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Chhattisgarh Bambleshwari Temple Dongargarh
The Bambaleshwari temple is dedicated to Maa Bagulamukhi Devi, a manifestation of Goddess Durga. This temple is located at Dongargarh, which is 40 km from the district headquarter Rajnandgaon. It is believed that originally, the temple was built during the reign of emperor Vikaramaditya, around 600 years ago.
Situated on a hilltop of 1600 feet, the main temple complex is referred to as Badi Bambleshwari; while the temple at the ground level is called the Chhotti Bambleshwari. These temples attract massive crowds during Navarathri, during which the tradition of lighting jyothi kalash is carried out. The temple can be reached by a flight of 1100 steps or the ropeway, which is the first one of its kind in Chattisgarh. The temple offers spectacular views from the top, which is the added attraction for the pilgrims. The golden Buddha statue on the mountains across adds up to the dramatic beauty of the settings. The temple is open from 4.00 AM to 12.00 PM on weekdays and 5.00 AM to 10.00 PM on weekends. It is believed that anyone who prays in this temple during Navratri Festival will get all their wishes fulfilled.
Best Time to Visit
Bambleshwari temple is best visited during June to December when the climate is mild and pleasant. Summers can be blistering hot and sultry and the soaring day temperatures could make it difficult for the pilgrims to climb the steps or walk.
History
Around 2200 years back, Dongargarh known as Kamavati was ruled by Maharaja Kamsen. When the Queen gave birth to a son, the king considered it as a blessing of Lord Shiva and Parvati and he constructed the temple of Maa Bamleshwari at Dongargarh. Later on a war broke out between Raja Kamsen and Raja Vikramaditya on the issue of love between Maadhavnal and Kaamkandla, which ultimately led to the death of the couple.
Raja who was deeply depressed started worshiping Maa Bagulamukhi Devi. When the goddess appeared before him the king requested the goddess to bring back both Maadhavnal and Kaamkandala to life again and also asked Maa Bagulamukhi Devi to be at the temple always. Later on the name of the temple got changed into Maa Bamleshwari.
How to Reach
By Air
The nearestĀ airport at mana (Raipur) is approximately 110 kms from Dongargarh.
By Rail
Dongargarh galls on Bombay - Howrah main line and is at a distance of 170 kms from Nagpur and 100 kms from Raipur.
By Road
The National Highways 6, 43, and 16 connect all the major cities of the state to many places in Western India. The well laid out road network connects all the major parts with the state capital.
Other Attractions
Choti Bamleshwari Devi Temple
Situated on the plains, this temple used to be frequented by pilgrims who were unable to climb up the hill for darshan.
Hanuman Temples
The two temples of Lord Hanuman, near the Choti-Bamleshwari temple along the way towards the main Maa Bamleshawari temple are important stopovers.
Shivji
Located along the mountains, the temple of Lord Shivji has sculptures of snakes in different postures.
Photo Gallery