Indian Temples : Pathan Devi Temple – Patna, Bihar , India- Highlights

 



Pathan Devi Temple – Patna, Bihar

Introduction

Pathan Devi Temple, located in the eastern part of Patna, is a revered Shakti Peetha, believed to be one of the 51 Siddha Shaktipeethas where the limbs of Goddess Sati are said to have fallen. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga in her fierce form and is among the oldest surviving temples of Patna. Locally known as Maa Patan Devi, the temple holds immense spiritual importance for devotees from Bihar and eastern India.


History in Detail

  • According to Hindu mythology, when Goddess Sati immolated herself at her father Daksha’s Yajna, Lord Shiva carried her body across the universe in grief. To stop his devastation, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to cut her body into 51 parts, which fell in various locations — each becoming a Shakti Peeth.

  • It is believed that the right thigh of Sati fell at the site where Pathan Devi Temple now stands.

  • The temple is mentioned in ancient scriptures and travelogues, including those of Hiuen Tsang, the Chinese pilgrim, who visited Pataliputra (modern-day Patna) in the 7th century.

  • Historically, the temple is thought to have existed since the Mauryan period, possibly undergoing several renovations and reconstructions over centuries. It was later patronized by local rulers during the Gupta and Pala dynasties.

  • The name "Pathan" or "Patan" is believed to be a corrupted form of "Pattan Devi", derived from Pataliputra, the ancient name of Patna.


Religious Significance

  • Pathan Devi is one of the most significant Shakti temples in Bihar, visited by lakhs during Navaratri, Durga Puja, and other festivals dedicated to the Goddess.

  • The temple is considered highly potent for wish fulfillment and protection from evil forces. Many believe that the Goddess protects the city of Patna from calamities.

  • Inside the temple, three idols of goddessesKali, Lakshmi, and Saraswati – are worshipped as different manifestations of Maa Patan Devi.

  • The temple is also an important site for tantric rituals and Shakti worship, especially during Chaitra and Sharad Navaratri.


Temple Details (Architecture and Features)

  • The temple is constructed in typical North Indian Nagara style, with a stone-built sanctum, courtyard, and arched entrance.

  • The main sanctum houses the stone idols of the goddesses, black in color, representing fierce and powerful aspects of Devi.

  • There is also a smaller shrine nearby known as Chhoti Patan Devi, believed to be an extension of the main shrine.

  • The temple complex has devotional murals, Yajna Kunds, and designated areas for ritualistic worship and offerings.

  • Devotees offer red clothes, sindoor (vermilion), coconuts, and sweets to the deity.


Timings

  • Temple Timings:

    • Morning: 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM
    • Evening: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Special Days:

    • Open longer during Navaratri, Durga Puja, and Kalratri nights.
  • Aarti Timings:

    • Morning Aarti – ~5:30 AM
    • Evening Aarti – ~6:30–7:00 PM

Connectivity

  • Location: Near Gulzarbagh, East Patna, Bihar.

By Road:

  • Well-connected by city buses, autos, and private taxis.
  • 7 km from central Patna landmarks like Gandhi Maidan.

By Rail:

  • Gulzarbagh Railway Station – ~1 km
  • Patna Junction – ~6 km

By Air:

  • Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport, Patna – ~12 km
  • Regular taxis and ride-shares available from the airport.

Legacy

  • Pathan Devi Temple stands as a symbol of ancient faith, female divinity, and cultural continuity in the region.

  • The temple plays a pivotal role during major Hindu festivals and continues to serve as a hub for Shakti worship and spiritual gatherings.

  • The local community holds the belief that Patan Devi is the protective guardian of the city — a sentiment deeply embedded in Patna’s cultural consciousness.

  • It is listed among the most important Shakti Peethas in India and features regularly in religious tourism circuits across eastern India.

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