Maa Bamleshwari Temple, Badi Bamleshwari Temple,Darshan Information

Situated at Dongargarh in Rajnandgaon district, Chhattisgarh, Bambleshwari Temple is a famous temple dedicated to Godesses Bamleshwari Devi (Durga Devi). The temple is situated on a hilltop of 1600 feet. Therefore, this temple is referred to as Badi Bambleshwari. At the ground level there is another temple known as Chhotti Bambleshwari about 1/2 km from the main temple complex

Legend

According to the legends, Lord Mahadev and Parvati blessed King Veersen to construct the temple. After being childless for many years, the Queen of Veersen gave birth to a son named Madansen. King Veersen built a temple at Dongargarh that later came to be known as Shri Bamleshwari Mandir. Madansen's son Kansen named the place as Kamakhya or Kamakhya Nagri. A major fight occurred between Raja Kansen and Raja Vikramaditya, reason being the affection between Maadhavnal and Kaamkandla. Both Maadhavnal and Kaamkandla died in the war and king Vikramaditya repented his doings and set out for the means of penance. Maa Bagalamukhi gave him the darshan and the King requested the deity to reside at the place and grant a second life to both Maadhavnal and Kaamkandla. Since then, the temple has been the holy abode of Maa Bagalamukhi Devi and with the passage of time, the temple underwent a transformation in its name.

Architecture

Built on Hindu temple architecture, Maa Bagulamukhi Devi is an open, symmetry driven structure, with many variations, on a square grid of padas, depicting perfect geometric shapes such as circles and squares. To reach this holy destination, devotees have to climb 1100 stairs .There is also a ropeway path, built keeping in mind the comfort level of the devotional climbers.

Culture

Chhattisgarh is well known for its rich cultural heritage that reflects various aspects of this beautiful state. Cultural life of Chhattisgarh comprises varied forms of traditional art and crafts, tribal dances, folk songs, regional festivals and fairs and amusing cultural fests. Mainly, Chhattisgarh is occupied by tribal people who have preserved their rich tribal culture modestly and religiously. Eastern parts of the state of Chhattisgarh are influenced with Oriya culture. People of the state are traditional and believe in simple way of living following their traditional customs and beliefs. It can be visibly observed in their food habits, festivals and fairs, costumes, ornaments, folk dance and music as well. Chhattisgarh also hosts various cultural fests like Chakradhar Samaroh, Sirpur National Dance and Music Festival and Bastar Lokotsav.