Chandika Sthan, a Siddhi-Peetha and one of the sixty-four Shakti Peethas devoted to the goddess Shakti, is situated in Munger – an Indian state within Bihar. Just two kilometers away from Munger town’s northeast corner lies this hallowed temple which is held with similar reverence as Kamakshya temple near Guwahati. With its celestial atmosphere and air of sanctity, Chandika Sthan has become a holy destination for devotees across India.
Mythology and ancient Hindu stories tell us that to soothe Lord Shiva’s rage, Sati’s left eye fell in Munger. This is said to be the origin of Chandika Sthan- an esteemed Shakti Peetha where locals believe that ailments related to the eyes can get cured. Legends are abound about this sacred place which carries forward a tale of love, loss and redemption.
Legends say that the Chandika Sthan Temple is a Shakti Peetha, an ethereal shrine of Shaktism. It’s said that this divine spot was born from the mythology of Daksha Yaga, in which Sati immolates herself and Shiva carries her body away. This powerful tale is what gave origin to all other Shakti Peetha shrines across India and beyond. It is believed that Sati Devi’s left eye has landed in what is now known as Chandika Sthan. King Karna of the Anga kingdom worshiped Chandi Mata daily, and was blessed with an abundance of gold (50 kilograms to be exact) for distribution among those who needed it most at Karanchaura. Nestled on the bank of river Ganga between Vindhya Mountain lies Shakti Peeth Maa Chandika Sthan – a sacred site steeped in history, awaiting your arrival. The renowned Chandika Sthan stands at the location of Goddess Maa’s left eye, and it is believed to have been established by Raja Karna. An ardent devotee of Maa, he made sure to honor her daily with his presence in the temple as well as offering himself into boiling ghee. It is said that due to their strong spiritual bond, Mother Divine granted him an audience each day and even brought him back from death on multiple occasions!
The sacred temple of Maa Chandika is constructed in the archetypal northern Indian architectural style, and its white cauldron-like shape was created along the banks of the Ganges River. During the 20th century, Rai Bahadur Kedar Nath Goinka and Shyam Sunder Bhangad graciously expanded its entranceway to a much more grand size.
Navratri has been celebrated with enthusiasm and joy in Munger for years, especially around Chandika Sthan. Ashtami is particularly special because it marks the day when a special pooja takes place here – from Durga puja until Navratri’s ninth day, devotees flock to this sacred site as early as dawn. The whole street reverberates with chants of “Bol Bom Bol Bom” that echo across the city!
The sprawling grounds of the temple house a plethora of shrines. The main Maa Chandika Shakti Peeth resides in a narrow hill, rumored to be alive and growing over time. Among others, devotees pay homage at Kali Maa Temple, Family of Shiva, Kaal Bhairav, members of Durga’s family and Hanuman temple where offerings such as holy water are made regularly in devotion.
By Road
Chandi Asthan is approx 1 km distance from ITC Ltd , Basudevpur , Munger .
By Train
Nearest Railway Station is munger junction.
By Air
Nearest Airport is Patna Airport.
