Temples

Banjari Mandir is a Hindu temple and popular religious landmark located in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, India. Recognized as one of the city’s well-known spiritual centers, it attracts devotees seeking blessings from Goddess Banjari Mata and serves as an important cultural gathering point for local residents. Location and Significance Situated in the Kotra area of Raigarh (postal code 496001), Banjari Mandir functions as both a worship site and a community venue. It holds significance as a devotional spot for followers of the goddess and is part of the region’s wider network of Banjari Mata shrines across Chhattisgarh. Visitor Experience The temple is typically open until 9 p.m., welcoming visitors throughout the day for prayers and offerings . It is known for its peaceful atmosphere and accessibility, including wheelchair-friendly entry and exit. Festivals such as Navratri and Dussehra are celebrated with devotional rituals, drawing increased footfall from nearby towns and villages. Cultural and Community Role Beyond its religious importance, Banjari Mandir plays a social role in local life. Devotees often visit not only for worship but also for spiritual solace and participation in collective celebrations. The temple’s presence contributes to Raigarh’s reputation as a hub of faith and tradition in eastern Chhattisgarh.

Gouri Shankar Mandir is a Hindu temple and local landmark situated in Nayaganj, Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva—revered here as Gouri Shankar—it serves as both a spiritual center and a community focal point for residents of Raigarh and surrounding areas. Religious Significance The temple is part of the city’s traditional fabric, attracting daily worshippers and visitors during key Hindu festivals such as Maha Shivaratri and Shravan month observances. Its presiding deity, Gouri Shankar (a form of Shiva and Parvati together), symbolizes divine balance and marital harmony. Architecture and Setting Located above the Charlie Outlaw Showroom near the Sunday Market in Nayaganj, the shrine combines modern accessibility with traditional Hindu temple aesthetics. Its sanctum typically houses a Shiva lingam and images of Goddess Parvati, accompanied by smaller shrines dedicated to other deities. Community Role Beyond worship, Gouri Shankar Mandir functions as a venue for cultural gatherings, charity events, and festive rituals that bring together diverse age groups from the city. The temple’s location on a busy market road makes it a frequent stop for pilgrims and locals seeking spiritual repose amid daily commerce. Accessibility and Visitor Experience The temple is easily reachable from Raigarh’s main commercial corridors and is listed among the popular religious places in the city, with a reputation for clean premises and a welcoming atmosphere. It generally remains open from early morning until evening for darshan and ritual offerings

