Maa Bamleshwari Temple Decked Up, Devotees Expected in Large Numbers

The sacred days of Sharadiya Navratri have begun today at the Maa Bamleshwari temple, perched atop the Dongargarh hills. The temple courtyard and pathways are adorned with flowers, rangoli, and lamps. Devotees have been flocking to the temple since morning, and chants of Maa Bamleshwari's praises resonate throughout Dongargarh. This year, devotees from across the country and state are arriving in Dongargarh during the nine days of Navratri to seek the fulfillment of their desires and darshan of the Goddess. The temple management has made all the traditional preparations for the nine-day worship of the Goddess. The railway and district administration have made special arrangements for ease of travel and safety, and have instituted strict crowd control. One thousand police personnel have been deployed to ensure security.

This nine-day festival of worship will run from September 22nd to October 1st, 2025. Vijayadashami will be celebrated on October 2nd, 2025. In both the temples of Mata Bamleshwari in Dongargarh, Ghatasthapana will be performed on Ekam, Havan on Ashtami, and Visarjan on Navami. Furthermore, devotees will be present at the Mata's court 24 hours a day throughout Navratri. Therefore, the administration has made all arrangements to ensure that devotees can safely visit the temple amidst the huge crowds.

The story of the Bamleshwari Temple in Dongargarh is centuries old. The temple is located approximately 1,600 feet up the mountain, and approximately 1,000 steps are used to reach it; a ropeway also takes devotees to the summit. Local traditions and local accounts regarding the temple's history indicate that this site has been a center of faith since ancient times, with some sources placing its origins at approximately 2,200 years old. According to folklore, stories related to the kings and sages of this place were prevalent; Some say that King Virsen, after making a vow, had the goddess worshipped at this site, while others recount connections with Vikramaditya or the Pandavas. However, concrete archaeological evidence for these mythological accounts is limited. Today, the local temple trust and the district's tourism information department consider it an important center of regional history and folklore, and during Navratri, millions of devotees visit.
The spiritual dimension of Navratri, beyond the glamorous crowds, has a profound impact. Navratri is not merely a nine-day festival, but a time of worship of the nine forms of the Mother Goddess and spiritual discipline. It symbolizes the victory of knowledge over ignorance and righteousness over unrighteousness. Devotees participate in fasting, kirtan, and night prayers, seeking peace of mind and blessings. This year, the Dongargarh fair will not be merely a religious event, but will emerge as a celebration of the local economy, tourism, and cultural life.