Ratanpur, Bilaspur
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Ratanpur
Where the omnipotent presence of Goddess Mahamaya strengthens faith & defeats fears... They say blessings never last forever, but one who has visited Ratanpur, a land that still exudes the fragrance of its glorious past, will want to differ. Truly the blessed land of Devi Maa Mahamaya, Ratanpur is famous as a 'Shaktipeeth'. The city of Ratanpur is located at a distance of 25 km from Bilaspur. It is situated on the Bilaspur-Ambikapur highway.The Tripuri Kalchuris had made Ratanpur their capital and reigned there successfully for many years. Ratanpur is known as the 'Chaturyugi Nagri' because its existence as a flourishing town can be found in all the four Yugs. King Ratnadev had founded the city, and the capital of the Kalchuri Dynasty in 1000 AD . It remained an important place in the region for centuries that followed.
Maa Mahamaya Devi Temple: Welcome to one of the most religiously-celebrated, architecturally superb and culturally rich temple of south-east India-Shri Mahamaya Devi Mandir, Ratanpur. 900 years old, this temple attracts the attention of historians and archaeologists.
Built on the Nagar School of architecture, the temple is surrounded by an 18 inch thick boundary wall. Supported by sixteen stone columns, the temple is believed to be built around 11th century AD by King Ratnadev. Many of the statues and motifs used in the temple have been taken from rundown or broken temples of earlier centuries; some of them were Jain temples. The main campus of the temple has smaller statues of Mahakali, Bhadrakali, Surya Dev, Lord Vishnu, Lord Hanuman, Bhairava and Lord Shiva.
It is believed that the first puja and 'Abhisheka' of Devi Maa Mahamaya was performed at this place by Kalinga King Ratnadev in 1050 AD, when he shifted his capital from Tumman to Ratanpur. Because of its strategic geographical position, King Ratandev and his heirs made Ratanpur their capital and built up palaces, forts and temples, the remnants of which can be seen even today.
Legend has it that in 1045 AD, King Ratnadev I came to a village called Manipur for hunting. Tired, he climbed a banyan tree at night and drifted off into a sound sleep. When he woke up in the middle of the night, he saw a very radiant light coming out from underneath the tree. He was surprised to see a congregation of devotees revering Goddess 'Adishakti Mahamaya'. The king was so moved by this particular incident, that after returning to the capital of Tumman he announced his decision to make Ratanpur the new capital. Following this decision the king also built the Maa Mahamaya Temple in 1050 AD.
It is also believed that a centre for learning weaponry was also established in this temple. Local folks say that Devi Sati's right arm had fallen on the land of Ratanpur and Lord Shiva himself had given this land the prestigious title of 'Kumari Shaktipeeth'. Unmarried young women are known to have attained good husbands and blissful married lives after seeking the blessings of the revered Goddess.
During the Navratri, devotees come from all corners of the country and the world to get a glimpse of the celebrated Devi and pay their rituals. Surrounding the main temple are many big halls where Jyoti Kalashas are lit by the Trust on behalf of the devotees. The Kalashas are kept “alive” for the whole nine days of Navratri. This is why they are also called 'Akhand Manokaamna Navratri Jyoti Kalashas'. It is believed that Devi Maa Mahamaya fulfils all the wishes of her devotees during the festive season.
Shri Kaal Bhairava Temple
The temple lies around 3 km away from Shri Mahamaya Devi Mandir towards Bilaspur. The temple is dedicated to Kaal Bhairava, one among the 52 Bhairavas. ('Bhairava', Lord of Terror is another shade of Lord Shiva, regarded as his 'Rudra' or dreadful form). A nine feet high statue made of stone can be found here. Being a 'Kumari Shaktipeeth' it was also famous as a centre for learning various chants and rituals. The Shri Kaal Bhairava Temple was built by Baba Gyangiri.
Shri Khandoba Temple
This beautiful temple was built by Maratha Ruler Bimbaji Bhonsle's wife in the memory of her nephew Khandoji. Idols of Lord Shiva and an 'Ashvarohi' idol of Goddess Bhavani are kept in this temple. There was a demon called Mani-Malla, and Lord Shiva in his Martanda Bhairava Avatar had killed him on top of the Sahyadri Mountain. Right behind the temple an ancient and huge pond called the 'Dulahara Talaab' is located.
