Van Devi Mandir

Getting there

• By air

  Fly to Varanasi or Gorakhpur, then continue by road.

• By road

  The road connects to Varanasi, Gorakhpur and Azamgarh, and the temple is about 12 km from Mau city.

• By train

  The area is well connected by rail from Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Chapra, Lucknow, New Delhi and Mumbai.

Why devotees come here

Van Devi Mandir stands in Kohinaour, about 12 km southwest of Mau district headquarters. It is dedicated to Sita, known here as Jagat Janani Sita Mata. The setting is natural, and the temple is valued for its history and culture.

The temple is dedicated to Sita, known here as Jagat Janani Sita Mata. Tradition says Sita gave birth to her sons Love and Kush at this place. The district government site describes the setting as captivating and natural.

Public opinion and the geography of the place link it to the sage Valmiki, who is said to have meditated here. Local belief adds another story. Sighnua Baba, a resident of Narvar, dreamt that an image of Sita was buried here, under the ground. Later, a temple was built on the spot.

Since then the temple has been a meeting place for many renowned sages and yogis. Along with its natural beauty, the temple stands for its historical and cultural importance, which the district government site also highlights.

Tips for your visit

• Ask for the temple as Jagat Janani Sita Mata's temple, or Vandevi, the name the district government page uses.
• Give Mau district headquarters as the reference point, since the temple is about 12 km southwest of it.

Questions people ask