Maa Pitambara Temple

About The Temple

Maa Pitambara (Bagalamukhi) Temple – Amleshwar And Its Rich Heritage

The Bagalamukhi temple, also popular as Maa Pitambara Temple, is regarded as one of the holiest destinations of Amleshwar. Situated in proximity to the Raipur airport and Durg, the temple attracts flocks of pilgrims and devotees, all over the country. The temple is also one of the significant Bagalamukhi temples of India. To state the exact location of the temple, it is 81°35’40? East and 21°12’32” north. The construction of the temple was in the able hands of Shri Shri Pitambara Pithadhishwar Yogiraj Youdhishthir Ji Maharaj.

Cultural and religious importance

According to the religious background of Hinduism, the presence of ten mahavidyas or great wisdom is of paramount significance. Among the ten major aspects of Goddess Parvati, Devi Bagalamukhi is one. These ten facets of Lord Parvati stand for the diverse entities of Shakti and signify feminine glory. From horrific and devastating powers to gentle and tender care, these sacred bearers of Great Wisdom represent almost all the major facets of feminine divinity. Maa Pitambara (Baglamukhi) Temple Amleshwar is the holy abode of the Goddess Pitambara, who is the divine manifestation of Goddess Bagalamukhi. The deity exists as a separate entity, without the male divine powers.

The main deity

The principle deity of the temple is Maa Bagalamukhi, the eighth manifestation of Shakti. She is the embodiment of keelaya buddhi vinasa or the destroyer of evil wishes and intentions. Hence, Maa Bagalamukhi represents prevailing of better senses and attainment of true knowledge. The deity signifies destruction of enemies. Moreover, Maa Bagalamukhi portrays the essence of independence and is a potent feminine force by herself. Therefore, the deity lacks presence of a male consort, essaying the true representation of Shakti.

Enumeration of the Idol

Goddess Bagalamukhi has a different representation in this temple. The idol is carved from white marble stones, with a massive gold crown adorning the head. Also popular as Maa Bagalamukhi Pitambara Shaktipeeth, the idol wears a yellow outfit with intricate embroidery. Moreover, a heavily embellished cloth hangs from the head of the idol, as a veil. The idol is chaturbhuja, which means there are four hands of the idol, each with a distinguished weapon. In one of the hands, the deity bears a cudgel. Seated in a gracious equipoise, with the left hand tucking at the demon’s tongue, the goddess performs Stambhana, the act of paralyzing enemy’s speech.

Vedic procedures and rituals

Maa Pitambara, one of the divine manifestations of Goddess Bagalamukhi fulfills wishes of dedicated devotees. At the Pitambara Temple of Chattisgarh, special arrangements are made for complete and enriching worshipping procedure for the deity. Mostly, the worship methodologies completely adhere to principles of the Vedas. Therefore, all offerings by devotees are presented to the deity in compliance with Vedic rules. The holy chants reverberates the temple premises with Divine grace. Apart from that, the Bagalamukhi Yantra is also of paramount significance, in successful completion of rituals. It protects devotees and shields them from negatives forces of enmity.

Celebration of Navratri

The Maa Pitambara temple celebrates the grand occasion of Navratri with great pomp and zeal. Moreover, some of the celebratory methodologies of the temple bear similarity with the Pitambara Peeth in Madhya Pradesh. According to religious canonicals, the Pitambara Peeth is the holy abode of Goddess Pitambara. It is also popular as the Tapasthali, or the mediation destination. The temple hosts huge celebration of Navratri on the sacred occasion of Guru Purnima. As in Sanskrit, the etymology of the term Guru is, gu meaning darkness and ru, denoting the removal of darkness. Therefore, celebration on this particular occasion marks the existence of knowledge and wisdom.

The Navratri celebration at the temple follows the Shakta principles of worship. Moreover, it is the perfect occasion of beginning any religious proceedings and Sadhana. Navratri celebration of Vasant Panchami occurs amidst joy and glory. It is during these festivities that the temple arena reverberates with joyous sounds of devotees.

A famous pilgrimage destination

Among the most famous Shaktipeethas of the country, Maa Pitambara (Baglamukhi) temple is one. Moreover, by delving deep into the Maa Pitambara (Baglamukhi) history, you will get a good insight into the religious significance of the place. The temple attracts a huge number of devotees from all parts of the country, around the year. But the Navratri celebration record the maximum number of footfall, here at Amleshwar.

