Kankali Temple
The Kankali Temple (or Kankali Maa Mandir) is an ancient and highly revered Hindu temple located within the massive fortified walls of the Darbhanga Fort (Ram Bagh Fort). It holds a significant place in the Shakta tradition, associated with the worship of the Goddess Kali or Durga, often in her fier ce form as Kankali. The temple has a deep connection to the history of the Darbhanga Raj. The current temple structure was built, or more accurately, reconstructed to its present, grand form by Maharaja Kameshwar Singh after the original was severely damaged in the devastating 1934 earthquake. Legend holds that the idol of Maa Kankali was found in the Yamuna River near Delhi by Mahamohopadhyay Mahesh Thakur, the founder of the Khandwala dynasty, in 1557, and was initially installed at his native village of Bhour. The idol was later moved to the Ram Bagh site, and the temple built around it. A unique and noteworthy aspect of this temple is the tradition of worshipping a fragmented or broken idol, which defies the common Hindu practice of not worshipping broken images. The temple is famous for following the Tantric system of worship, attracting various sadhaks (spiritual practitioners) and devotees, especially during the two major Navaratri periods. While it was historically a private temple of the royal family, it is now open to the public, though its operational control and maintenance are still managed by the descendants of the Darbhanga Raj.:
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 Hour:Place Type:
Temple/Religious:Entry Fees:
Temple Entry: Entry to the Kankali Temple is Free for all devotees and visitors, as it is a public place of worship. Donations are voluntary and are used for the temple's daily operations and maintenance.
Fees for Rituals: Devotees wishing ...Temple Entry: Entry to the Kankali Temple is Free for all devotees and visitors, as it is a public place of worship. Donations are voluntary and are used for the temple's daily operations and maintenance.
Fees for Rituals: Devotees wishing to perform specific, elaborate rituals, special pujas, or homas (fire ceremonies) may be required to pay a fee to the priest for the cost of materials and the service, but this is a service fee, not an entry fee.
Photography Fee: There is No Fee for basic exterior photography, but photography of the main idol or inside the sanctum is strictly prohibited. Violating this rule is considered highly disrespectful.
Parking: Being inside the fort complex, parking is often managed in the adjacent public areas outside the main fort gates, where a nominal parking fee may apply. :Timing:
Regular Timings: The temple is generally open from early morning (5:30 AM or 6:00 AM) until the afternoon (1:00 PM) and then reopens in the late afternoon (3:00 PM or 4:00 PM) until evening aarti (8:00 PM or 9:00 PM). Timings are slightly longer during major festivals.
...Regular Timings: The temple is generally open from early morning (5:30 AM or 6:00 AM) until the afternoon (1:00 PM) and then reopens in the late afternoon (3:00 PM or 4:00 PM) until evening aarti (8:00 PM or 9:00 PM). Timings are slightly longer during major festivals.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time to visit is during the quiet early morning hours (just after opening) for a peaceful darshan (viewing of the idol) and to avoid the mid-day heat. Winter months (October to March) are most comfortable.
Festival Time: During Navaratri, the temple is open for most of the day and night, but the crowds are immense; be prepared for very long queues and a highly energetic atmosphere.
Mid-Day Closing: Note the afternoon closing time, typically between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, when the temple is locked. :Special Events:
Navaratri (Sharadiya and Chaitra) This is the most special and significant event. The temple hosts elaborate, ancient Tantric rituals, drawing thousands of devotees for the nine nights. The temple is decorated, and the tradition of ritual sacrifice (Bali) is often observed, creating a highly inten...Navaratri (Sharadiya and Chaitra) This is the most special and significant event. The temple hosts elaborate, ancient Tantric rituals, drawing thousands of devotees for the nine nights. The temple is decorated, and the tradition of ritual sacrifice (Bali) is often observed, creating a highly intense and spiritually charged atmosphere.
Kali Puja: The festival of Kali Puja (part of Diwali in Bihar) is celebrated with special midnight worship at the temple, recognizing the temple's dedication to the Goddess Kankali (a form of Kali).
Temple Foundation Day: The anniversary of the idol's re-installation or the temple's reconstruction (post-1934) is sometimes celebrated with special pujas and community bhandaras (community feasts). :Best Photo Spots:
Temple Tower (Shikhara) The temple's grand tower or shikhara, viewed from a slight distance within the fort complex, is the best photo spot, showcasing the architectural grandeur of the rebuild. The tower often features traditional decorative elements.
Framing with For...Temple Tower (Shikhara) The temple's grand tower or shikhara, viewed from a slight distance within the fort complex, is the best photo spot, showcasing the architectural grandeur of the rebuild. The tower often features traditional decorative elements.
