Image Source: Anoop Akhre
Overview and History of Jageshwari Temple
Jageshwari Temple is a famous Hindu shrine dedicated to the goddess Durga, who is a self-manifested Swamyabhu. Situated on a hillside, the temple is believed to have been built during the Mahabharata period by Shishupal. The temple is believed to be older than many of Mandu’s famed structures. It predates the reign of the Malwa Sultanate, probably from the Parmar Dynasty era.
Certain elements of the temple were constructed between the 6th and 11th centuries. There is an idol of Goddess Jageshwari inside the temple that is believed to have been in the form in which she gave darshan to Shishupal, who was an ardent devotee of Goddess Durga. The worship of Goddess Jageshwari is associated with Shakti worship , symbolizing power and protection. Many resources suggest the use of tantric rituals in the past.
Mythology
An open cave temple Muarti only has its head. According to folklore, King Kurmadeva was suffering from the disease leprosy. Once upon a time, he reached a mountain range during a hunting expedition and saw a waterfall falling from a height. He was thirsty and extended his hand to drink water. As he touched the water, the diseases of his hands were removed. Seeing all this, King took a bath in the water, and as a result, his leprosy was completely cured. In the surrounding area, he saw a divine girl. King tried to approach the girl, but as he moved forward, the girl disappeared.
After this, the king reached the place and saw the divine girl on the same night. The divine girl orders the king to build a grand temple but does not open the door of the temple for nine days. The king started the construction of the temple, but he opened the door on the third day, due to which only the face of the mother was revealed.
Architecture
An uncommon feature of the temple is the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha). It’s partially underground, which is quite uncommon in most temples of the region. It helps in keeping the sanctum cool and provides a sense of mysticism. The temple complex has a unique 1100 lingam of Shiva. Some lingams are carved with the faces of Lord Shiva on all four sides. Subsidiary shrines in the temple are dedicated to various forms of the goddesses Shakti and Shiva. Cold water is always inside the two ponds, whose water comes from the springs on the top of the mountain. A water reservoir near the temple is believed to have been a source of water for rituals. According to locals, it has healing properties.
Fairs and Festivals
Every year, a fair is organized in Chanderi in the name of Jageshwari Mata. During the days of Chautriya and Shardiya Navratri, there is a huge crowd of devotees from morning till late at night. It is said that Mother Jageshwari Devi appeared here only during Navratri. There are two ways to reach the temple; the first way goes directly to the temple through the fort route, and the second way reaches the temple directly below the stairs located near the fort.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the temple is during the fair organized in Chanderi in the name of Jageshwari Mata. During these days of Chautrian and Shardiya Navratri, a huge crowd of devotees comes from all over the region from morning to night. It’s believed that Jageshwari Maa appeared here only in Navratri.
Nearby Attractions
A visit to Jageshwari Temple can be seamlessly combined with nearby heritage sites such as Chanderi Fort, Kati Ghati, Badal Mahal Gate, Koshak Mahal, and the Jama Masjid. The temple also lies close to traditional Chanderi saree weaving clusters, allowing travelers to experience the town’s spiritual and craft heritage together.
Preservation Challenges
Despite being an old structure, the temple has not received as much importance as other monuments in Mandu, like Jahaz Mahal or Hindola Mahal.
Connection to Other Temples
Some theories say that the Jageshwari temple may have been a part of a large complex of temples. It has been lost due to natural decay or invasions.
How to reach Jageshwari Temple
Chanderi is well connected by road to Ashoknagar, Lalitpur, Jhansi, and Guna.
By car:
One can reach Chanderi town by road from major cities like Delhi, Agra, Gwalior, and Bhopal. From Chanderi, the temple can be reached by hiring a taxi or taking a local bus.
By train:
Chanderi railway station is well connected to major cities in India like Delhi, Bhopal, and Gwalior. From the railway station, one can take a taxi or local transport to reach the temple.
By air:
The nearest airport to Chanderi is Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal, which is approximately 200 km away. From the airport, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Chanderi.
FAQS
- Q: Who is Jageshwari Mata worshipped as in Chanderi?
She is worshipped as a form of Goddess Durga and regarded as a protective village and family deity.
- Q: When is the best time to visit the temple?
Early mornings and evenings are ideal, while Navratri is the most significant festival period.
- Q: Can tourists visit during daily worship?
Yes, visitors are welcome, but they should respect ongoing rituals and local customs.
- Q: Is the temple close to major Chanderi monuments?
Yes, it is located near Chanderi Fort, Koshak Mahal, and other key heritage structures.