How To Reach

Reaching the Maa Pitambara (Bagalamukhi) Temple is not that tough. Thanks to the lucid transportation system of the state. Moreover, the place offers convenient travel options for devotees and tourists, through roadways, railways, and airways. You just need to have coherent information on the Maa Pitambara (Baglamukhi) timings, to pay a timely visit to the temple.

By Road: Located at a distance of 25 kilometers from Durg, the place offers coherent transportation from all parts of the state. You can rely on the bus services of Chattisgarh, to reach your destination, as Durg is one of the focal points of the state.
By Rail: In case you want to take the rail route, even that is possible. The temple lies in proximity to the Raipur Railway Station. You will have to travel a mere distance of 5 kilometers.
By Air: Now, it is inevitable that a sacred destination of this statute will attract a huge number of pilgrims and devotees from the entire country. Moreover, the presence of an air dome, in proximity to the temple, makes it easier for the international pilgrims to visit the temple. The temple is situated at a modest distance of 15 kilometers from Raipur Airport.

Nearby Attractions

After performing Maa Pitambara (Baglamukhi) puja, devotees and pilgrims all over the country can set out for a sightseeing journey. There are some beautiful and unique places of interest in the city offering a slice of the rich cultural, historical and archeological heritage of the place.

Visiting the Maa Pitambara Temple, one must not forget to pay a holy visit to Champaran. Situated in Raipur, this place is popular, as it is the birthplace of the founder of the Vallabh Sect, Saint Vallabhacharya. There is a temple built in the memory of the great saint. Apart from that, Champakeshwara Mahadeva Temple is also situated in proximity to this temple. Thousands of tourist, as well as devotees, flock around Champaran, on Baisakh’s eleventh day, at the annual fair, on the birth anniversary of the saint.
Located at Chandrapur, the Chandrahasini Devi Temple resides by the sacred Mahanadi River. On the previous night of Navratri, a great fair is organized with huge pomp and splendor.
In the Rajnandgaon district of Chattisgarh, devotees and pilgrims can also pay a visit to the Bamleshwari temple. Located on a hilltop at approximately 1600 feet, the temple is the holy abode of Maa Bamleshwari or Bagalamukhi. During the Navratri celebrations of Chaitra and Kavar, the temple experiences a massive footfall of devotees and pilgrims.
Amidst the scenic Maikal mountain range, stands the massive Bhoramdeo Temple. This temple, built in the sacred remembrance of Lord Shiva, depicts the unique architectural excellence of the Naga style. Built in 1098 A.D, by the sixth ruler of FaniNagvansh Gopal Dev dynasty, the temple is situated in proximity to Kawardha.
Located at 160 kilometers, in the northern part of Raigarh, the Badalkhol Wildlife Sanctuary is a sanctuary of great repute. Natural habitat and wildlife conservation reach its optimum target, as dense forests cover almost 44% of the place.

History Of Temple

Maa Pitambara is the divine incarnation of the Goddess Bagalamukhi. Moreover, the temple at Chhattisgarh is among the famous Shakti peethas of Bagalamukhi Devi. While engaging in the Maa Pitambara (Baglamukhi) chhattisgarh darshana, devotees are sure to come across the historical significance of the place. According to popular mythological legends, the universe faced extremities of a fierce storm. At this crucial point, all Gods formed an assemblage at the Saurashtra region and offered dedicated prayers to Maa Bagalamukhi. Pleased by the commitment and prayers of Gods, the Goddess appeared from the Haridra Sarovar and saved them from the debacle.

To go by another popular legend, Madan, a demon practiced penance and acquired Vak Siddhi. Now, because of this boon, each of his utterances turned to be true. Utilizing it as a means to frighten and harass innocent dwellers, the demon created a huge fuss. To stop and limit his unworthy acts, the Gods, once again, prayed to Maa Bagalamukhi. Severely enraged by the rampage of Madan, the Goddess slashed the tongue of the demon and silenced him forever. This act of the Goddess explains the act of stambhana by Maa Pitambara.

After this particular event, better sense prevailed for Madan. Though the Goddess was angry at his doings and decided to kill him, Madan was successful in appeasing her and asking for forgiveness. Moreover, he requested to be worshipped, alongside Maa Bagalamukhi. Therefore, the Maa Pitambara temple at Amleshwar worships Madan, along with the Goddess, with huge grandeur, and respect.