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).
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
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