Framing with Fort Walls: Use the ancient, massive walls of the Darbhanga Fort as a natural frame for the temple, emphasizing the spiritual center within the historic, defensive structure. This highlights the dual significance of the location.
The Entrance Gate: The specific gate/archway that leads to the temple within the fort can be a great photo spot, capturing the flow of devotees and the immediate entrance to the sacred space. Devotional Scenes (Aarti) If the crowd is manageable and you can maintain a respectful distance, the evening aarti, with the light of the lamps and the fire, can be captured outside the sanctum (avoiding the idol) for a powerful, atmospheric devotional shot. :Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Attend a Puja or Aarti: The primary activity is attending the daily puja (worship) or aarti (lamp ceremony). The atmosphere during the morning or evening aarti is particularly intense and devotional, offering a genuine spiritual experience.
Observe the Tantric Rituals: If a visit during Navaratri is not possible, observe the daily rituals, which are still conducted using the temple's unique Tantric methodology, often involving specific chanting and offerings, setting it apart from other temples.
Walk the Perimeter: Since the temple is inside the Darbhanga Fort, walk around the temple premises and then combine it with a walk along the fort's main walls, appreciating the defensive and spiritual integration of the two structures.
Pay Respect at the Shyama Mai Temple: ...
Information
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Why Famous:
Center of Tantric Worship: The temple is famous as a significant center for the Tantric mode of worship in Mithila, attracting Tantric sadhaks and devotees from far and wide, especially during the auspicious nights of Navaratri.
The Fragmented I...Center of Tantric Worship: The temple is famous as a significant center for the Tantric mode of worship in Mithila, attracting Tantric sadhaks and devotees from far and wide, especially during the auspicious nights of Navaratri.
The Fragmented Idol: The temple is uniquely famous for worshipping a fragmented or broken idol of Maa Kankali, a highly unusual practice that runs counter to mainstream Hindu norms and is linked to its deep historical and mythological past.
Royal Patronage and History: Its deep connection to the Darbhanga Raj, having been established by the dynasty's founder, Mahesh Thakur, and rebuilt by Maharaja Kameshwar Singh, contributes significantly to its fame as a historically and spiritually powerful site.
Navaratri Crowds: During the two annual Navaratri festivals (Sharadiya and Chaitra), the temple draws massive crowds, making it one of the most vibrant and important pilgrimage spots in Darbhanga and the entire region. : -
Architecture:
Post-Earthquake Reconstruction: The current structure of the Kankali Temple is a testament to the rebuilding efforts after the 1934 earthquake. The architecture is an example of late Darbhanga Raj temple construction, emphasizing strength, spaciousness, and a grand, towerin...Post-Earthquake Reconstruction: The current structure of the Kankali Temple is a testament to the rebuilding efforts after the 1934 earthquake. The architecture is an example of late Darbhanga Raj temple construction, emphasizing strength, spaciousness, and a grand, towering design to attract devotees.
Dimension: The temple complex is large, with a prominent sanctum and a mandapa (hall). While exact Dimensions are unavailable, the structure is described as "grand and huge" with a distinct tower (shikhara).
Shakta/Tantric Design Elements: The structure is designed to facilitate the Tantric mode of worship, including a dedicated area for the ancient practice of ritual animal sacrifice (Bali), which is still practiced here during Navaratri. The inner sanctum is often dark and focused entirely on the powerful, unique idol of Maa Kankali.
Materials and Artistry: The construction typically uses local red brick and stone, with decorative elements on the exterior reflecting traditional temple artistry of the Mithila region. The grandeur of the temple projects the royal patronage of the deity. : -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Darbhanga Airport (DBR), about 7. 5 KMS away. A taxi or auto-rickshaw will take you to the Ram Bagh Fort area. Patna Airport (PAT) is the major alternative, about 140 KMS away, requiring a long journey.
By Train:<... -
Near Tourist Places:
Shyama Kali Temple (0. 5 KMS), Darbhanga Fort (Self-Contained), Dighi Pond (2. 5 KMS), Harahi Pond (3. 5 KMS), Chandradhari Museum (2. 5 KMS), Anandbagh Palace (2. 5 KMS), Darbhanga Junction (2. 5 KMS), Ganga Sagar Lake (3. 5 KMS), Manokamna Temple (3. 5 KMS), Ahilya Asthan (13 KMS)
Tourism Tips
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Health & safety: Remove your shoes outside the temple premises. Be respectful of the Tantric traditions and any rituals you may observe. The temple area can be very crowded during festivals; watch your belongings closely. Carry water, especially when queuing.
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