Kankali Mata Temple

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Kankali Mata Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Kankali Mata, a form of the goddess Kali, located in Darbhanga city in the Indian state of Bihar. Situated near the historic Rambagh Fort area, the temple is regarded as an important centre of Shakti worship in the Mithila region of North Bihar. [1]

Contents

Location

The Kankali Mata Temple is located in the Laxmisagar locality of Darbhanga city, close to the Rambagh Fort complex. It lies approximately two kilometres from Darbhanga Junction railway station and is easily accessible from the main areas of the city. The temple forms part of the historic and cultural landscape of Darbhanga. [2]

Religious significance

Kankali Mata is worshipped as a powerful manifestation of the Divine Mother in the Shakta tradition. The temple holds religious importance for devotees of Goddess Kali and attracts worshippers throughout the year. Special gatherings and rituals are observed during major Hindu festivals such as Navaratri and Kali Puja.

Historically, the temple has been associated with the Darbhanga royal family, under whose patronage worship at the shrine was traditionally conducted. Over time, the temple became accessible to the general public and emerged as a significant place of local religious practice in the region. [3]

Rituals and practices

Daily worship at the Kankali Mata Temple follows traditional Hindu rituals, including offerings, prayers, and recitation of hymns. During Navaratri, the temple witnesses a significant increase in the number of devotees, with special pujas and ceremonies being organised.

The temple is also noted for its association with tantric forms of worship, which are historically prevalent in parts of Bihar and Mithila. These practices have drawn attention to the temple as an example of regional religious traditions within Shaktism. [4]

History

The history of the Kankali Mata Temple is closely linked to the cultural and religious development of Darbhanga. While detailed historical records regarding its foundation are limited in published sources, the temple has long been recognised as a prominent religious site in the city. It forms part of Darbhanga's local heritage and continues to play a role in the religious life of the region. [5]

See also

References

  1. "Places of Interest – Darbhanga". Official website of Darbhanga district. Retrieved 17 December 2025.
  2. "Kankali Mandir, Darbhanga". Justdial. Retrieved 17 December 2025.
  3. "Darbhanga tourism: Maa Kankali temple known for its unique traditions". Dainik Jagran (in Hindi). Retrieved 17 December 2025.
  4. "Unique tantric traditions of Maa Kankali Temple in Darbhanga". Dainik Jagran (in Hindi). Retrieved 17 December 2025.
  5. "Places of Interest – Darbhanga". Official website of Darbhanga district. Retrieved 17 December 2025.