This is an 11th century Durga Mahisasuramardini Hindu temple and one of fifty two Shakti Peetha – the most important sites in Shaktism tradition of Hinduism. It is a pilgrimage site, and the most visited amongst Ratanpur temples.
<p>The Mahamaya temple was likely rebuilt in mid 11th century at a more ancient goddess tradition temple site, then expanded in 12th to 13th century. Prior to the 11th century, the town was known as Manipur. Ratna Dev moved his capital here and the town came to be known as Ratnapura, evolving into Ratanpur. Local legends state that he moved his capital and rebuilt a fort and temples here after dreaming of goddess Maa Durga (a warrior goddess and protector of dharma). Historical evidence include inscriptions found in Ratanpur from the 11th century, as well those in this temple from the 15th century.
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The temple site is a complex of shrines around the primary historic temple and includes artwork that dates between 11th and 20th century. The pilgrim facilities added in recent decades have added another layer of structures in the complex. Most of the historic structures have been painted over, making some look quite recent. The pre-20th century structures include the 7-horse Surya chariot inspired gateway (torana), the stone temples, metal clad scenes of Shiva legends. The artwork ruins on display and in worship are pre-14th century including those of Ganesha (sitting, standing and running forms), avatars of Vishnu, Kartikeya, Shiva forms and others. A small lake serves as the temple tank.
<a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Ms_Sarah_Welch" title="User:Ms Sarah Welch">Ms Sarah Welch</a>
2022-01-07 15:12:01
<span class="int-own-work" lang="en">Own work</span>