Thursday, February 28, 2013

Maa Kali Temple, Mathura

There are nine Siddha Peeths, also known as Shakti Peeths, of Hindu Goddesses in Mathura which includes Mahavidya Devi, Charchika Devi, Chamunda Devi, Kaila Devi, Bagalamukhi Devi and Katyayini Devi. The Shakti Peeths are places of worship consecrated to the Goddess Shakti or Sati. Around two and a half decade back, there was no Maa Kali temple in Mathura. This temple is now one of the most popular shrines in the whole district. Maa Kali is the Hindu Goddess associated with strength and empowerment.

In the Vikram Samvat 2015, year as per Hindu calendar, managing director of Mathura Electric Supply Company - Kalicharan Bhagat developed the desire to build Maa Kali temple in Mathura. He presented his idea to his priest of traditional shrine, Shivlokwasi Mahant Mukund Ram of Naughar. Consequently, after seeking advice from Ganesh Prasad Chaturvedi and reporter friend – Narendra, Maa Bhagwati Kali Devi temple was founded on Mahashivratri festival by performing all Vedic rituals. This temple was built close to electric company and now this shrine is renowned as Siddha Peeth Maa Kali temple.

Siddhapeeth Maa Kali temple in Mathura
Though initially, there were lots of obstacles during construction of the building and temple expansion but gradually all were transformed to opportunities by the grace of Maa Kali. Since the establishment of the shrine, Maa Kali Devi has blessed its devotees such that all their wishes are fulfilled. Due to this shower of blessings from Maa Kali, this temple is flocked by devotees all around the year. The devotees and pilgrims visit this temple in large number during Shardiya and Chaitra Navratri.

The formal establishment of this temple was done only about 25 years back but due to Maa Kali’s miracles and grace on her devotees, the recognition of this temple has become hundredfold. Recently, the expansion of this temple has been completed and idols of Sri Girirajji, Shiva’s family, brave Hanuman, Bhairo Baba and Kshetrapal have been setup in this temple, but still this temple is renowned for Maa Kali.

Until 2013, three Yagyas (यज्ञ) have been organized in this temple. The first Yagya, which was conducted in the year 2007, was Panchkundiya Sahastra Chandi Mahayag . The second Yagya, which was in the year 2011, was Navkundiya Sahastra Chandi Mahayag and the third one, which is in the year 2013, is Panchkundiya Sahastra Chandi Mahayag. In the recent Panchkundiya Mahayag - Yonikund, Chaturth Kund, Ardhchand Kund, Padam Kund, Vrat Kund were made. The meaning of these Kunds are being told as - Yonikund is for son(s), Chaturth Kund is for Siddha, Ardhchand Kund is for prosperity, Padam Kund is for money and Vrat kund is the symbol for peace.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Pathwari Devi Temple, Mathura


Pathwari Devi temple, Mathura is situated near Akashvani radio station.  This is one of the ancient temples of Mathura. According to local people, number of devotees and pilgrims visiting this temple has increased in present as compared to the past.

While some people worship Lord Ganesha before starting any auspicious work, some others worship Goddess Pathwari. It is believed that before commencing any auspicious work, if Goddess Pathwari is worshipped then all obstacles in the path are overcome. Because this deity shows the right path to her devotees, this is why She is renowned as ‘Pathwari’ (Path Showing). Pilgrims first visit and worship Goddess Pathwari before commencing their pilgrimage to make it successful. During wedding time, bride and bridegroom’s families visit Goddess Pathwari temple and invite her to the wedding and other celebrations by presenting the first invitation card to the deity.

Pathwari Devi Temple, Mathura

In Past, Goddess Pathwari temple was situated near to the confluence of Saraswati Kund and Mahavidya Kund in Mathura. Hence, Goddess Pathwari was once also known as ‘Mahavidya Saraswati’ in Mathura.

The Goddess of the path is generally found in most of the north Indian towns and villages in the form of a small squared earthen or stone structure.

Goddess Pathwari temple in Mathura was renovated in the year 1888 by devotees from Agra. It is believed that Mathura’s first 'Nav Kundiya Sahastra Chandi Mahayag' was performed in this temple in the year 2002. Devotees and pilgrims visiting this temple can also sight idols of Hanuman carrying Sanjeevani Mountain, Bhairavnath and Languriya holding flag in hand. At present, Lalitamahatripur Sundari temple is also under construction.

During Navratri, various Banglas (बंगला) are organized in this temple. Different Banglas are made with dry fruits, pulses, rice, vegetables, fruits, flowers and sweets. During Chaita Navratri, devotees from outstations like Agra, Hathras, Dauji and other nearby places, especially come to Mathura to visit this temple. Devotees flock to this temple during Navratri and New Year and make offerings to Goddess Pathwari in all forms e.g. cash, sweet delicacies, fruits and flowers according to their capacity.


Saturday, February 16, 2013

Vasant Panchami in Mathura

In 2013, Vasant Panchami was celebrated on two days i.e. on 14th Feb and 15th Feb. While many schools and colleges chose 14th Feb for Saraswati Puja, most temples in Mathura arranged special Darshan on 15th Feb.

In Mathura, Vasant Panchami marks the arrival of Holi festivity. Most famous temples of Lord Krishna start preparing for Holi festivity from the day of Vasant Panchami.

While new Keshava Dev Mandir at Janmabhoomi arranged special Darshan of Lord Krishna in Vasanti color, the old Keshava Dev Mandir near Janmabhoomi arranged Chhappan Bhog Darshan.

New Keshava Dev Mandir at Janmabhoomi - Special Darshan on Vasant Panchami 


Old Keshava Dev Mandir near Janmabhoomi – Special Chhappan Bhog Darshan on Vasant Panchami 

Vasant Panchami is also spelled as Basant Panchami.