Mithila Shaktipeeth
Mithila Shaktipeeth or Maa Uma Devi Temple is located in Janakpur (Nepal) near to Bihar border. Mithila Shaktipeeth is one of Maa Sati’s 51 Shaktipeeth Temples. The temple is devoted to Durga’s Goddess Uma Devi. The temple, which depicts a fort, is white. Here Goddess Shakti is worshipped as ‘Uma’ or ‘Mahadevi’ and Bhairav ​​as ‘Mahodar’.
In the Mithila Shaktipeeth, the left shoulder of Mother Sati had fallen. The region is well-known for the additional history contained in the well-known Hindu holy epic Ramayana. Since Sita Mata (Lord Rama’s wife) and her father were born in Janakpuri, the famed monarch of Janak previously ruled over this province.
Story Behind Mithila Shaktipeeth
The goddess of Dakshayani, Sati, Parvati, or Durga—Hinduism’s most important woman and most powerful deity—is called Shakti. Durga Devi, Mahakali, and Gowri are the three main manifestations of Shakti, the power goddess. She is Adi Shakti’s avatar.
Sati was the Prajapati Daksha’s daughter, and she married Lord Shiva despite Her father’s wishes. Prajapati Daksha once put together a massive yagya, but he didn’t call his daughter and son-in-law. Sati was very saddened by Her father’s actions. When she got there, her father ignored the Sati and insulted her. She could not bear the insult of his husband (Lord Shiva) and she jumped into the fire of Yagya and committed suicide. She passed away, but her body didn’t burn. Lord Shiva had taken His Virabhadra Rupa out of rage. Daksha’s head was cut off by him, but in the end, He forgave him by bringing him back to life.
Lord Shiva, devastated, had taken Sati’s body and wandered the universe. Finally, Lord Vishnu used His Chakra to break Sati’s body into pieces. Each body part transformed into Shakti Pitha. The temple had emerged where the body part had fallen to the ground. To safeguard the Shakti Pitha, Lord Shiva created 51 Bhairava for each one.
It is believed that Devi Sati’s left shoulder (Vama Skandha) fell here. The idols of goddess Uma Devi and Lord Mahodar are located in a temple on a mountain rock. In this temple Shakti is worshipped as ‘Uma‘ or ‘Mahadevi‘ and Bhairav ​​is worshipped as ‘Mahodar‘.
History of Mithila Shaktipeeth
The Mithila Shaktipeeth Temple has a long history dating back to the Ramayana era. Sita Devi, Lord Rama’s wife, is said to have been born in Mithila, the region where the temple is located. The temple is claimed to be built on the same site where Sita’s ear landed during the Ramayana conflict between Ravana and Sita. The temple has enormous cultural and religious significance for the locals and draws devotees from all over.
The architecture of Mithila Shaktipeeth
Mithila Shaktipeeth Temple is a wonderful edifice constructed in the traditional Indian temple style. Several shrines and shrines of various deities and holy ladies can be found within the temple complex. The main sanctum sanctorum is devoted to Maa Jayamangala, the temple’s principal deity. Ammavari’s idol is constructed of black stone, and she is represented standing with numerous weapons in her eight hands. There are also idols of Lord Shiva and other Hindu gods and goddesses in the shrine.
The architectural style of the temple is distinguished by intricate sculptures and carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and culture. The temple’s walls and pillars are adorned with vibrant paintings and murals showing various facets of the Divine Feminine and her manifestations.
Facts about Mithila Shaktipeeth
- Mithila Shaktipeeth is an important shaktipeeth where Devi Sati’s left shoulder (Vama Skandha) has fallen. Here Devi Sati is worshipped as Uma Devi or Mahadevi and Lord Bhairav as Mahodar.
- Mithila Shaktipeeth Temple is an important pilgrimage site for devotees of the Divine Feminine or Shakti.
- The temple is believed to be a place of immense spiritual power and prayers offered here are said to be fulfilled.
- The temple attracts a large number of devotees during the Navratri festivals held twice a year in the months of Chaitra and Ashwini.
- During Navratri, the temple is decorated with flowers and lamps, and special prayers and rituals are performed in honour of the divine feminine.
- Sona Mai Mandir is another name for this location’s old Shakti temple. Another name for Mithilachal is Durgasthan or the home of Devi Bhagavati.
Festivals In Mithila Shaktipeeth
- Durga Puja. (Winter) – Devotees celebrate Navaratri at this temple in the month of Ashwin (Sep-Oct).
- Navaratri. (Summer) – They celebrate other Navaratri in the fortnight of the Chaitra (March-April). Every nine days they worship Navadurga (nine Durgas).
- Diwali – Diwali is one of the most admired and auspicious festivals in the town.
- Mahashivratri– A grand fair is organized at the temple during the occasion of Maha Shivratri.
- Ram Navami is celebrated with great fervour. Janaki Navami on Vaishaka Shukla Navami (during May) is another festival celebrated with great pomp as Mithila is the birthplace of Sita Devi
How To reach Mithila Shaktipeeth
Mithila Shaktipeeth Temple is located in Janakpur (Nepal) near to Bihar border.
By Air: Biratnagar Airport, located in Nepal, is the closest airport to Janakpur. The temple is roughly 170 kilometres away from the airport. To get to the temple, take a taxi or a bus from the airport.
By Railway: The Janakpur railway station is the closest to Janakpur and is well-connected to major cities including Patna, Kolkata, and Delhi. After arriving at the railway station, you can take a taxi or a bus to the temple.
By Roadways: Janakpur is well-connected by road to major cities including Patna, Kolkata, and Delhi. From these cities, you can take a bus or a taxi to the temple. The roads are well-kept, and the drive is pleasant.
Read Also – Nainativu Nagapooshani Shaktipeeth
Location
Facilities
- Drinking Water
- Pooja Item Shops
- Prasad Shops
- Restaurants Nearby
- Resting Room