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Ma Danteshwari Temple, Bastar
Ma Danteshwari Temple in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh, is an
ancient, revered 14th-century shrine and one of the 52 Shakti Peethas where Sati's
tooth is believed to have fallen. Located at the confluence of the Shankini and
Dhankini rivers, it is the Kuldevi (family deity) of the Bastar region,
attracting thousands during Navaratri and the Fagun Mela.
The temple built in the 14th century, is situated in Dantewada, a town
situated 80 km from Jagdalpur
It is a major center of Shakti worship. According to legend,
the teeth (dant) of Goddess Sati fell here, giving the town its name.
The temple is located at the confluence of the Dankini and
Shankini rivers, a spot with immense spiritual significance.
Every year during Dusshera thousands
of tribals from surrounding villages and jungles gather here to pay homage to
the goddess, when her idol was taken out of that ancient Danteshwari temple and
then taken around the city in an elaborate procession, now a popular tourist
attraction part of the 'Bastar Dussehra'
festival. There also a is tradition of lighting Jyoti
Kalashas during Navaratris here.
This temple dates back to the 14th century, built by the
rulers of the Kakatiya dynasty, who were fervent worshippers of Goddess
Danteshwari. According to various Bastar history books, Prataparudradev was
born into the Kakatiya dynasty of Warangal and is mentioned as a cousin of
Annamdev. In the 13th century, Prataparudradev became the successor of the
Kakatiya dynasty. During the third Mughal attack on Warangal, Prataparudradev
was captured and taken to Delhi. Meanwhile, Annamdev marched towards Bastar,
where he defeated the Nagvansh and established the Kakatiya dynasty. Initially,
King Annamdev made Mandhota the capital, later changing it to Jagdalpur. It is
believed that Annamdev had built this temple.
The idol of Danteshwari Mai is chiseled out of black stone.
The temple is divided into four parts such as Garbh Griha, Maha Mandap, Mukhya
Mandap and Sabha Mandap. Garbha Griha and Maha Mandap were constructed with
stone pieces. There is a Garuda Pillar
in front of the entrance of the temple. The temple itself is located in a
spacious courtyard surrounded by massive walls. The shikhara is adorned with
sculptural finery. Danteshwari Temple is the centre of the famous Bastar
Dussehra. The devotion of locals, as well as tribals, is intricately linked to
the presiding deity of Bastar. Unlike the idol of the goddess in Dantewada
which is black in color, this idol is white.
Major Festivals:
·
Bastar Dussehra: Famous for its unique 75-day celebration.
·
Navratri: Both Sharad and Chaitra Navratri are celebrated with
immense fervor.
·
Fagun Mela: A 10-day celebration in March-April attracting local tribes
and deity processions.