As Navratri 2025 kicks off, devotees visit India’s most revered temples, including Vaishno Devi, Chamundeshwari, Dakshineshwar, Ambaji, Mahalakshmi, Mookambika, Chamunda Devi, and Kamakhya, offering prayers, performing rituals, and enjoying the vibrant festival celebrations. Navratri, one of India’s most vibrant festivals celebrating the triumph of good over evil, has officially begun. According to the Bengali tradition of Durga Puja, Mahalaya—the auspicious day marking the start of the goddess’s descent—fell on September 21, 2025. 8 Temples to visit in India during the festival of Navratri Today, September 24, devotees across the country are already engaging in prayers, rituals, and temple visits, making it the perfect time to explore some of India’s most revered shrines dedicated to Goddess Durga and her various forms. Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu & Kashmir One of India’s most revered shrines, dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi. Pilgrims undertake a 12 km trek to reach the holy cave, often braving cold weather and steep paths. During Navratri, the temple sees thousands of devotees seeking blessings, with special poojas and aarti ceremonies adding to the spiritual atmosphere. Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysuru, Karnataka Located atop Chamundi Hill, this temple honours Goddess Chamundeshwari, an incarnation of Durga. The climb of 1,000 steps is a pilgrimage in itself. Navratri celebrations here are particularly vibrant, featuring processions, devotional music, and special rituals, attracting both locals and tourists. Also Read | Navratri 2025: Stories behind each of nine forms of Goddess Durga – Navadurga Dakshineshwar Kali Temple, Kolkata, West Bengal Situated on the banks of the Hooghly River, the temple is famous for its striking architecture and devotion to Goddess Kali. During Navratri, elaborate aartis, cultural programmes, and devotional singing fill the temple grounds, creating an atmosphere of deep spiritual fervour. Mookambika Temple, Kollur, Karnataka Nestled in the scenic Western Ghats, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Mookambika, revered as a form of Shakti. Navratri draws thousands of devotees who perform special poojas and seek blessings for prosperity and success. The temple’s serene surroundings enhance the spiritual experience. Ambaji Temple, Gujarat One of the 51 Shakti Peethas, this temple is devoted to Goddess Amba. Navratri at Ambaji is celebrated on a grand scale, with devotees performing Garba dances, offering prayers, and taking part in traditional rituals. The entire town becomes a hub of festive energy, attracting pilgrims from across India. Mahalakshmi Temple, Kolhapur, Maharashtra Dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi, this historic temple is a centre of devotion and spirituality. Navratri sees the temple beautifully decorated, with special aartis and cultural programmes. Pilgrims visit in large numbers to seek the goddess’s blessings for wealth, health, and prosperity. Chamunda Devi Temple, Himachal Pradesh Perched on a hill near Kangra, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Chamunda. Navratri attracts devotees who climb the hill to participate in rituals and seek blessings. The panoramic views of the surrounding mountains add a unique spiritual and scenic experience. Kamakhya Temple, Assam A major Shakti Peetha, the Kamakhya Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya and is considered one of the most powerful centres of Shakti worship. Navratri is marked by elaborate rituals, fairs, and devotional events. Thousands of pilgrims flock to the temple, combining faith with cultural celebrations.

Maha Shivratri 2026: Maha Shivratri is a sacred Hindu festival honoring Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees mark this day by visiting temples, offering prayers, and fasting to seek blessings, inner peace, and spiritual growth, embodyi Maha Shivratri 2026 date and time Every year, devotees of Shiva observe the sacred festival of Maha Shivaratri in the Hindu month of Phalguna (February–March), on the Chaturdashi tithi (fourteenth night) of the waning moon. This year, the festival will be celebrated on Sunday, February 15. According to Drik Panchang, here are the important and auspicious timings to keep in mind while observing Shivratri: Significance of Maha Shivratri Maha Shivaratri carries deep religious and spiritual significance. It represents the triumph of light over ignorance, and devotees believe that worshipping Lord Shiva and observing a night-long vigil on this auspicious occasion helps attain awareness and spiritual enlightenment. It is also believed that Lord Shiva performed the Tandav, the cosmic dance of creation and destruction, on this sacred night. A view of Triveni Sangam during sunset as devotees offer prayers on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. Maha Shivratri 2026 rituals and celebration Maha Shivratri is celebrated across India with deep devotion and spiritual fervour, with major temples like Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain, Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, and Kedarnath Temple witnessing grand festivities. Thousands of devotees gather to offer prayers, participate in special aartis, and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva, while homes and temples are beautifully decorated and bhajans and kirtans fill the air Devotees observe a day-long fast, some consuming only fruits and milk, others following a strict nirjala fast, chant sacred mantras to purify the mind and invoke divine blessings, perform abhishekam by bathing the Shivalinga with holy items like milk, honey, water, curd, and bel patra, and stay awake through the night for Shivratri Jagran, meditating and engaging in spiritual activities to honour Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.  

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, accompanied by his wife Smt. Kaushalya Sai, visited Shri Shri 108 Shri Satyanarayan Baba Dham at Kosmanara village during his Raigarh tour and offered prayers around 1 a.m. on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri. He performed rituals dedicated to Lord Bholenath and Shri Shri 108 Shri Satyanarayan Baba, and prayed for the prosperity, happiness, and well-being of the people of the state. Chief Minister also extended Mahashivratri greetings and best wishes to citizens across Chhattisgarh.