Shyama Mai Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Darbhanga Airport is about 6 km from Darbhanga city.

• By train

  Darbhanga Junction lies on the East Central Railway and has direct connections to the major cities of India.

• By road

  NH 27 connects Darbhanga with Muzaffarpur and Mehsi.

Why devotees come here

Shyama Mai Temple in Darbhanga, Bihar, is a Kali temple built on a cremation pyre, which makes it unusual. Maa Kali is the main deity, with Mahakal, Ganapati and Batukabhairava in the sanctum. Maharaj Kameshwar Singh of Darbhanga founded it in 1933.

The temple, also called Mother Kali's Dham, was founded by Maharaj Kameshwar Singh of Darbhanga in 1933. It stands on the pyre of Maharaja Rameshwar Singh, who ruled Darbhanga from 1898 to 1929, at the crematorium ghat. Darbhanga was once the capital of the Darbhanga Raj, an estate set up in the 16th century.

According to the Rameshwar Charit, Shyama Mai is a form of Sita. Legend says that after Ravana was killed, Sita told Rama that whoever slew Sahastraanan would be the true hero. Her anger did not calm after the slaughter, so Shiva himself came and lay down beneath her feet.

The main idol is Maa Kali with four arms, and its right hand is said to bless visitors. Because her anger was calmed, the form is worshipped here as Kali, not as Shyama. Many devotees visit, and auspicious works such as weddings are done here.

Festivals

• During NavratriNavratri

  The number of devotees rises and a fair is held at the temple.

• An older Times of India report gives about 23 November to 2 DecemberAkhand navah

  Non-stop chanting of "Jai Shyama Mai" runs through the navah, and crowds come to the temple.

Tips for your visit

• Devotees who come for the temple aarti often wait for hours to join it.
• Newlyweds come here for blessings, and weddings are also performed in the temple.

Questions people ask