Shri Badi Patan Devi Temple, Patna

Located in the heart of Old Patna, the Shri Badi Patan Devi Temple Click to open side panel for more information is the oldest and most sacred shrine in the city. It is widely revered as one of the 51 Siddha Shakti Peethas, making it a major pilgrimage destination for devotees of the divine feminine.

History and Mythology

The temple is steeped in ancient Puranic legends and is deeply tied to the identity of the city.

• Origin of Name: It is popularly believed that the name of the city, Patna, is derived from the name of the goddess Patan Devi.
• Shakti Peetha Legend: According to Hindu mythology, the temple marks the spot where the right thigh of Goddess Sati fell after her body was severed by Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshan Chakra.
• Patronage: While its origins are ancient, the site has seen various renovations over the centuries, including significant reconstruction during the British colonial era and historical ties to Raja Man Singh I in the 16th century.

Architecture and Deities

The temple exhibits a blend of traditional North Indian and Mughal architectural styles, characterized by a sense of ancient simplicity rather than ostentatious ornamentation.

• Main Deities: The sanctum sanctorum houses black stone idols of three powerful goddesses: Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati. These goddesses are shown in a standing posture, adorned with sarees and crowns.