Mahamaya Mandir Ratanpur Chhattisgarh Devi Durga Pooja Navratri parv Jyoti Kalash

Mahamaya Temple is temple dedicated to dual Goddess Lakshmi & Saraswati, located in Ratanpur and is one of the 52 Shakti Peethas, shrines of Shakti, the divine feminine, spread across India.[2]

Built in 12-13th century the temple is dedicated to the Goddess Mahamaya.[1] It was built during the reign of Kalchuri King Ratnadev I, founder of Haihaiyavansi Kingdom having its capital at Ratanpur.[1] There are ponds near the temple. There are also temple of Shiva and Hanuman within the campus. Traditionally Mahamaya is the Kuldevi of Ratanpur state. Temple has been renovated by the architecture department. Mahamaya temple is situated at Ratanpur, 25 km from district headquarters Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh.[3]

The Mahamaya temple is built in Nagara style of architecture facing north beside a huge water tank.[1] One can see the scores of ancillary temples, domes, palaces and forts now, which once housed the temple and the royal house of Ratanpur Kingdom.[2]

Within the complex, there is also temple of Kantideval, which is oldest of the cluster and is said to have been built by a built by ascetic named Santosh Giri in 1039,[4] later expanded by Kalchuri King Prithivideva II in the 15th century. It is having four gates and beautiful carvings. It has also been restored by Archeological Survey of India. The sanctum and the mandapa are fortified with a fascinated courtyard, which was built in Maratha period in the late 18th century.[2]

Also a few kilometers away there are ruins of ancient 11th century old Kadeideol Shiva temple located on a hill top of ruined fort, built by Kalchuri ruers, who were followers of Shiva & Shakti. This temple is also being planned for restoration by archeological department.

People throng the temple during Navaratri festival, when Jyotikalash are lit to appease the mother goddess.[3]

The guardian of the temple is considered to be Kalbhairva, whose temple is located on the approach road to the temple on the highway. It is a popular belief pilgrims, who visit Mahamaya temple also has to visit the temple of Kalabhairava to complete the pilgrimage.[2]