Everything You Need To Know About Devi Patan Temple
By: Sandeep Gupta Sat, 12 Oct 2024 5:06:04
Patandevi Maa Patneshwari Temple is one of the most renowned and ancient temples situated in Patna, Bihar. Many believe that the name "Patna" is derived from this temple. Nestled on the Chota Nagpur Plateau, Patna is well-connected to various parts of the country by road, rail, and air. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Durga, making it a popular religious tourist destination in Bihar.
Devi Patan is a well-known temple located in Tulsipur, approximately 25 kilometers from the district headquarters of Balrampur. Dedicated to Ma Pateshwari, the temple is also referred to as Devi Patan and is recognized as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of Ma Durga.
According to legend, the right shoulder (known as "Pat" in Hindi) of Mata Sati is believed to have fallen at this site, establishing its significance as a Shakti Peetha and earning it the name Devi Patan. This temple holds considerable religious importance and stands out as one of the prominent temples in the Terai region.
During the Navratri period, the temple attracts a large number of visitors. Many people also come here for the head-shaving ceremony of their children, known as Mundan, or to donate hair if the Mundan is performed elsewhere. Donating hair at this temple is considered sacred.
History
While the exact history of the temple’s construction and its creator is unclear, an enchanting legend surrounds it. According to the tale, Lord Vishnu threw his Sudarshan chakra, which severed the body of Sati. Her body parts scattered across the earth, each becoming a sacred site. It is believed that her right thigh fell where the Patandevi Temple now stands, while other parts landed in different locations in the city, where the Badi Patan Devi Temple was later constructed. These sites were protected by various forms of Lord Durga, including Mahalakshmi, Mahakali, and Mahasaraswati, ultimately establishing this place as the abode of Lord Durga.
Importance/Significance
As one of the Shakti Peethas, the temple holds great religious significance. Worshippers of the Goddess here are said to receive blessings of happiness, health, and a prosperous married life. The Goddess is also believed to alleviate evil and remove obstacles from the paths of her devotees. The self-manifested stone image is considered highly auspicious, and those seeking blessings for marriage or children are encouraged to worship this image and perform the associated rituals. Offerings of bangles and sarees to Devi Maa are also made in hopes of receiving blessings for the health and well-being of husbands and children.
Facts/Mythology
A unique aspect of this temple is that it is part of the 51 Shakti Peethas located throughout India. These Shakti Peethas are sacred sites dedicated to various forms of Goddess Durga and are revered for their holiness. Additionally, an ancient stone image of the Goddess, regarded as self-manifested, is believed to be highly sacred.
Festivals/Events/Gatherings
Navratri is celebrated with great fervor at the temple, given its dedication to Goddess Durga. The festival includes rituals such as offering garlands, sindoor, sarees, and Prasad to the Goddess, along with a large fair that attracts devotees and tourists alike. Various rides for children and small exhibitions are set up during the nine days of celebration. Other significant events, such as Kalipooja, Lakshmi Pooja, and Saraswati Pooja, are also conducted with grandeur. The temple is considered an ideal location for family events like marriages and mundan ceremonies, as devotees seek the blessings of Devi Maa.
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