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The Mahamaya Devi Mandir which is located along the Bilaspur-Ambikapur State Highway is just 25 km from the Bilaspur town. This temple of the 12th century has been built in the Nagara style of temple architecture.

The Mahamaya Devi Temple enshrines an amazing dual statue of Goddess Mahamaya Devi-the front image of `Mahishasuramardini` and also a rear statue of Goddess Saraswati which is supported by 16 columns.

Mahamaya Devi temple is surrounded by an 18-inch thick perimeter wall. Most of the statues and motifs used in the temple have been taken from the remnants of certain ancient temples, among them some are also Jain temples.

The main complex of the temple has other smaller statues of Goddess Kali, Bhadrakali, Surya, Lord Vishnu, Lord Hanuman, Bhairav and Lord Shiva. It is said that the first puja and `abhishek` of the Devi was performed by Kalinga King Ratna Dev in 1050 AD. A popular belief among the devotees is that, one should visit the Kaal Bhairav Mandir before visiting the Goddess Mahamaya Devi as Kaal Bhairav is regarded as the doorkeeper of the Devi. The Navratri festival is celebrated here as a major tourist draw attended by several thousands of the faithful from far and near.

This famous renovated Mahamaya temple is situated on the banks of a tank facing the north direction, in a big village Ratanpur an ancient historical site, 25 kms. from Bilaspur on Bilaspur-Ambikapur road via Katghora.

This temple consists of a sanctum and a mandapa with fortified fascinated courtyard, which was built in Maratha period but the original temple was built by the Kalchuri rulers in 12th-13th century. A.D.

This temple was dedicated to Mahamaya Devi who was the Kula Devi of the Kalchuri rulers of Ratanpur branch. The famous annual Navaratri fair is held here. This place can be developed as a tourist centre.


The Mahamaya Temple is situated in Ambikapur near Bilaspur. It was built by King Ratansen of the Kalchurian Dynasty. The Laxman Temple in Sirpur was built during the seventh century and one of the best brick temples of the country. The Gandheswar Temple is also situated in this area.

The temple is surrounded by lush green forests and blue mountains. The Ghatadai Paharia Tripur Sundar Devi is dedicated to goddess Tripur Sundar.

On the banks of the River Mahanadi, the Shivarinarayan Laxminarayan Temple stands pretty. It was built by the rulers of the Hayhay Dynasty. Turridhav Shiva Temple in Janjgir, Champa District is famous for its fair during the Mahashivaratri.

Nearby tourist places to Mahamaya Temple Bilaspur Jabalpur Raipur

• Sidh Shakti Peeth Shri Mahamaya Devi Mandir is situated along the Bilaspur Ambikapur state highway, just 25 km away from Bilaspur.


• The nearest railway station is Bilaspur which comes under the South East Central Railway.


• Bilaspur has an aerodrome too. The place is connected with any intra- or international flights. The nearest airport, then, is at Raipur (Mana Airport - 130 km from Bilaspur), which is connected to Mumbai, Delhi and Nagpur.


• However, being a zonal headquarters of the Indian Railways, Bilaspur is suitably connected with all the major cities of India by train.


• After alighting the train at Bilaspur, one can either take a bus or a taxi that will take you directly to Ratanpur. The taxi can take you inside the Temple complex, which is half a kilometre offset from the highway.