celebrations in this part of the country. The celebrations involve many processions and there are elaborate preparations for Prasadam and religious Poojas during the time in Amleshwar.

The Baglamukhi temple also hosts a huge celebration on the occasion of Guru Purnima during navratri celebrations and also special poojas are arranged during Vasant Panchmi. These are perfect occasions to begin any religious proceedings or sadhanas.

Poojas and Rituals at Baglamukhi Temple

Like the Kamakhya Temple of Guwahati, the Bagalamukhi temples too are considered to be the centers of Tantricism. Here there are temples dedicated to ten Mahavidyas. These temples are powerful Bagulamukhi Siddha Peeth where the Goddess is worshiped by Yogis for special powers.

The major difference between Baglamukhi temple and any other temple is that if someone worships all Gods in these temples, they would be worshiping all 33 types of Gods and Goddesses together at one place.

Maa Baglamukhi is the eighth mahavidya and is invoked for the destruction of the enmity. She is the supreme divine force and was believed to be invoked by Lord Rama to destroy Ravana along with his descendants. All offerings that are made by the devotees to the deity in the temple are in compliance with the Vedic rules.

The holy chants that reverberate the temple premises during the rituals are performed with Divine grace. The Bagalamukhi Yantra also is of paramount significance for offering Pooja to the deity and for the successful completion of the rituals. It protects the devotees and also shields them from the negatives forces of enmity.

How to Reach Baglamukhi Temple: By Rail, Road, and Air

The Amleshwar Temple lies about 15 km from Raipur Airport and is at a distance of 25 km from Durg. It is accessible by train, approximately 5 km from Raipur Railway Station and also well connected through buses. The nearest airport, railway station, and bus stands are at Raipur. The temple can be reached by various modes as follows:

By Air: The major airport near Raipur is Swami Vivekanand International Airport located at Mana, 15 km south of Raipur. All major cities are connected to Raipur through flights.

By Rail: Raipur junction is the main railway station that is connected to the entire country through major trains.

By Road: Raipur is well connected to all other major cities of the country via regular buses and the major bus stations are at Raipur.

Where to Stay and Eat

Although Amleshwar is a small place and doesn’t have many boarding and lodging options, still Raipur being a close city can be a comfortable place to stay at while visiting. There are many 4 star and 5 star hotels in Raipur like Hotel Piccadilly, Hotal Mayura, Hotel Babylon International and Hotel Madhuban.

Nearby Temples

Chattisgarh has many ancient temples that are both a tourist attraction as well as a pilgrim for devotees. Here are some major temples of the region:

1. Amarkantak Temple: Located at the height of 3500 feet at Maikal Mountains, the temple is a major pilgrim spot for Hindus and the spot is the source of the most venerated mighty River Narmada.
2. Bambleshwari Temple: Located at Dongargarh in the Rajnandgaon district in Chattisgarh. The temple is on a hilltop of 1600 feet. Another temple the Chhoti Bambleshwari is situated at ground about 1.5 km from the main complex. The twin shrines are revered by numerous people during Jyoti Kalash is lighted during Navratri before Dussehra.
3. Bhoramdeo Temple: Situated in the midst of mountain ranges, this temple in Chattisgarh is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main temple is built in stone and the complex has a total of four temples. The architecture of the temple is its uniqueness and the carvings are worth having a look at. The temple is named as Khajuraho of Chattisgarh.
4. Champaran Temple: The village is at a distance of 60 km from Raipur and is the birth place of Saint Mahaprabhu Vallabhavacharya who was the founder of the Vallabh sect.
5. Danteshwari Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari the temple represents the 52 Shakti Peeth across the country and was built in 14^th century by Chaulakyas of the south. Every year during Dussehera, thousands of pilgrims visit the temple and the presiding deity is takes out for a mega procession
6. Hatkeshwar Temple: The Mahadev Ghat o situated on bans of River Kharun and this is a holy shrine of the Hindus. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva.
7. ISKCON Temple: Raipur has a major ISKCON temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and many Vaishvaites come here to pray to the Lord. The temple is located behind Maharishi Vidya Mandir in Raipur.
8. Madwa Mahal: The Shiva temple is close to the Bhoramdeo Temple and has a Linga over 16 pillars. The temple was built in 1349 CE.
9. Mahamaya Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Durga and Lakshmi, this temple was built in the 12^th century and is one of the 52 Shakti Peeths.

Raipur is a place with immense natural beauty, lush green spots, flora and fauna and has many places to visit and for the purpose of sightseeing. Thus, whenever one happens to visit the temple they should also take out some time to explore the nearby tourist spots that extremely popular among the locals as well as among the tourists. Here are some other major attractions of Raipur:

1. Gandhi Udhyan: One of the major tourist spots in Raipur, the Gandhi Udyaan has many tourist attractions for a rejuvenating time. The place is built with world standards, innovative layouts, extraordinary architecture, and well-thought execution that makes it a place and highly coveted point of tourist interest. One can carry the camera and capture the special moments at Gandhi
2. Madku Dweep: The place is situated on the tranquil waters of the Shivnath River and it is an island of great beauty with lush and splendid waterfalls. The place is filled with visitors during Shivratri and Paush Purnima The place is also a major spot for archeological excavation and 19 temples had been found on this island.
3. Nandavan Garden: The garden is open all days of the week except Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm and is a major place of natural beauty in the city of Raipur. The place is a sure way to refresh after a busy weekday. The place is best to explore fabulous designs, interesting themes, colorful landscapes, amusing characters, ambient music, props, and merchandise.
4. Urja Park: The place is great to get into the spirit of adventure and a great place for sightseeing and family visit. The place is great for rejuvenation and has an extraordinary architecture for finding fulfillment on outing and camping.

Therefore, do visit Raipur and the nearby Maa Pitambara (Bagalamukhi) Temple at Amleshwar whenever you happen to find time with the family and enjoy the religious bliss of this spot while devoting your time to the presiding Goddess here who is the provider of special powers and wisdom to all her devotees. The revered deity is one of the most sacred and sought out among the Hindus and thus, they get the best spiritual outcomes by praying here.

If you really wish to visit a religious place this summer, trying going to Mahamaya Temple. Mahamaya Temple is located in Ratanpur in Chattisgarh. This temple falls in Bilaspur district. Mahamaya Temple is located aside lakes and has a marvellous panorama. This temple is culturally rich and has a great architectural work done all over it. Mahamaya Temple is located in Ratanpur which is located in Chattisgarh. Legends  say that this temple was built in the 12th-13th century. Mahamaya Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Mahamaya. This temple enshrines an amazing dual idol of Goddess Mahamaya. The front image is of Mahishasurmardini  and a rear statue of Saraswati which is supported by 16 columns.

Many archeologists and historians had their eyes on Mahamaya Temple because of its beautiful architectural work. Apart from being surrounded by lush green hills and ponds, Ratanpur town is crowded by devotees twice a year. People come here during Navratra to take blessings from their beloved goddess: Goddess Mahamaya Devi.

Mahamaya Temple in 25km away from the city of Bilaspur located in Chattisgarh. It is located on the Bilaspur-Ambikapur state highway. The Mandir has ancillary temples, palaces, domes and forts, each having a story behind it.

Because of its beauty one should definitely take the camera with themselves to capture the moment. The Temple is beautifully built which is the main cause of tourist attraction. The red stones by which this Temple is constructed makes it more beautiful. This temple is constructed on 16 columns and has various beautiful ponds around it. One should come here as this scenario helps in relaxing and rejuvenates the mind.

Mahamaya Temple History

• Mahamaya Temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahamaya which has a dual statue of Goddess Lakshmi and Saraswati.
• This temple was built in 12th-13th century under the reign of Kalchuri King Ratandev I. Apart being the king, Kalchuri King Ratnadev I was also the founder of Haihaiyavansi kingdom.
• Legends say that the king built the temple at the spot where he had darshan of council of Goddess Kali. Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati and Maha Lakshmi were earlier worshipped here.
• Within the campus one can easily find Lord Shiva’s and Hanuman’s temple. Ratanpur state traditionally has Mahamaya as their Kuldevi. Recently architectural department renovated the temple.
• Vikram Samvat built this temple in 1552 and one can also find that this place is beautifully surrounded by many ponds which help in adding its beauty. This temple was beautifully built with red stones by Kalchuri King Ratandev who was the king at that time.

Significance of the Mahamaya Temple

• The style in which Mahamaya Temple is built is known as Nagara style of Architecture. This temple is facing North and is located beside a huge water tank.
• The scores of ancillary temples, palaces, forts and domes can now be seen which was once housed ad templed by the royal house of Ratanpur Kingdom.
• We can also find the temple of Kantideval which is considered to be the oldest. It is believed that this temple was built by a spartan named Santosh Giri in 1039.
• This temple has 4 gates and has beautiful carvings. It has 18-inch thick boundary wall surrounding it from all the four sides. Legends say that this temple was built in the 12th century.
• Mahamaya Temple is all together supported by 16 stone columns. The idols which have been kept here has been taken from rundown or broken temple of the earlier century. Some of them were also taken from Jain Temples.
• There are many smaller statues in the campus of Gods and Goddesses like Lord Vishnu, Mahakali, Bhadrakali, Lord Hanuman, Surya Dev, Lord Shiva and Lord Bhairav. Legend says that the first Puja and Abhishek were done in this temple by the Kalinga King.
• Around the temple, there are many other temples which are equally rich in history and architecture. They are named as Mahamrityunjaya Panchmukhee Shiv Mandir and Kanthi Dewal. There is another important temple known as Panchmukhee Shiv Mandir which is believed to be the origin of Mahamaya Temple. This temple is extremely magnificent and is made of red stone.
• Inside a temple one can find Kanthi Dewal temple and the temple main pond is the splendid dual statues of Goddess Mahamaya. The front image is called Mahishasurmardini and the behind statue is believed to be that of Goddess Saraswati. But if looked casually then the rear image are often overlooked. On behalf of all the devotees, Jyoti Kalashas are lit in various halls by the Temple Trust.

Mahamaya Temple Timings

• The Darshan in Mahamaya Temple starts from 6 am to 8:30 pm everyday. During normal days, it does not take more than half an hour in darshan but it takes more time during Navratra. This is because there are a large number of devotees during Navratri.
• Devotees do not need to pay any amount of money for darshan. This is free of cost. Bhoj is offered at 12 pm for half an hour. So during this time devotees, entry is strictly prohibited.
• If a person visits this temple, he/she needs to take ample time with them. Apart from darshan, one can also take part in special events which are conducted by the Trust. During Navratra, Darshan is opened till 12 am.
• After you buy puja samagri, go to the free shoe care. This is run by the Trust. Before going for darshan you should remove your shoe. The Trust will provide you a token for the set of shoes you gave. The caretaker will take care of your shoes till you come back from Darshan.
• There is water tap present in the campus which provides water to the devotees. The devotees need to clean their mouth, face, hand and feet before entering the Mahamaya Temple. Though this ritual is not cmpulsory, but devotees follow it for the sake of cleanliness of the temple campus.
• After this, you need to stand in the qeue for Darshan. It may take some time depending on the day you visited the temple. It takes a lot of time for darshan during Navratra. People from various parts of India come here on Navratra to see Jyotikalash being lit to please the Goddess Mahamaya.
• Temple Kalbhairava is considered to be the guardian temple. People believe that those who visit Mahamaya Temple should also visit Kalbhairava Temple to complete their pilgrimage.

Festivals celebrated in Mahamaya Temple

• Chaitra Navratri– According to the Hindu Calender, Chaitra Navratri is celebrated on the first day of the calender. This festival is celebrated from 1st to 9th day of Chaitra month Shukla Paksh. The 9th day is celebrated as Ram Navami which is Lord Ram’s birthday.
• Vasanta Navratri– This festival is celebrated in Autum this is why it is called Vasant Navratri. Vasant means Autum in Hindi. Vasant Navratri usually falls in the month of April but it may differ according to the Hindu Calender.
• Maha Navratri– This festival is very famous and this is why it is celebrated across India. Maha Navratri is celebrated equally important as other festivals in Chhattisgarh. There is a lot of crowd in temples on this festival. People come from various parts to offer prayer.

How to reach- Road, Rail and Air

• By Air– The nearest is in Raipur which connects all the major cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Nagpur. This place is connected with international flight services.
• By Rail– Bilaspur is a zonal headquarters of the Indian Railway as a result of which it can be suitably connected with trains too.
• By Road– After taking a train till Bilaspur one can easily take a taxi or bus till Ratanpur. The taxi can easily take you inside the temple campus which is half a kilometre away from the highway.

Where to stay

Apart from this, one can also look for hotels to stay. There are many private organizations who provide accommodation to the devotees. These private organization has a very nominal charge. They have additional facilities like Homely food, the internet and hygienic surrounding which is suitable for stay. One can easily find hotels near Temple at a very reasonable price.

Where to eat

The Temple provides food to its devotees. They are free of cost and all the expenses incurred are borne by the Trustees. Once the daily Puja is over, devotees are allowed to move for food.

Apart from the prasad provided in the temple, one can also have food from hotels outside the campus. These hotels provide clean and hygienic food. There are various other places to eat food. There are many hotels and cafe which provide food keeping the taste and needs of the devotees.

Nearby Temples

• Ram Tekri Temple-Ram Tekri Temple is a very popular spot for tourists. It is a perfect place to visit with your family. This place is very good for recreation as it will fill you with spirits of adventure. There are various popular spots which will help you in making memories. Ram Tekri Temple is not only a place for sight seeing but also helps you in rejuvenating. One should definitely carry his/her camera when travelling to this place.
• Maa Mahamaya Devi Temple– This is another important tourist destination in Ratanpur. People come all over India to visit this place. One should definitely visit this place while visiting Ratanpur. This temple has a dual statue of Goddess Mahamaya. This temple has a very beautiful architectural work and is the most religious celebrated temple.
• Kanthi Dewal Temple: This temple is octagonal in shape. It is said that Kanthi Dewal Temple is a school of Hindu and Moghul architecture. All its walls are made of red stone and decorated by sculptures. The important sculpture which you can find here is of a lady feeding a child, Shaal Bhanjika, a Kalchuri king and   Lingodhbhava Shiva. Inside the temple, there is Shiv Lingam which is considered as Source of Divine Energy according to the Hindu Dharma.Apart from Ram Tekri Temple, Kanthi Dewal Temple and Maa Mahamaya Devi Temple, there are many other temples which can be visited being in Ratanpur. There are many tourist destination that is visited when travelled to Ratanpur. Apart from temples, there are many other places that can be visited here. There are places like Achankmar Wildlife Sanctuary, Naya Lake Semartal, Shri Hanuman Ji Temple, Sunga Lake, Sagar Lake and many more.This temple has a lot of reasons to be on the bucket list of travellers. Mahamaya Temple of Ratanpur has all those things which a person needs while travelling a place. Mahamaya Temple is culture as well as architecture. It is surrounded by ponds which add beauty. There are other temples in the campus because of which a devotee need not go too far. The Temple Trust provide world class accommodation as well as food.