On a previous trip to the Bhadrakali temple in Itkhori, I came to know of the Ugratara temple located in the Latehar district of Jharkhand. I contemplated visiting this temple to offer my respects to Maa Ugratara. On our way back from Betla National Park, we opted for a detour from Chandwa to reach the temple.

The Ugratara Temple is situated in the Latehar district of Jharkhand, approximately 90 km from the state capital, Ranchi. The Ugratara temple is believed to have been built in the 15th century. It is an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Ugratara and holds great significance for devotees and visitors alike. The temple attracts a significant number of pilgrims, particularly during the festivals of Ramnavmi and Durga Puja.

This centuries-old temple boasts a rich history filled with tales that distinguish it from others. The Ugratara Nagar Temple inspires unwavering faith in every visitor. Often recognized as a Shakti Peeth, it garners special reverence, particularly during the 16-day Navratri celebrations — a tradition distinct to this sacred locale.

Throughout Navratri, the Ugratara Nagar Temple experiences a notable surge in devotees, drawing worshippers not only from Jharkhand but also from neighbouring states such as West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and even Madhya Pradesh. The Navratri celebrations kick off on the second day of Jitiya Parva.

Rituals of 16 days Navratri

The worship of Maa Durga commences with the installation of the Kalash on the second day of Ashwin Krishna Paksha Navami, known as the Jitiya festival. Following this, Ashtabhuji Mata is worshipped once again on the first day of Navratri after the Kalash installation. The same puja is concluded on Ashwin Shukla Paksha Dashami. This ritual signifies the initiation and culmination of the Maa Durga worship during the specified period.

During this festival, special rituals, prayers, and cultural performances take place, attracting many visitors and devotees. It’s a vibrant celebration that adds to the cultural richness of the region.

It is said that the king had worshipped the Mother rigorously for 16 days. That is why 16 days of Navratri is celebrated here. This tradition has been upheld for four to five centuries in many royal families of Jharkhand. Notably, the 16-day Navratri rituals are a unique practice in this region, with no comparable tradition found elsewhere in India.

Worship is done according to the handwritten book

A distinctive aspect of this temple is that the worship follows the guidelines outlined in a handwritten book dating back around 500 years. Remarkably, the pages of this ancient book remain impeccably preserved, with the letters retaining their shine. The book not only serves as a guide for worship but also contains instructions on how to make a copy to ensure its preservation. It meticulously details the process of preparing ink and how to transcribe the text, providing a comprehensive record of the methods used in the temple’s rituals.

Immersive Visarjan Rituals

The Ugratara Temple in Jharkhand observes a distinctive ritual during Durga Visarjan. The tradition of offering paan (betel leaves) to the goddess on the day of Vijayadashami has been a longstanding practice at this temple. Following the culmination of the 16-day-long puja, devotees present betel leaves to the Goddess. Devotees ceremoniously present paan on the seat of the goddess, eagerly anticipating its descent. There have been instances where people patiently wait for 10-12 hours for the betel leaves to fall. Once the paan finally descends, a special puja is conducted, followed by the immersion ceremony. However, if the paan does not fall, the immersion does not take place, emphasizing the significance attached to this unique ritual.

The symbolic act of the leaves falling from the hands into the water is interpreted as a sign of the Goddess granting permission for immersion. This ritual adds a unique and meaningful dimension to the conclusion of the worship at the Ugratara Temple.

Historical Significance and Royal Connection

According to legend, the origins of this ancient temple trace back several centuries. In the past, a king traversed the jungles of what was then the Mankeiri Jungle, now situated in Latehar. Weary and in need of refreshment, he paused by a pond to quench his thirst. To his amazement, a deity’s idol appeared in his hands. Perplexed, he positioned the idol near the pond and resumed his journey. That night, the Goddess visited him in a dream, instructing him to establish her presence in his palace, prompting the construction of the temple.

Revered by Royalty

A captivating tale from history involves Maratha Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. During her journey to Bengal, she stumbled upon this ancient temple and was profoundly captivated. Inspired by the spiritual ambience, she resolved to conduct a grand puja at the temple. The villagers proudly narrate this story, highlighting it as a testament to the timeless allure of the temple that even royalty found enchanting.

Daily Offerings for Devotees

One of the temple’s unique traditions is offering rice and lentils as prasad every single day of the year, ensuring devotees experience the divine grace of the Goddess throughout. Devotees are served with this prasad, a testament to the temple’s hospitality and spirituality.

Muslims also have a deep connection with temple traditions

The traditions of the temple have fostered a deep connection with Muslims as well. The responsibility of organizing the drums played in the temple is entrusted to the Muslim community. Towards the east, behind the temple, lies the tomb of Madar Shah. Legend has it that Madar Shah Nagar was a devoted worshiper of Bhagawati. During Vijayadashami, the temple raises five flags, and a unique tradition involves sending the sixth white flag to be hoisted over the tomb of Madar Shah. This interweaving of customs reflects a harmonious coexistence and shared reverence for the sacred space.

Our Visit to the Ugratara Temple

Upon our return journey from the Betla excursion, we reached Chandwa and made a left turn towards Balumath, heading towards the Ugratara temple. Passing the rail lines near Tori station, we continued our drive towards Balumath until we spotted the gate on the left, guiding us to the temple. Along the way, we observed some wedding ceremonies taking place at the temple.

Arriving at the temple at an opportune moment, we found it devoid of crowds, impeccably cleaned, and prepared for the bhog prasad. I spent some peaceful moments in prayer. As we exited the sanctum, we were informed that the Bhog ceremony would commence soon. Eagerly, we waited for the offering. We were eventually handed a portion of dal and rice bhog. The Pujari then called me and personally presented us with the bhog Prasad in sal leaf containers. It was a truly blessed experience. Satisfied after partaking in the Bhog Prasad, we departed for our home, cherishing the spiritual moments spent at the temple.

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