The famous Chhoti Devkali Mandir is a major Siddha Shakti Peeth near Ayodhya. It is believed that King Dashrath constructed this temple for Mata Sita. The sacred Chhoti Devkali Mandir is located in Ayodhya and is the primary Siddha Shakti Peeth in the area. After her wedding to Lord Rama, Mother Sita arrived at Ayodhya with an idol of Goddess Girija Devi. King Dashrath built a lovely temple for the idol, and Mother Sita worshipped the Devi there. An impressive and beautiful statue of the local divinity, Goddess Devkali, is presently present. It is thought that offering adoration at this sacred temple grants all of the devotees’ requests.
History Behind Chhoti Devkali Mandir
As from the old scriptures, the mysterious temples are the preparations for life consecration are being finalized at Lord Ramlala’s shrine in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. As many know, a video reveals details about several ancient temples. Recently, spiritual master Sri Sri Ravi Shankar spoke about the history of the Dev Kali temple. He mentioned Chhoti Devkali’s location in central Ayodhya, as well as the nearby Devkali temple. The Devkali Temple is Lord Shri Ram’s Kuldevi temple. At the same time, Chhoti Devkali is linked to Mother Sita. It is thought that Mother Sita placed the statue of Mother Parvati here. She’d brought it with her from Janakpur.
The Statue was Transported From Janakpur
According to legend, when Mother Sita returned to Ayodhya following her marriage, she founded a temple. This temple is called Chhoti Devkali. It is located some distance from Naya Ghat on the way into Ayodhya. Mother Parvati resides at this temple as Mother Gauri. Mother Sita is worshiped as the family deity at this Shakti Peeth. It is believed that when Sitaji left Janakpuri for her in-laws’ home in Ayodhya, she brought with her the idol of her clan goddess Mata Parvati (Girija Devi).
King Dasharatha constructed Chhoti Devkali, her shrine, on the northeast corner of Saptasagar in Ayodhya at Sita Ji’s request. Mother Sita used to come here for worship together with other Dashrath Kul queens.
Reason For The Construction of Devkali Temple
The temple dedicated to Lord Shri Ram’s family deity, Mata Devkali, was neglected over time. During the Ram Mandir movement, a South Indian astrologer used a wire leaf to predict the movement’s future. Nadi Astrologer advised Sri Sri Ravi Shankar that unless Lord Ram’s Kuldevi temple is renovated, the Ram Mandir movement will fail.
Following this, the search for Lord Rama’s Kuldevi temple began. In this sequence, two Kali temples were unearthed. The modest Devkali temple in the center of the city was unearthed. In the same period, information was discovered regarding the Devkali temple, which is located some distance from the city.
According to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, persons involved with the Ram Mandir movement have begun work on restoring the temple and reviving the pond. The Devkali temple was rededicated on the morning of September 19, 2002. That evening, a saint’s congregation met in the temple. It was expected that the Ram Temple issue would be addressed in 14 years. Hindu-Muslim parties met in 2016-17 to discuss temple development, as directed by the Supreme Court. Everyone prayed to Mother Devkali for a peaceful resolution. The issue was rectified in 2019.
Significance Of Chhoti Devkali Mandir
The temple is located on a lane. It is believed that after marrying Lord Ram, Sita came with the idol of Girija Devi to Ayodhya along with her. King Dashratha promised her to install it in a beautiful temple where Sita would come every day to worship with peace. Currently, this temple holds an idol of Goddess Kali and is known as the Choti Devkali Temple.
Devotees come to this temple to seek fulfillment of the following: Protection from evil, salvation and destruction of ego liberation.
Sloka for Preaching
Jayantii Manggalaa Kaalii Bhadrakaalii Kapaalinii Durgaa Shivaa Kssamaa Dhaatrii Svaahaa Svadhaa Namostu Te
Meaning: We salute Devi Kali, who is always victorious and auspicious; we salute Bhadrakali Devi, who wears a skull garland; and we salute Shiva’s wife and the personification of self-control and support for all beings, Devi Durga, who is both Swaha and Swadha. We extend our greetings to you.
Unknown Facts About The Devkali Temple
Ramnagari Ayodhya is one of the world’s most popular pilgrimage locations. It is thought that Mother Sita took the idol of her clan deity, Mata Parvati, with her when she left Janakpuri to live with her in-laws in Ayodhya. Mother Sita and other royal queens used to visit the Mata Parvati temple, which Maharaj Dashrath Ji had built on the northeast corner of Saptsagar in Ayodhya.
- According to the scholars, this hallowed location is the home of Mother Sita’s family goddess. When Mother Parvati took the form of Gauri, Mother Sita worshipped her. It is said that anyone who makes honest prayers in this court will surely have their wishes answered.
- The Hun and Mughal invasions both destroyed the Devkali temple. After Maharaj Pushyamitra restored it the first time, the Mahant of the Bindu sect built a small chamber in its place after the Mughals demolished it the second time.
- Worship has continued at this temple ever since. Rudrayamal and Skandapuran also mention Shri Devkali ji and his temple, which lends credence to the ancient temple tradition. During their travels, the same Chinese explorers, Hiuen Tsang and Fa Hien, mentioned the temple’s renown, magnificence, and distinguishing features.
The Devkali temple is open all year to worship Goddess Devkali and celebrate traditional festivities. During Navratri, devotees congregate here for devotion.
Read more about – Discover The Top Most Attractions of Ayodhya
Best Tips For Your Visit The Devkali Temple
Chhoti Devkali Mandir is a venerated temple in Ayodhya dedicated to Goddess Devkali that is renowned for its spiritual significance and architectural beauty. Visitors can take part in temple rituals, request blessings from the deity, and enjoy the temple’s stunning architecture.
- Visit during Navratri for unique celebrations.
- Respect the temple’s rules and regulations.
- Prevent going at peak hours to prevent overcrowding.
Conclusion
The devotees who had assembled to view this temple offered their respects to the respected goddess and accepted the prasad. Aside from paddy barrels, the sanctum sanctorum of the temple was decked in the shape of a bungalow with green trees, Ashoka leaves, and other fragrant flowers such as Bella and Rose for the tableau to be displayed at this event organized by Devkali Samaj Sanstha.
The Maha Aarti with 1051 lights was also done. The organization’s General Secretary, Rajendra Singh, claims that the tradition of organizing this celebration dates back 91 years. He stated that Pandit Lallan Dhar Dwivedi, an enthusiastic devotee of Mother Goddess and a high-ranking devotee, began renovating the temple in 1932 by constructing an institution. His successor, Pandit Tarakeshwar Dhar Dwivedi, continued the same tradition.
