The temple of Mundeswari, known to be one of the oldest functional temples in the world, was built within the 3rd and the 4th BC. But in the gradual phase of time, the shrine witnessed various reformations. There was a time when the presiding deity was Lord Vishnu, but the idol disappeared with the passage of time. From 248 AD, Lord Viniteswara(believed to be a form of Mahadev) is established as a secondary deity besides Lord Vishnu.

Again as days goes by, Shaivism started becoming more popular among the people and then Lord Viniteswara, also known as the Chatur Mukhalingam (the Shiva Lingam with 4 faces) became the primary deity in the temple. In 348 AD, Dandanayaka Gomibhata established the Chatur Mukhalingam idol in the Temple.

Now along with Lord Shiva, the ritual of praying Devi Shakti started with the intervention of the Cheros tribes dwelling in the Kaimur hills. Devi Mundeswari- an incarnation of Devi Shakti was their presiding deity and from then onwards, Devi Mundeswari became the primary deity on the temple and Lord Chatur Mukhalingam became the secondary deity in the temple.

Location Bihar, Kaimur, Patna

Architecture

Along with its century-old glorious past, the temple of Mundeswari devi is one of the rarest specimens of the Nagara style of temple architecture, that was evolved centuries back in Bihar when it was popularly known as Magadha. Unfortunately, only this one remains of its type. Thus, the Archeological Survey of India has taken special measures in preserving this work of art.

The one-storied stone temple is octagonal in shape and has doors in all the four sides. The principal entrance is at the east where a few dilapidated pillars are still found that supported the portico. There are also several figures of dancers created on the entcicing entrance of temple.

Picture Courtesy : By Bihar Images - Flickr: AncientTempleKaimurBihar, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16847406

Culture

Over the ages, Bihar has been the center of attraction regarding its involvement since the days of Ramanayana and the Mahabharata. The capital of the mighty Mauryan Empire was also at Pataliputra- which lies in the present day Bihar. Even today, many important relics of Emperor Chandra Gupta Maurya, Bindusara and the mightiest of them all Emperor Ashoka are found.

Moreover, Bihar proudly houses the centers of learning like the famous Nalanda University and the prestigious Vikramshila University during the ancient times.

The state boasts on its flagship religious culture, the enriched heritage that grew up associating different popular shrines in Bihar. Alongside, Bihar's culture extends to the vibrant Madhubani art and Manjusha art.

Darsan Info

Temple opens at morning and close at evening. Pilgrims can visit temple any time of the day.

Darsan Dresscode

No specific dress-code.

Famous Festival

January - Maha Shivaratri

March -    Ram Navami

October - Navratri

 Grand Mela is held during the pious occasions of Ramnavami and Shivratri.

Temple Rituals

Morning and evening puja archana.

Special Rituals

Tantric way of worshipping the Gods is predominant at the Mundeshwari temple of Arrah. On occasions such as the Ram Navami, Maha Shivaratri, and Navaratri, special rituals are performed. The shrine is popular for its continuing mode of special worships that are continued without any break. Therefore, this is known to be one of the oldest functional temples in the world.

Additional Info

 

Mohania Vihar Hotel

Prince Restaurant

Green Island

Express Restaurant

Manokanama Foods