Exploring One of the Oldest and Spiritually Awakened Shakti Peethas in India: PATAN DEVI
Patan Devi Temple, situated in the ancient city of Patna (earlier known as Pataliputra), is one of the most sacred and oldest temples devoted to Goddess Durga in India. It is among the 51 Shakti Peethas — sacred places where the divine energy of the feminine force of Goddess Sati is said to have descended. Pilgrims from all over the country travel to this sacred place to pray and seek blessings, especially during Navratri when the temple is filled with life and spiritual activity.
With a heritage inextricably linked to Hindu mythology, Patan Devi Temple is a religious hub of sorts in Bihar’s capital, attracting pilgrims, people interested in culture, and travelers in general.
Historical and Mythological Significance
According to legend, when Sati self-immolated during the Daksha Yagna, Lord Shiva roamed the universe in grief, carrying her charred body. To pacify him, Lord Vishnu dismembered Sati’s body using his Sudarshan Chakra. The places where her body parts fell became Shakti Peethas. It is believed that the “right thigh” of Sati fell at Patan Devi, making it a spiritually powerful location.
The temple is mentioned in the ancient Hindu scriptures and was worshiped in the Mauryan and Gupta eras. It even held on during the Islamic conquests and continued to be a place of religious importance.
There are actually two temples dedicated to Patan Devi:
- Bari Patan Devi (Big Patan Devi) – The central temple, highly frequented by devotees.
- Chhoti Patan Devi (Small Patan Devi) – Considered to be older and more directly associated with the Shakti Peetha myth.

Deities Worshipped
- Goddess Kali
- Goddess Lakshmi
- Goddess Saraswati
The three primary idols in Bari Patan Devi are said to symbolize the Tridevi — the divine feminine triplet of Hinduism. These idols are of black stone and possess a strong spiritual aura.
Architecture and Design
- It is constructed in the traditional North Indian temple fashion.
- Its sanctum (garbhagriha) contains the idols, and there is a spacious courtyard where devotees can congregate and conduct rituals.
- The outside pillars and walls are decorated with inscriptions and motifs that contain divine symbols and ancient history.
Religious Significance
- Patan Devi is especially revered during Navratri (March-April and September-October), when thousands of devotees pay daily visits.
- Special havans (fire rituals), bhajans, and aarti ceremonies are performed here.
- People believe that prayers offered at this place are always fulfilled, particularly those concerning protection, health, and family welfare.
Location and Accessibility
Address: Bari Patan Devi Temple, Sadikpur, Patna City, Patna, Bihar – 800008.
- By Air: Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport is approximately 15 km away.
- By Train: Patna Junction is roughly 7 km away.
- By Road: Readily accessible through local auto-rickshaws, buses, and taxis. Situated close to the banks of the Ganges in Patna City region.

Best Time to Visit
- Navratri (both Chaitra and Sharad) is the most sacred time.
- Winter seasons (October to February) are the best for sightseeing and spiritual pilgrimages because of the good weather.
Visitor Tips
- Dress modestly since it is a highly respected and traditional Hindu shrine.
- Footwear must be removed before entering the temple premises.
- Expect large crowds during festivals; plan an early morning visit for a peaceful experience.
- Local vendors sell prasad (offerings), flowers, and diya (lamps) near the temple.
- Photography may be restricted inside the sanctum.
Reasons to Visit Patan Devi Temple?
- It is one of the holiest Shakti Peethas in India.
- A powerful spiritual experience steeped in ancient mythology and devotional practices.
- Provides an insight into the religious and cultural past of Patna — India’s one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities.
- An ideal place for those who are in search of blessings, spiritual calm, and union with divine feminine energies.
Patan Devi Temple is not merely a religious shrine — it is a living homage to India’s ancient spiritual past. As a devotee, a keen traveler, or a history enthusiast, this temple will leave you with an intense feeling of divine presence and cultural respect. It continues to be one of the most sacred and spiritually resonant locations in Bihar, and an absolute must-visit on your tour of Patna.