Located in Ratanpur, Chhattisgarh, Mahamaya Temple is a famous temple dedicated to dual Goddesses Lakshmi & Saraswati. It is one of the 52 Shakti Peethas where Goddess Mahamaya is also known as Kosaleswari. Built in the 12-13th century during the reign of Kalachuris of Ratnapura, the temple was originally for three Goddesses Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati. Later, Maha Kali left the old temple. The present temple was built by king Bahar Sai for Goddesses Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati in vikram samvat 1552 (1492 AD).

Location Mahamaya Mandir Raod, Ratanpur, Chhattisgarh

Legend

According to the legends, the temple was built in the 12th-13th century during the reign of Kalachuris of Ratnapura. The temple was built at the spot where the King had the darshan of Goddess Kali.

Architecture 

Built in Nagara style of architecture, the Mahamaya temple is facing north beside a huge water tank. Within the complex, there is also temple of Kantideval, which is oldest of the cluster and is said to have been built by a built by ascetic named Santosh Giri in 1039, later expanded by Kalchuri King Prithivideva II in the 15th century. It has four gates and beautiful carvings. The sanctum and the mandapa are fortified with a fascinated courtyard, which was built in Maratha period in the late 18th century.

Culture 

Bilaspur has a rich cultural heritage with its own dance styles, cuisine, and traditional and folk music. Sohar songs related to childbirth, and Bihav and Pathoni songs that are sung at weddings, are some of the most famous folk songs in Bilaspur.

Darsan Dresscode 

Wear neat and good looking clothes

Darsan Info 

Temple timings : 6.00 AM to 8.30 PM everyday

During Navratras, Mandir is open for Darshan till 12.00 AM midnight. Temple premises are packed with devotees during Navaratri times

Temple Rituals 

Morning pooja and arati starts from 6:00 AM onwards

Additional Info 

The Gateway Hotel, Cinnamon Restaurant, Girnar Restaurant