This Maa Durga Temple In Bihar Is India’s Oldest Temple Where Prayers Have Been Offered Since 1900 Years

You may be familiar with many temples, but do you know about the oldest functioning Hindu temple in the world? An ancient shrine dedicated to Goddess Durga and Lord Shiva, the Mundeshwari Temple in Bihar is exactly that. Let’s dive into the history of this temple, which was apparently built over 1900 years ago!

Mundeshwari Temple: The Oldest Hindu Temple In The World

Located in Ramgarh village on the hills of the Kaimur plateau in Bihar, Mundeshwari Temple has been an ASI-protected monument since 1915. Built over 1900 years ago in 108 AD, the shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga. In this temple, Durga Maa is worshipped as Devi Mundeshwari, one of her most powerful forms, representing divine feminine power. According to revered beliefs, Maa Durga manifested here as Maa Kali and slayed a powerful demon named Mund, who served Shumbha and Nishumbha.

The temple has idols of Durga Maa with ten hands, riding a buffalo, and an idol of Lord Shiva in his Chaturmukha (four-faced) lingam form. The ancient temple is truly an important part of India’s culture and history. 

But there’s another unique fact about this temple that would surprise you! Rituals have been performed here without a single break for decades. It is also believed that rituals follow tantric traditions, with mantra-japa, yajna and other practices. 

Also Read: Carved From A Single Rock Over 1,200 Years Ago, The Pataleshwar Caves Are Pune’s Oldest Surviving Structure

An Octagonal-Shaped Temple Built In Nagara Style 

The Mundeshwari temple stands out for its rare octagonal shape, uncommon in ancient temples. Built in the Nagara style, it is a fine example of India’s early stone architecture. Made entirely of stone slabs, the temple has four doorways, though three are now sealed. These doors have intricate carved images of Ganga, Yamuna, and more. 

Along with the main idols of Durga Maa and Lord Shiva, the temple also houses idols of Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu and Lord Surya. Over the centuries, several stone structures have been damaged, and the temple has been a subject of study by the ASI for years. This means more details and mysteries about its history are waiting to be uncovered!

How To Reach This Temple

The temple is visited by thousands of devotees every year, with larger crowds during Shivratri and Ram Navami festivals. A grand mela also takes place annually during Navratri. So, if you are planning to visit too, you can follow this guide: 

• By road: You can easily reach via Patna, Gaya or Varanasi.
• By train: The nearest railway station is Mohania-Bhabua Road, which is 22 km away from the temple.
• By air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi, is the nearest airport. It is 102 km away from the Mundeshwari Temple.

Other Attractions Nearby

If you are planning a trip here, you can also explore Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaimur Caves, and Telhar Kund Waterfall, which is famous for its breathtaking views. All these tourist attractions are nearby and can be easily reached.

Now that you have all the details, when are you planning your journey to India’s oldest temple, Mundeshwari Temple? Let us know!

Also Read: Did You Know There’s A Hindu Temple In Fiji? This Centuries-Old Temple Is A Visual Spectacle

Where: Mundeshwari Temple Rd, Bhabua, Paunra, Bihar 821102
When: 6 am to 7 pm

Cover Image Courtesy: Bihar Tourism/ Website