Maa Pataleshwari Temple

Maa Pataleshwari Temple

• Location: The temple is located in the city of Patna, Bihar, India.
• History: The temple is believed to have been built in the 11th century by King Harshavardhana.
• Architecture: The temple is built in the Nagara style of architecture. It has a square sanctum sanctorum with a shikhara rising above it. The sanctum sanctorum houses a black stone idol of Maa Pataleshwari.
• Significance: The temple is one of the most important Hindu temples in Bihar. It is believed to be the abode of Maa Pataleshwari, the goddess of the underworld. The temple is also a popular pilgrimage destination for devotees from all over India.

Pilgrimage

The temple is open to devotees from all over the year. The best time to visit the temple is during the Navratri festival, when the temple is decorated with flowers and lights.

Offerings

Devotees offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to Maa Pataleshwari. They also light diyas and incense sticks in the temple.

Rituals

Devotees perform aarti to Maa Pataleshwari every morning and evening. They also offer prayers to the goddess.

Legend

There is a legend associated with the temple. It is said that a king named Banasura once ruled over the kingdom of Patna. He was a powerful king but he was also very cruel. He used to torture his subjects and did not allow them to worship any other god or goddess except himself.

One day, a sage named Durvasa came to Banasura's kingdom. He was a powerful sage and he was very angry with Banasura. He cursed Banasura that he would be killed by a woman.

Banasura was very scared of the curse. He tried to find a way to avoid the curse but he could not. Finally, he decided to build a temple for Maa Pataleshwari, the goddess of the underworld. He thought that if he pleased the goddess, she would protect him from the curse.

Banasura built a beautiful temple for Maa Pataleshwari. He also performed many rituals to please the goddess. Maa Pataleshwari was pleased with Banasura's devotion and she agreed to protect him from the curse.

Banasura lived a long and happy life. He died peacefully and was reunited with Maa Pataleshwari in the afterlife.

Conclusion

The Maa Pataleshwari Temple is a beautiful and sacred place. It is a popular pilgrimage destination for devotees from all over India. The temple is also a reminder of the power of faith and devotion.

Architecture of Maa Pataleshwari Temple

Maa Pataleshwari Temple is a Hindu temple located in the city of Patna, Bihar, India. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Pataleshwari, a form of the Hindu goddess Parvati. The temple is believed to have been built in the 11th century CE, during the reign of the Pala dynasty.

The temple is built in the Nagara style of architecture. The main temple is a square structure with a pyramidal roof. The temple is surrounded by a number of smaller shrines. The temple is decorated with sculptures of Hindu deities and mythological figures.

The main entrance to the temple is located on the east side. The entrance is flanked by two large pillars. The pillars are decorated with sculptures of lions and elephants.

The interior of the temple is divided into three chambers. The first chamber is the ardha mandapa, or the antechamber. The second chamber is the maha mandapa, or the main hall. The third chamber is the garbhagriha, or the sanctum sanctorum.

The sanctum sanctorum houses a murti of Maa Pataleshwari. The murti is made of black stone. The murti is seated in a yogic posture. The murti is adorned with jewels and flowers.

The temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. The temple is also a tourist attraction.

Key Features of the Architecture of Maa Pataleshwari Temple

• The temple is built in the Nagara style of architecture.
• The main temple is a square structure with a pyramidal roof.
• The temple is surrounded by a number of smaller shrines.
• The temple is decorated with sculptures of Hindu deities and mythological figures.
• The main entrance to the temple is located on the east side.
• The interior of the temple is divided into three chambers.
• The sanctum sanctorum houses a murti of Maa Pataleshwari.