Shri Mahalaxmi Devi Temple
The Ekbira hill, on the Ratanpur-Kota highway is capped by the Mahalaxmi Temple built by Gangadhar, the prime minister of King Ratnadev. Locals often refer to this temple as the Lakhni Devi Temple. On the occasion of Navratri, Sorghum (Jowar) seeds are sown and the Goddess is honoured with holy chants and flowers.
Juna Shahar and Badal Mahal
Just a little away from the Lakhni Devi Temple there is a small hamlet called the Juna Shahar. King Raj Singh had named it as Rajpur long ago. He had also built the Badal Mahal for his beloved wife, Queen Kajra Devi. An extremely creative example of the Kalchuri Kalin period, this palace was also called as the Satkhanda Mahal as it had 7 floors. Today only two floors of the Badal Mahal remain. Other tourist attractions near the palace are Kokshah's Koko Bavli and Kankan Bavli are situated.
Hazrat Musa Khan Baba Dargah
High up on the Juna Sehar mountain is the ancient Dargah, where pilgrims flock in many to pray in peace.
Hathi Kila
Resting in its magnificent historic splendour is King Prithvidev's Hathi Kila. Located near the Ratanpur Bus Stand, this fort is surrounded from all four sides by deep valleys. There are four entrances to the fort mainly, Singh Dwar, Ganesha Dwar, Bhairava Dwar, and Semar Dwar. The fort is known for artistic sculptures and engravings. The Singh Dwar has engravings of Gandharva, Kinnar, Apsara, and various Goddesses on its left along with a unique display of the ten-headed Ravana sacrificing his heads in a holy fire. In the same direction stands a huge idol with a head and body. This is known to be the statue of Shri Gopal Veer. It is said that the Mughal Emperor Jahangir was so impressed by Gopal Rai's bravery that he excused Ratanpur from taxes (Lagaan) and gave King Kalyan Saai many honourable titles.
The next entrance is the Ganesh Dwar, which has the most mind-blowing depiction of Lord Hanuman. The Laxmi Narayan Temple built by Anandibai Joshi belonging to the Maratha dynasty is worth visiting next. Moving on, you will find the Jaggannath Temple that was built by King Kalyan Saai. Idols of God Jaggannath, Devi Subhadra and Balbhadra are installed in the Jaggannath Temple. One cannot miss the beautiful effigies of Goddess Annapurna and Lord Vishnu here. Behind the Jaggannath Temple is the 'Rani Nivas' where the Queens rested. You will be amazed to know that the last door of this fort is in the direction of Motipur, where near the 'Bees Duariya Ponds' 20 queens of King Laxman Saai sacrificed themselves to Sati. In their reverence, the 'Bees Duariya Temple' was created.
Ramtekri
Rendered In Panchayatan style, the Rama Temple atop Ramtekri has an important place in history. In the Garbha Griha, idols of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Brothers Laxman-Shatrughan are placed in Panchayatan style. The river Ganga flows from Lord Rama's thumb and Lord Vishnu and Hanuman effigies are placed in the Mandapa. If you go to the Hall, you will find Queen Anandibai's and King Bimbaji's Temple.
Budheshwar Mahadev Temple
If you want to start believing in miracles, you must witness the beauty of a 'Swayambhu Shivalinga' wherein the presence of the Lord is very much alive. At the foot of Ramtekri, is a Shiva Temple constructed by King Prithvidev II. The locals call the unique Shivalinga found here as Budha Mahadev, hence the temple is named as the Budheshwar Mahadev Temple. Girjawan Hanuman Temple: As you travel to the east from Ramtekri, the 'Siddha Dakshinmukhi Hanuman Temple' by King Prithvidev II comes into view. The image of Lord Hanuman found here seems to be right out of an epic! Lord Rama and Laxman are sitting on Hanuman's shoulders while 'Ahiravan' is crushed by his feet. This temple is surrounded by the Ramjanaki and Shiva Temple.
Kanthideval Temple
In the premises of the Maa Mahamaya Temple, another great temple called the Neelkantheshwar Mandir is located. Enlisted in national heritage, the Kanthideval Temple was built in the 15th century AD. There are four entrances to the temple and lovely sculptures of Gods and Goddess are engraved into them. You can also plan a visit to the museum here that has different sculptures discovered in the nearby regions.
