know about the amazing faith of Hapamaya Temple in Hapamuni Village, the story of this holy temple situated in Gumla District of Jharkhand State is unique.
Introduction of Hapamaya Temple
Hapamuni is the name of an ancient village. Which comes in Ghaghra block of Gumla district of Jharkhand state. This village is famous by the name of faith since ancient times. There is an ancient temple in Hapamuni village.
Whose name is Mahamaya. This temple is located at a distance of about 26 kilometers from the district headquarters. This temple is famous as the heritage of this village since ancient times. This Hapamuni village is identified with this Mahamaya temple.
This Mahamaya temple was built by Gajghat Rai. Who was the son of 22nd King Mohan Rai of the Naga dynasty. This temple was established about 1100 years ago.
Brief introduction of Hapamuni village
Hapamuni village is located in Ghaghra block of Gumla district. This village is located at a distance of about 26 kilometers from the district headquarters. The total population of this village at present is between 3500 to 4000.
Here in Hapa Muni village, 80 percent of the people are engaged in farming and animal husbandry. Hapa Maya Temple is situated in the middle of the village. It has special religious importance for the devotees.
For the economic condition of education, there is a primary and a secondary school in the village. Where education is provided to all the children of the village. This village is economically dependent on agriculture and animal husbandry.
History of Mahamaya Temple
Mahamaya Temple was established by Gajghat Rai. Who was the son of Mohan Rai, the 22nd king of the Naga dynasty. This temple was established about 1100 years ago. He ruled between 869 and 905 AD. He handed over the care of the temple to his guru Harinath, a Rashtrakuta (Marathi) Brahmin.
In 1391 AD, King Shivdas Kar established the idol of Lord Vishnu. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1445-1535) chose this way during his visit to Mathura.
According to Ranchi Gazetteer in 1485 A.D. about Jagannatha Pai, some tribal people destroyed the old temple during the undisciplined Kolha Rebell against Dekus. Veeramu Rama songs prove this fact.
The priest does not see the idol with open eyes
The local people here believe that even the priests here do not see the idol with open eyes. The main reason for this is that the priest ties a black bandage on her eyes while Mahamaya Devi is bathing and changing her clothes in the temple.
Only then do the deities change their clothes. It is said that whoever sees the goddess changing her clothes with open eyes in this Mahamaya temple loses his eyesight. This has been seen many times. This is the story told by the priest of the temple and the local people.
Religious importance of Mahamaya temple
When the Dola fair is organized here on Chait Krishna Paksha Pareva, then Manjusha is taken out on the platform in front of the temple and worshipped by the chief priest of the temple. At this time, the priest ties a black bandage on his eyes during the worship.
Another statue of Mahamaya has been installed outside the temple for the devotees to have darshan and worship. So that no one loses their eyesight by seeing this. All the devotees who come, they all worship this idol and go. Worshipping the main idol is not considered safe.
Major festivals and celebrations held here
Some of the major festivals celebrated at Mahamaya temple include Navratri, Durga Puja, Ramnavami, Makar Sankranti, Shivratri, Diwali and Holi. Apart from this, all the festivals and celebrations of Hindu religion are celebrated.
Religious rituals held in the temple
- Mangal Aarti: Mangal Aarti is performed daily in Mahamaya temple. This Mangal Aarti is performed both in the morning and evening by lighting a lamp and singing bhajans and kirtans.
- Special Puja: On special occasions, Goddess Mahamaya is worshipped by offering food during festivals.
- Havan: Havan is performed by chanting mantras during Navratri, Durga Puja and other important festivals.
- Akhand Ramayan Paath: Continuous recitation of Ramayan is done every year on the occasion of Ramnavami.
- Saptchandi Paath: Saptchandi Paath is recited during Navratri. In this Paath, seven forms of the Goddess are worshipped. And their mantras are recited.
- Kanya Pujan: On the last day of Navratri, nine girls are worshipped as the nine forms of the Goddess. In which all the nine girls are fed.
- Sahasratandi Mahayagna: This is a special type of Yagya. Which is performed on special occasions at Mahamaya Temple. This Yagya is performed to obtain blessings from Mahamaya Devi.
- Shivratri Puja: Lord Shiva is worshipped. In this, water, milk and Belpatra are offered on the Shivling. Jagran is done at night.
- Sandhya Aarti: Every day devotees light lamps and perform Aarti in the evening.
Description of the architecture of the temple
The Mahamaya temple is simple and ordinary. Since this temple is ancient, there is nothing special about its structure. Piles are installed on this temple. And some development work has been done.
