My Visit to Chandrika Devi Mandir, Lucknow.

                         

 
                           

                   

                   

                    Chandrikdevi Idol in form of three pindis

                       
                       

                                                     Yagyashala

                     
                             

                   

                                                              Statue of Shiva at Mahisagar Thirtha

                       

  This is a very ancient temple dating back to Ramayana period. The name of this temple is mentioned in Skanda Purana. This temple is seen on the banks of the Gomati River in Kathvara village beside the National Highway No.24 between Lucknow and Sitapur. This temple is nearly 28 kms from Lucknow. We went there by taxi. The presiding deity is a form of Durga or Chandi. The road is very smooth flanked by fields and greenery and small houses.  The temple is seen on an elevated platform. A welcome arch is seen at the entrance of the temple. A row of shops greets the view of the pilgrims who have to go through a queue. A colorful bundle of votive pieces of pink cloth and a number of bells are seen hanging in the temple hall. In the inner sanctum a row of three small pindis (Linga form) symbolizing Chandi is seen. On the right side Nava Durgas in the form of pindis are seen. These idols are said to be installed by Sage Narada according to some legends. The present idols were installed by Thakur Beni Singh Chauhan, the landlord of Kathwara village nearly two hundred and fifty years ago. 

According to legends Rajkumar Chandraketu, son of Lakshman, founded Lakshmnapuri (later called as Lucknow). Once he was travelling with Ashwamedha horse through a dense forest which appeared quite dark and dreadful. He prayed to Durga, who appeared there with bright moonlight and blessed him. He established a temple here. So the goddess is called Chandrika. In Dwapara Yuga Pandavas, during their exile period visited this place and Yudhistir performed a Yagna here. Ghatothkacha’s son, Barabareeka, on Krishna’s advice did penance here for three years to acquire mighty powers. Some Puranas say that Lord Chandra was freed from Daksha’s curse when he came and bathed in the holy pond. Yudhistir’s son, Sudhanwa worshipped the Goddess and hence this place is also called Sudhanwa Kund.

In twelfth century this temple was destroyed by the army of Sayyad Salar Masud Gazi. Two hundred and fifty years ago villagers found the idol in the cavity of a neem tree. They informed the landlord of the village. He built a temple and a Vedi for performing Homas. The temple pond is called Mahisagar Theertha. A small bridge is seen across the pond with a beautiful statue of Lord Shiva in meditating posture. At the back of the temple there is a small shrine for Kala Bhairav.

 In this temple special poojas are done during Amavasya (new Moon) and during Nava Rathri festival.  The temple timings are from 5.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 11.00 p.m.  Aarti is performed three times in this temple at 6.00 a.m. 1.00 p.m. at 7.00 p.m. You will find this temple in scenic surroundings surrounded on three sides by the Gomati River. The temple surrounding have to be maintained clean. Beggars and other children are freely roaming in the temple hall asking visitors for money. This practice should be stopped. They should not be allowed to enter the premises of the temple. The historic importance of the temple along with the legends should be displayed on the board so that the pilgrims can understand the significance of the temple.

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    2nd october, 2019                               Somaseshu Gutala