Bairagvan and Bees Duariya Temple
Just behind the Shri Mahamaya Devi Temple is the Bairagvan pond. On the banks of this pond is Lord Narmadeshwar Temple, and on the other side is King Raj Singh's Memorial (also known as the Bees Duariya Temple). The speciality of the Bees Duariya Temple is that it has 20 different entrances. You can also visit the Kichri Kedarnath Temple near Bairagvan. Shri Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple: Located on the banks of Ratneshwar Pond in Karaihapara, the Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple was built by King Ratnadev. Here, next to the Ved-Ratneshwar lake is a 400-year old Kabir Ashram which was built by Sudarshan, a follower of Sant Kabir.
Bhuvaneshwar Mahadev Temple
Perched on the banks of the Krishnarjuni Pond, at the Ratanpur-Chapora road, is the ancient temple of Bhuvaneshwar Mahadev. Dedicated to the Sun God or Lord Bhaskara, this holy abode is also callaed the Suryeshwar Temple. Complete with a Shivalinga, the temple has a rare stone inscription in the Garbha Griha.
Khuntaghat Bandh
Blushing with picturesque green landscapes, this place is every photographers dream come true. In the Bhadramas, during Ganesh Chaturthi, it is time to delve into intense festive fervour at the Fair. The temple was built in the British period and its construction was completed in the year 1926. Khuntaghat Bandh is the best place for a very peaceful stroll amidst sweet smelling gardens at the foot of the reservoir. The glistening green hills are capped with the Rest House. For all adventure lovers, the Khuntaghat Bandh is an adrenaline paradise with thrilling water sports.
Other Attractions
Shiva Temple at Pali: Pali is located at a distance of 25km from Ratanpur. Banvanshi Ruler Vikramaditya I (870 – 895 AD) created a breathtakingly beautiful Shiva Temple near a reservoir. Almost 1000 years old, this Shiva Temple still breathes life into history.
This interesting Shiva temple is constructed over a raised platform, a feature seen in majority of the temples in Chhattisgarh. The temple has a sanctum and a Mandapa. The Mandapa has not survived fully however it has been renovated many times. It is octagonal in shape, which makes this the only temple in Chhattisgarh with an octagonal Mandapa. The roof of the Mandapa is constructed with concentric circles, reducing in circumference. External walls of the Mandapa and the Vimana are profusely carved with marvellous sculptures of Gods and Goddesses.
Dancers in various poses, Apsaras and damsels with couples in various moods provide appropriate company to the gods and goddesses who are adorning these walls.
The sanctum door is built with three panels on each door jamb. River goddesses are found in their position at the bottom of the door jambs. Goddess Ganga is on the proper right and Goddess Yamuna is on the proper left jamb. Images of various Gods related to the Shiva family are depicted here.
Shiva as Tripuratnak and Kartikeya appear on the niches in the southern wall of the Vimana. Images of Surya and Shiva are placed in the niches on the western side. Northern wall niches are decorated with images of Chamunda and Shiva. Couples in various amorous moods are placed in the intervening panels all around the Vimana. Laphagarh (Chaiturgarh): 15km away from the village of Pali, on a beautiful mountain range, is a highly historic site called Laphagarh. King of the Gond community, Shri Sangram Shah believed that Laphagarh was strategically and politically important among all his 52 forts. Even the Chaiturgarh Fort built by the Kalchuri Ruler Bahar Sai in the 14th century AD is located here. An American Survey Report has praised the strategic built of the fort saying that such a strong and safe arrangement has never been seen before. Inside this fort, a very sacrosanct and ancient temple of Maa Mahamaya rekindles every pilgrim's devotion.
Accommodation
The Mahamaya Temple Trust has Dharmashalas and there are various shelters available in Ratanpur. There are various luxury hotels and guest houses in Bilaspur.
How to reach
By Air
Raipur (141km) is the nearest airport well connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Ranchi, Vishakhapatnam and Chennai.
By Rail
Bilaspur (25km) is the nearest railway station on the Bombay- Howrah main line.
By Road
Local taxis, buses and private vehicles are available for transport from Bilaspur to Ratanpur.
