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Dongargarh is located on National Highway No.06, 40 kilometers from the district headquarters of Rajnandgaon in Chhattisgarh. Maa Bamleshwari’s city – Dongargarh will not fail to mesmerize you with its natural beauty. Surrounded by picturesque planes, hills and lush greenery, this terrain has always attracted visitors and pilgrims.

One has to climb 1100 stairs to reach the deity which is never seen as a hardship by the devotees because of the devotion and faith towards Maa and also due to the cool and pure natural environment of the place surrounded by mountains and ponds.

The Nomenclature of Dongargarh

The small hill in Chhattisgarh is called Dongri. The place was presumably named Dongargarh as it was located among a group of Dongris. Some historical evidence such as remains of the fort, jewelery, statues and, parkota found around the Bamlai temple suggest that the present establishment has been found by Kalchuri period, although some other experts have described the available remains as influenced by Gondkala. From these studies, it is speculated that the city of Dungarakhya must have been under the suzerainty of the Gond kings until the 16th century. For this reason, this place was named Dongargarh (Gongar, Pahar, Garh, Fort). Later, the dilapidated ancient temple of Mother Bamleshwari Devi was renovated and established on the peak.

History

According to archaeologists, the history of Dongargarh is approximately 2200 years old. In ancient times, it was known as the prosperous and magnificent Kamavatipuri also mentioned in the ancient texts as Kamakhya Nagari and Dungarakhya Nagar ruled by King Kamse . His successor, King Virasen had no child, but soon his prayers were answered in the form of his son Ratna, who later became known as King Madansen. Raja Veer Sen built the temple of Maa Bamleshwari, as his son was sent to him as a blessing of Lord Shiva and Bhagwati. This temple established by Raja Veer Sen later became famous as an important Shaktipeeth Maa Bamleshwari Devi of Chhattisgarh.

Chhoti Bamleshwari Devi Mata

Chhoti Bamleshwari Maa sits on flat land in the west direction under the hill. The visitors who come here also ensure that they visit the Chhoti Bamleshwari Devi Mata mandir. It is said that the devotees who cannot visit the Bamleshwari Mata situated on the hill for any reason, get the same virtuous fruit here by visiting the Chhoti Bamleshwari Devi Mata. 

Importance of Chaitra and Sharadiya Navratri in Dongargarh

Maa Bamleshwari Devi Temple at Dongargarh is an important Shaktipeeth of Chhattisgarh. It is believed that the sight of the mother Bamleshwari, famous as Jagriti Devi, sufferings of the victims. The affectionate mother Bamleshwari definitely fulfills the wishes of her devotees. Every year a huge fair is organized here on the occasion of Chaitra and Kavaran Navaratri, in which millions of visitors come from far and wide and light the Jyoti Kalash to fulfill their desires.

Management of Maa Bamleshwari Devi Temple

In 1964, Raja Bahadur Singh, former King of Khairagarh State, established a trust and handed over the operation and management of the temple to this trust, constantly on the path of progress, serving Mother Rani and her devotees. Wide staircases have been made for easy climbing on the hill route for the visitors who come to see Mata Bamleshwari. There is facility for physically disabled and devotees to reach the hill by ropeway. Rest houses, refreshments, offerings are available on the temple route by the trust management. Visitors can also enjoy shopping for religious items and enjoy other forms of entertainment too.

Other scenic spots

The atmosphere around Bamleshwari Shakti Peeth is purely spiritual and religious. Devotees who come here can benefit from the darshan of many temples. Among them are Sri Bajrang Temple, Maa Ranchandi Devi Temple (Tonahi Bamalai), Laxminarayan Temple, Danteshwari Temple, Jagannathji Temple, Tapasvi Temple (Tapasi Temple), Siddhababa Samadhi, Pragyagiri Pahari (Buddha Statue), Tirthankara Bhagwan Mahavir Ji Temple, worship hall of Christians etc. are prominent

Dongargarh Transport Facilities

110 km from Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh and a distance of about 40 km from Rajnandgaon, 120–110 km from Kawardha, Balaghat, