Shri Mahamaya Devi Mandir, Raipur

                                                Shri Mahamaya Devi Mandir


It is located in Raipur's old fort area on the banks of the river Khaaroon, near Maharajbandh temple. The presiding deity is known as Mahamaya - a goddess with all the good qualities, supposed to be a combination of the powers of Vishnu and Shiva. She is also known as Durga and Mahishasura Mardini or Jagdambe. This temple originally belonging to the Kalchuri era has been renovated later. Nearby is the Samleswari temple dedicated to Goddess Samlai.

This temple originally belonging to the Kalchuri era has been renovated later.The king had discussed with the priests. Every told that the status should be established by this raja moradhwaj. Established temple of mateshwari mahamaya devi with all tantarik and vedic condition over here.
The commanding deity is known as Mahamaya, a goddess possessed with all good qualities, supposed to be the blend of the powers of Lords Vishnu and Shiva. She is also known as Durga and Mahishasura Mardini or Jagadambe. The original temple constructed in the Kalchuri era has been refurbished many a times later. Nearby is the Samleswari temple dedicated to Goddess Samlai.

Significance:-

Welcome to one of the most religiously-celebrated, architecturally superb and culturally rich temple of south-east India: Shri Mahamaya Devi Mandir, Ratanpur. From many decades since, the temple and the town of Ratanpur have attracted the attention of scores of historians and archeologists.dome Surrounded by lush green hills and housing more than 150 ponds, the town is flocked – twice a year – by hundreds of thousands of devotees every year, who visit here in Navrataras to get darshan of the awe-inspiring dual-statue of their beloved goddess: Mahamaya Devi. Situated at 25 km away from the city of Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh) on the Bilaspur-Ambikapur state highway, the Mandir and the relics of scores of ancilliary temples, domes, palaces and forts – now rundown by the time and natural forces – seem to tell a story. Once the capital of the Kalchuri kings, Ratanpur – then, Ratnapur – has almost a millenium of history.
Built on the Nagar school of architecture, the temple is surrounded by a 18 inch thick boundary wall. Supported by sixteen stone columns, the temple is believed to be built around 12th century AD. Many of the statues and motifs used in the temple have been taken from rundown or broken temples of earlier centuries, some of them were Jain temples. The main campus of temple has the smaller statues of Mahakali, Bhadrakali, Surya Dev, Lord Vishnu, Lord Hanuman, Bhairav and Lord Shiva. It is believed that the first puja and abhihek of Devi was performed at matathis place by Kalinga king Ratna Dev in 1050 AD, when he shifted his capital from tuman to Ratnapur. Because of its strategic geographical status, King Ratna Dev and his heirs made Ratnapur their capital and built up palaces, fort and temples, the remnants of which can be seen still today.

Dual statue of Maa Mahamaya:-

 Inside the main temple campus, facing the famous Kanthi Dewal temple and the Temple main pond is the splendid dual statues of Mahamaya: the front one is called the Mahishasur Mardini and the hind statue is believed to be that of Goddess Saraswati. However, by a casual viewer the rear statue can often be overlooked. In the Navratras, devotees come from all corners of the country and the world to get a glimpse of the celebrated Devi and pay their rituals. Surrounding the main temple are many big halls where Jyoti Kalashas are lit by the Trust on behalf of the devotees. The Kalashas are kept “alive” for the whole nine days of Navratras. This is why they are also called Akhand Manookaamna Navratra Jyoti Kalashas. It is believed that Devi fulfills all your wishes if you follow proper fasting, puja and archana of Devi and also contribute to the Akhand Jyoti Kalashas.

 Shri Mahamaya Devi Mandir Temple:-

Around the main temple, there are many other temples – of equally rich historical and archeological value. The most important of these are Mahamrityunjaya Panchmukhee Shiv Mandir and Kanthi Dewal. Panchmukhee Shiv Mandir is a magnificient architecture made of red stone and is believed to be the origin of the Mahamaya statue.kanti It is also believed that if you make a wish before it, after performing proper puja and hang a shriphal (coconut) wrapped in red cloth on the tree before it, your wish is granted by Him.
The Kanthi Dewal temple is octagonal in shape and believed to be of Hindu and Moghul school of architecture. Made of red stone, all its walls are decorated by sculptures of 9th to 12th century. The important sculptures are : Shaal Bhanjika, a Lady feeding a child, Lingodhbhava Shiva and a Kalchuri king. Inside the Kanthi Dewal temple is a Shiv Lingam, the phallus, which, in Hindu dharma, is believed to be the source of Divine Energy. It is believed that if Lingam is poured with milk and water after proper puja-archana, it is sure to give the devotee the mental and physical strength and energy. A little known fact about this temple is that it was reconstituted recently by the Department of Archeological Survey of India. The reconstitution spanned five years, but the actual shape of the temple was kept intact.


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.

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.

Visitor Information:-

•Footwear is not allowed inside the temple.
•Keep your mobile phones in silent when you are inside the temple.
•Do respect the sentiments of other people.
•Take a bath and wear clean clothes before going in the temple.
•Photography is allowed in the temple and the premises.
•Keep the temple premises clean and do not litter.
•Do not throw away the Prasad Samagri.
•The temple gets really crowded at the time of festivals so do make sure that you have planned your trip accordingly.
•Do not gossip, talk aloud, indulge in fun and frolic inside temple

How to Reach Raipur:-

By Air:-

Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, is the only place in the state that is linked by air to New Delhi, Mumbai and Bhubaneshwar by regular flights.

By Rail:-

Raipur is one of the two main junctions in the state that are on the routes of express and passenger trains that either directly or indirectly connect the state to other parts of India. The superfast Rajdhani Express connects Raipur to New Delhi, the Bilaspur-Nizamuddin Gondwana Express runs thrice a week and travels from New Delhi to Raipur via Bilaspur. Passenger and mail trains connect most big and small towns within the state to Raipur.

By Bus:-

Raipur has excellent connections to places in the neighbouring states of Andhra, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. Inter-state and national highways connect Raipur to Bhopal, Nagpur, Jhansi, Jabalpur and to cities further afield like Kolkata and Bhubhaneshwar. The important towns of the region, Bhilai (25 km), Durg (41 km), Jagadalpur (297 Km), Rajnandgaon(70 km) and Bilaspur (115 km) are connected with Raipur by road. Interstate State Roadways buses ply between the different cities while chartered bus operators run services on major routes Roadways buses are the lifelines of Chhattisgarh as they connect some of the more inaccessible places in the interiors to the capital, Raipur.

Maa Baglamukhi In Raipur

                                                   Maa Baglamukhi

Maa Baglamukhi is another name for Pitambara Ma. Tripura Sundari Shakti Ma took this form in response to Lord Vishnu’s prayers. She is also believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva’s Mrityunjaya Shakti. It is said that this temple is built over an ancient cremation ground. Many thousands come here for Pitambara Ma’s darshan because it is believed that with her blessings any disputes and contentious problems get resolved miraculously.
Shri Swami Maharaj of the Pitambara Peetha established this temple in 1935. He consecrated the temple and installed the idol of Baglamukhi Devi and the Dhumavati Devi temple in the courtyard. There is also a very famous Shiva temple within the complex that houses the Shree Vankhandeswar Shivaling, which the ASI has confirmed as being from the same era as the Mahabharatha

Bagalamukhi Devi is extremely powerful and can give true devotees moksha. However, it is important to know that any sadhana performed to please Bagalamukhi Devi must be done only under the guidance of one’s guru. The scriptures state that even if all the Shaktis in the world merged into one, Bagalamukhi Devi would be more powerful.

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 the 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 morning 9 AM to 6 PM.

Festivals Celebrated at the 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 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 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 Bagalamukhi 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.

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 14th 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 12th century and is one of the 52 Shakti Peeths.

Baglamukhi Temple Food Timings:-

◾The temple provides Prasad to the devotees after 12 P.M.
◾One can also offer food to the deity in the form of fruits and coconuts.
◾Generally, people offer salted prasadam to the Goddess in this temple.

Festivals celebrated at the Baglamukhi Temple:-

◾The major festivals that are celebrated in this temple with great pomp include Navaratri, Guru Purnima, and Maha Nirvana Din or the death anniversary of Maharaj-Ji. As per the Shakti system; Navaratri is a perfect and auspicious day to start a Sadhana. A community hawan is organized on the Ninth day of Navaratri. The markings of the Lotus feet of Guru are also worshiped on the day of Guru Purnima.
◾Vasant Panchami is celebrated with much joy.
◾Every morning Saraswati Pujan is performed.
◾Evenings see the Ashram immersed in sounds of India classical music.
Baglamukhi Temple Poojas and Rituals
◾There are four arati that take place in this temple. The Morning Arati takes place at 7 A.M. and the Evening Arati happens at 7 P.M. The Shringar Arati is performed at 8:30 P.M. and the Badi Arati is completed at 9 P.M.
◾It is interesting to note that the Baglamukhi Mantra is one of the most powerful mantras to attain powers to control over enmity feeling of your opponents, be it human or animals. But one needs to practice it after passing a qualifying eligibility test and under the guidance of a Guru or a Qualified Sadhak who is authorized by the Peeth. There is a set of discipline to be observed by the practicing Sadhak both in terms of self-discipline and one need to also correctly pronounce the complete Mantra. One has to be strong enough to hold the power of the Mantra. It is strongly suggested not to venture under the influence of any novice Sadhak.

Transliteration of Baglamukhi Mool Mantra:-

Om Hreem Baglamukhi Sarvadustanaam Vaacham Mukham
Padam Stambhay Jihvaam Kilay Budheem Vinashay Hreem Om Swaha

Overall Translation of Baglamukhi Mantra:-

Oh Mother Baglamukhi, I take refuge in you. Let the speech, feet and organs of my enemy is stilled and let his intelligence be disabled so that he does not move further to harm me.

During the time of great floods, the whole of the universe was flooded with water everywhere. The creation was in the brink of total destruction. During that time, Lord Vishnu called on the Universal Mother to save the creation. In response to his call, the Supreme Goddess took the form of Baglamukhi and emerged from the Haridra Sarovar (The turmeric ocean).
Once she descended, the whole universe was lighted up with her splendor. She descended on a Chaturdashi Tuesday and saved the creation and gods by calming down the storm in no time.

Once a demon called Madan performed great penance and got the boon that whatever he said would come true. Though this was a wonderful boon, he misused it for troubling the innocent and the pious ones. All the humans and the gods prayed to Goddess Baglamukhi who pulled out the tongue of the demon to still it. When Baglamukhi was about to kill the demon, he prayed that he too attained an exalted position. It is for this reason that he is also depicted with the image of Baglamukhi.

Benefits of Chanting Baglamukhi Mantra :-

Baglamukhi mantra comes to the rescue of people during all kinds of adversities. Mainly, this mantra can still your enemies and stop their evil plots from working against you. Those who have been done injustice by their enemies, but feel helpless can take refuge in this mantra. A sincere chanting of this mantra by contemplating on Baglamukhi can give instant relief and ultimate protection. While the innocent and the pious people can get protected by this mantra, it is important that this mantra is not used for evil purposes.

One of the most important benefits of this mantra is relief from sorrow and mental afflictions. As you keep chanting this mantra, you will feel the burdens of your heart are greatly relieved and you feel so light, relaxed and confident.

You will feel a surge of positive energy inside your being taking you ahead with your tasks so easily with the blessings of goddess Baglamukhi. This mantra can also remove the obstacles in your path, move the incomplete tasks to completion and reduce your debts. When you have some court cases proceeding, you can chant this mantra and get justice and speedy closure of the case. Students can immensely benefit from chanting this mantra.


How to Reach Raipur:-

By Air:-

Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, is the only place in the state that is linked by air to New Delhi, Mumbai and Bhubaneshwar by regular flights.


By Rail:-

Raipur is one of the two main junctions in the state that are on the routes of express and passenger trains that either directly or indirectly connect the state to other parts of India. The superfast Rajdhani Express connects Raipur to New Delhi, the Bilaspur-Nizamuddin Gondwana Express runs thrice a week and travels from New Delhi to Raipur via Bilaspur. Passenger and mail trains connect most big and small towns within the state to Raipur.


By Bus:-

Raipur has excellent connections to places in the neighbouring states of Andhra, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. Inter-state and national highways connect Raipur to Bhopal, Nagpur, Jhansi, Jabalpur and to cities further afield like Kolkata and Bhubhaneshwar. The important towns of the region, Bhilai (25 km), Durg (41 km), Jagadalpur (297 Km), Rajnandgaon(70 km) and Bilaspur (115 km) are connected with Raipur by road. Interstate State Roadways buses ply between the different cities while chartered bus operators run services on major routes Roadways buses are the lifelines of Chhattisgarh as they connect some of the more inaccessible places in the interiors to the capital, Raipur.