Film producers Arunabh Kumar and Ektaa Kapoor have brought a 400-year-old temple near Patna into the spotlight, intriguing many people. As part of their upcoming project, the duo is set to tell the story of Vandevi Temple in Bihar. Tucked away in what was once a dense forest near Bihta, around 30–35 km from Patna, the temple is believed to be around 400 years old and is steeped in a fascinating legend linked to Maa Vindhyavasini. Scroll on to know more about this temple.
Maa Van Devi Temple, Bihar: Story Behind This Ancient Temple
Around 35 km from Patna, on the outskirts of Bihta, sits a temple unlike many others. Maa Van Devi Temple, located at the triangular boundary of Amhara, Raghopur and Kanchanpur villages, is believed to be around 400 years old. But what makes this shrine particularly fascinating is that devotees do not worship Maa Van Devi in the form of a traditional idol. Instead, the goddess is worshipped in the form of a sacred pind.
According to Hindi news portal Hindustan, the story of Maa Van Devi is closely associated with Maa Vindhyavasini of Vindhyachal. According to local belief, around four centuries ago, Vidyanand Mishra, a devotee from the Raghopur area, was a devoted worshipper of Maa Vindhyavasini.
As he grew older, travelling all the way to Vindhyachal became difficult. One popular version of the legend says that Maa Vindhyavasini appeared to him in a dream and instructed him to establish a part of her sacred pind near his village. He is believed to have brought the pind and installed it in the middle of a forest. Since the shrine was surrounded by dense forest, the goddess eventually came to be known as Maa Van Devi, or the Goddess of the Forest.
Transformation Of The Temple
The shrine was not always the large temple visitors see today. In its early years, there was only a sacred pind with a small hut built over it, where devotees would come to pray.
According to reports, the transformation began in 1958, when saint Bhagwan Das Tyagi visited Amhara for a yajna and helped give the humble shrine a temple structure. Later, on February 12, 1997, local devotees took up the task of developing the temple further, eventually creating the larger shrine that stands today.
Also Read: Varanasi Has A Temple With No Idol But Map Of Pre-Partition India & Mahatma Gandhi Inaugurated It
A Temple Where Faith Meets Folklore
One of the most unusual traditions associated with Maa Van Devi is what is believed to happen after sunset. According to local belief, once the temple doors are closed, nobody stays around the shrine. The priest also leaves for home. It is believed that the goddess herself then comes out to roam the temple premises.
While this remains a matter of faith and local folklore, the tradition has been passed down through generations and continues to be one of the most intriguing aspects of the shrine.
Today, what was once a secluded shrine in the middle of a forest has become an important place of worship near Patna, drawing thousands of devotees during Navratri and on special days. Yet, at its heart, it continues to remain the same ancient forest shrine where generations of devotees have come with one thing: a wish and faith that Maa Van Devi will fulfil it.
Also Read: Shilpa Shetty Celebrates Nag Panchami At 68-Year-Old Wish Fulfilling Temple In Powai, Mumbai
Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/arunabhkumar & Instagram/uniquepatna
FAQs
Where is the 400-year-old Van Devi Temple located?
Maa Van Devi Temple is located near Bihta, around 30–35 km from Patna, at the triangular boundary of Amhara, Raghopur and Kanchanpur villages.
How old is Maa Van Devi Temple in Bihta?
The temple is believed to be around 400 years old and has a long history associated with local faith and folklore.
Why is the temple called Van Devi?
The shrine was originally situated in the middle of a dense forest. Because of its location, the goddess came to be known as Van Devi, or the Goddess of the Forest.