Home > Indian History > Temples of India > Temple of Mundeswari Devi
Temple of Mundeswari Devi
Temple of Mundeswari Devi stands on the summit of an isolated hill at village Ramgarh in Bihar.

Share this Article:

Temple of Mundeswari Devi, Pura, BiharTemple of Mundesvari Devi belongs to late Gupta period. This temple is about seven miles south-west of Bhabua, a sub-divisional headquarters of Shahabad district. This temple is the earliest specimen of the Nagara type of temple architecture in Bihar. However much of the structure has crumbled down. As far the age of temples are concerned this is the oldest in Bihar.

The temple is octagonal in shape. There are doors or windows on four sides and small niches for the reception of statues in the remaining four walls. The principal entrance is in the east where there are still few pillars. There is a lingam inside the temple with four heads and a statue of Goddess Durga, together with a large stone vessel and a stone chest. Most of the latticed stone work on the windows has disappeared though some of the specimens are preserved in the windows to the north. The temple door facing the porch is a good example of architecture with various figures of dancers and musicians. One can also see Gupta style on the carvings. The temple has been supported by four columns of an order common in Bihar and has a porch supported by eight similar columns. The image of Mundesvari or the goddess Munda, is an armed female having many hands and riding on a buffalo. It is probably the wife of Mahisasura. This image is not typical of the familiar image of Mahishasuramardini. Here the goddess is depicted with ten hands bearing the usual weapons of a Mahishasura mardini but is not shown in the act of killing Mahishasura. She is shown riding a buffalo representing the demon.

The image is installed in one of the sub-chambers of the sanctuary. At the centre of the temple sanctum there is a Mukhalingam with four faces. The mukhalingam bear the Gupta characteristic of art. Mandalesvara means the presiding deity of the mandala (district or territory). Munda, the brother of Chanda, had established the goddess Mundesvari. The ravages to Mundesvari temple are due to the passage of time. During Navaratri a big annual fair is held.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Temples of India


Khajuraho Temples
Khajuraho Temples are known the world over for their beauty and architectural construction. This group of temples is situated in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
Temples In Hampi
Temples in Hampi are the manifestations of rich religious beliefs and architectural and sculptural abundance.
Dilwara Temples
Dilwara Temples located at Mount Abu date back from the 11th to 13th century and rank among the popular tourist destinations of Rajasthan.
Chola Temples
Chola Temples of South India comprises of the three great temples that were constructed in the 11th and 12th century and is declared as a World Heritage Site.
Badami Cave Temples
The Badami Cave Temples, an exemplary production of Indian architecture, are situated in the town of Badami.
Temples in Guwahati
Known to be the temple town of Assam, the temples in Guwahati are a reflection of the Assamese style of culture and architecture.
West India Temples
West India Temples are worth a visit for their beautifully designed masterpieces on stone.
North Indian Temples
India has a rich cultural and historical heritage because of its temples and pilgrimage sites. The North Indian Temples are in plenty and cater to people of all religion.
South Indian Temples
South Indian Temples lavishly built and aesthetically designed, in true sense are the symbol of architectural brilliance.
East India Temples
East India temples are really fascinating and enthralling and visit to these places can mesmerize a person very easily.
Northeastern Temples of India
Religious fervor and spiritual passion enlaces the northeastern temples of India.
Central India Temples
Central Indian temples amidst their religious fervour reverberates the true spirit of Hinduism.
Temple Architecture During Rajput Period
Temple architecture during the Rajput period was inclined to the aspect of Bhakti. Rajput kings encouraged this art which is reflected in the grandeur style of the temples.
Architecture of Mata Vaishnodevi Temple
Architecture at Vaishnodevi has been the source of artistic enjoyment for many, reinstating the vitality of the Indian religiosity and cultural fervour.
History of Sri Sanjeevi Rayar Temple
Steeped in glorious history this is indeed a legendary temple.
Temples in Munnar
Munnar houses myriad temples that are visited by many people. The temples of Munnar are especially known for their festivals that are celebrated with great grandeur.
History of Indian Temples
The history of Indian temples dates back to the ancient ages and variant dynasties that have ruled throughout the ages. Every temple of every region has a story attached to it that reflects the cultures of the specific dynasty.
Kalyaneshwari Temple
Kalyaneshwari Temple is one of the well known Shakti peeth of India. Located at a distance of 20 kms from Asansol this age old temple is known for its miracles and a number of legends that attract the devotees and tourists as well.
Kalika Temple in Udhampur
Also known as Maha Kali Temple, the Kalika Temple located at the Reasi town is a holy shrine.
Medieval Temples of India
Medieval temples of India vary from each other due to the style and architecture. The impact of the prevalent kingdom is prominent in the style of building.
Temples of Ramanathapuram District
Temples of Ramanathapuram district have special significance in the state, owing to its architectural attributes.
Architecture of Brihadeeswarar Temple
Architecture of Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur reflects the Dravidian style architecture. Lord Shiva is the primary deity of this temple.