Mahamaya Temple in Ratanpur

The renowned Mahamaya Temple of Ratanpur is devoted to Saraswati and Lakshmi Goddesses. The shrine is reckoned as one of the fifty two Shakti Pithas of India. Visitors approaching the Mahamaya Temple through the Bilaspur-Ambikapur Highway can witness a plethora of shops which sell a variety of “Pooja-Samagri” to offer the Goddess. Here one can buy the items for Devi Maa’s Shringaar (decorative items for the beautification of the Goddess), Nariyal-Agarbatti package etc. The devotees must wash their hands, mouth, face and feet prior to entering the temple to maintain the purity and holiness of the campus of the Temple.

History of Mahamaya Temple

The temple was constructed during the twelfth and thirteenth century and Goddess Mahamaya is the main deity of this shrine. The Kalchuri Dynasty used to be a strong dynasty of the Hindu Kings and Haihai was a part of this dynasty. Haihai governed Chhattisgarh and Mahakoshal from ninth to eighteenth century. The Mahamaya temple was constructed during the rule of Ratandev I who was the Kalchuri King and the creator of the Haihaiyavansi Kingdom whose capital was at Ratanpur.
Locals believe that this shrine was constructed at the very spot where Ratandev I had a glimpse of Kaali Mata. Initially the shrine was made for Kaali, Saraswati and Lakshmi, however later when a new shrine was constructed by Bahar Sai it gave shelter to Goddess Saraswati and Lakshmi only. The shrine is believed to be built during 1492 AD (1552). There are numerous ponds in the vicinity of this pious temple. Apart from this, one can also witness the shrines of Lord Hanuman and Shiva which exist inside the campus of the Mahamaya Temple. By tradition, Goddess Mahamaya is regarded as the “Kuldevi” of the Ratanpur State. This shrine has been restored by the Architectural Department.

Architecture of Mahamaya Temple

The architecture of Mahamaya Temple follows the Nagara Style and is opposite the north and lies adjacent to an enormous water tank. One can witness numerous domes, forts, shrines and palaces in the neighboring areas of this temple including the Royal House of the Ratanpur Kingdom. The shrine is enclosed by a boundary wall of 18 inches and is propped up by 16 stone columns. The majority of motifs and statues that adorn the temple have been obtained from the ruined and worn out temples of the bygone era. These included some Jain temples as well. The main campus of the Mahamaya Temple houses some smaller idols of Bhadrakali, Lord Vishnu, Mahakali, Lord Shiva, Surya Dev, Bhairav and Lord Hanuman. The locals believe that the "Abhishek" and first pooja was executed by Ratna Dev (Kalinga King) in the year 1050 AD when he transferred his capital from Tuman to the town of Ratanpur.

Within the temple campus, there exists the dual statue of the Goddess Mahamaya just opposite the “Kanthi Dewal” Temple. The first statue which stands at the front is called “Mahishasur Mardini” while the second statue is of “Saraswati Maa”. The Kanthi Dewal Temple and Mahamrityunjaya Panchmukhi Shiv Temple are the most renowned temples located around the Mahamaya temple. The shape of the Kanth Dewal Temple is octagonal and follows the Mughal and Hindu Architectural style. This red stone temple has 9-12th century sculptures carved on its walls. Kalchuri King, Shaal Bhanjika, Lingodhbhava Shiva and a lady feeding a child are the most significant sculptures of this temple. A Shiva Lingam can also be seen inside this temple. The Panchmukhi Shiv Temple is also made up of red stone and is famous for its splendid architecture. It is also said that this temple is the origin of the idol of Mahamaya. Locals believe that if you do the pooja properly and suspend a coconut enveloped in a red colored cloth on a tree standing in front of the temple, your wishes will definitely be fulfilled by Lord Shiva. The Kalbhairava Temple is believed to be the protector of the Mahamaya Temple which is positioned before the Mahamaya Temple and is a must visit for the devotees to finish their religious journey.

Rituals at Mahamaya Temple during Navaratra

During Navaratra, the temple is flocked by a plethora of devotees from all over India to pay homage to the Goddess. There are several huge halls which surround the temple and are illuminated with Jyoti Kalashas by the Temple Trust in support of the devotees. These Kalashas keep breathing throughout the 9 days of Navaratra. Owing to this reason they are also known as “Akhand Manokamna Navaratra Jyoti Kalashas”. The followers of Mahamaya believe that if you perform all the rituals (such as fasting, archana and pooja) of the Goddess properly, Maa will surely fulfill all your desires. During Navaratra, the Temple Trust also organizes many special events in which the devotees can participate.

Timings for “Darshan”

Devotees can catch sight of the Goddess everyday between 6 AM and 8.30 PM except during the “Bhog” which takes place at 12 PM for 30 minutes. During the Bhog time the entry of visitors is restricted. The temple remains open for the Darshan of Goddess till midnight during the Navaratra. In Navaratra there are long queues for Devi Darshan.

Accommodation at Mahamaya Temple

The Temple Trust administers 2 Guest Houses to give shelter to the disciples. There are absolutely no accommodation fees for the devotees. One can avail the accommodation on first come and first serve basis. A new Guest House is also being constructed. The Temple Trust takes care of all the expenditure required to run these Guest Houses. There is also an electric generator which is an alternate power source for the Temple as well as the Guest Houses.

How to Reach Mahamaya Temple ?

The nearest railway station to Mahamaya Temple is the Bilaspur Rail Head which is connected with a majority of cities in India. After getting down at the Bilaspur station one can take a taxi or bus to arrive at Ratanpur which is just 25 kms away from Bilaspur. After entering Ratanpur the temple complex is just half kms from Highway.

Address: Sri Mahamaya Devi Mandir Trust, Ratanpur, Chhattisgarh, Pin code- 495442
Phone numbers: 07753-255526 and 07753-255504
Website Address: https://mahamayaratanpur.com/
Email Id: sunilsonthalia2010@gmail.com