This development work has been done according to modern times. Which is of a normal temple. It is just like the type of a house in the olden times. Its roof is of tile and the courtyard is also covered with tile.
Main sculptures and idols
The main idol of Hapamaya, Mahamaya temple is of Mahamaya Devi. Apart from this, idols of Maa Durga Devi, three Shivlingas of Lord Shiva, idol of Hanuman Ji, Lakshmi-Narayan, Ganesh Ji, Saptmatrika idol, Maa Kali Devi idol, Sun God and Nandi bull are installed.
Which is the form of beauty and faith of this temple.
Natural beauty of Hapamuni village
Talking about the natural beauty of Hapamuni village, this village is considered for environmental conservation. Farming is done in this village throughout the year. Due to which greenery is seen all around. Many trees have been planted in the temple premises. Greenery is seen all around the village.
Some rules of the holy place of Raghav Ram Dwarpal
This holy place is dedicated to Raghav Ram Dwarpal. Devotees are requested to maintain the dignity of this holy place and do not violate the rules here.
Note: Pay special attention to all these rules at this place.
- Offerings by women to Duvariya Devta are strictly prohibited.
- Offerings to Duvariya Devta are offered only in the evening i.e. after sunset.
- Light incense sticks and vermilion in the old temple only.
Strict action will be taken if caught violating the rules.
Tourism facilities in Gumla District of Jharkhand
Names of main hotels or restaurants for food and drinks
Green Garden Family restaurant, Sahu Hotel, Jay Maa Bhadrakali Line Hotel, Nandu Dhaba
Place to Stay in Gumla District
Hotel Divya Place, Hotel Rudraksha INN, Hotel Ketki Place, Hotel Pearl
Social and economic impact
Hapamaya temple has not been seen to have any benefits for the society in terms of social and economic impact. No planning and development work of any kind has been done from this temple.
The local people have got less economic benefit from the presence of this temple. But there has been a lot of benefit in devotion.
The village has been developed by the government. The government has developed the village and the temple under many schemes in the temple premises.
How to reach Hapamuni village
Hapamuni village can be easily reached by road. It is 26 km from the district headquarters. And is located at a distance of 12 km from Ghaghra block. Apart from this, rail route can be used to reach the temple.
The nearby airport is located at a distance of about 3 km from the temple. Rail, road and air transport can be used to reach Gumla district.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Mahamaya temple is during the festivals here. At that time, you can get a chance to see a lot of crowd in the temple. Apart from this, you can also get a chance to see the religious beliefs here. Talking about the weather, you can come here for darshan in any season except summer.
Nearby attractions
The closest to Mahamaya temple is Devki Baba Dham temple. Which is located in Ghaghra block. It is located on the banks of a river at some distance from this temple.
Apart from this, Maha sadashiv Temple, Basudev kona Temple, Baba Tanginath Dham Temple, Nagpheni and Nagar Nagvanshi are included for tourists in Gumla.
Other major places in Gumla district
Preservation and maintenance of the temple
Earlier there used to be an ancient temple here. Today, only the remains of the Mahamaya temple are found. The new temple has been built in a few years.
Currently, all the worships are done in this new temple.The preservation and maintenance of this temple is being done by the priests and their descendants.
Due to many beliefs of the temple, other priests worship only when they know the complete information and rituals about this temple. he local government is fully involved in the development and preservation of the temple.
Traditional dishes of Hapamuni village
Names of some of the main dishes of Hapamuni village are: Dhuska, Arsa, Pitha, Chapra, Labra, Sati, Jaggery and Sesame Laddu, Dal Puri, Madua Roti, Ghungroo, Sidu, Mahua Juice, Banda Bhaji and Aloo Chokha. Which is tasty and spicy food to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions for Mahamaya Temple
1. When is the best time to visit Hapamaya Temple?
When the Dola Mela is organized on Chait Krishnapaksha Pareva. Then Manjusha is taken out on the platform in front of the temple and worshipped by the chief priest of the temple. At that time the religious importance of this place can be seen.
2. How to reach Hapamaya Temple?
This temple is located at a distance of about 26 kilometers from the district headquarters. And it is located at a distance of 3 kilometers from Ghaghra block.
3. What are the special worship and rituals in the temple?
According to Hindu religion, worship is done on the occasion of all the gods and goddesses.
4. How are the accommodation facilities in Hapa Muni village?
There is no accommodation facility in the village. After going to the city, many hotels are available.
5. What are the religious beliefs of Hapamaya Temple?
Here the priest worships by tying a black bandage on his eyes. If you see God with open eyes, you lose your eyesight.