Temples are fascinating destinations, a perfect blend of religious and architectural sentiments. Thousands of travellers seeking to explore marvellous architecture always end up in temples, whether it’s the famous Meenakshi Temple in the south or the Konark Temple in the north. They consistently satiate our cravings for a remarkable journey. Hence, in this blog, I will be talking about an ancient temple located south of Ranchi, famously known as the Deori Temple, dedicated to Goddess Maa Durga..
Location
Dewri Mandir is a mandir situated in Diuri village, Tamar near Ranchi in Jharkhand in India
History of the temple
Numerous tales surround this temple, with the belief that its origins date back to the Mahabharata era. Some assert that during their ‘agyatvas’ (secret abode), the Pandavas sought solace through prayers within these sacred walls.
Locals also hold the conviction that Emperor Ashoka and his army sought Maa Durga’s blessings for victory in the Kalinga War (around 260 BCE) at this very temple during their march towards the Kalinga region.
In a tale from the 18th century, the king of Tamar dreamt of the goddess instructing worship in a Deori temple. Following his directive, villagers uncovered a hidden temple in Deori, featuring a stone statue of Durga, and have revered the deity ever since.
Legend warns against altering the temple’s structure, as those who dared faced divine repercussions. Hence, any new construction occurs externally, preserving the sanctity of the original temple.
Architecture
The temple’s fundamental design adheres to the ancient practice of stacking stones without any binding material, a common feature in many historical structures. Within the temple grounds, the ancient idol of Maa Durga, adorned with sixteen hands, and the idol of Lord Shiva are revered. In the Mundari language, ‘deori’ translates to ‘stone,’ aptly describing both the idol and the temple, crafted entirely from stone..
Some special facts about the Deori Temple:
The main attraction is the 700-year-old murti of Goddess Durga, Kali, which has 16 hands.
The temple’s construction is noteworthy as it was built by interlocking stones without the use of chalk or any binding material.
Devotees often tie red and yellow sacred threads on bamboo for the fulfillment of wishes, and upon their wishes being granted, they untie the thread..
How to reach
In order to reach the temple first you have to reach ranchi and then move towards the temple.
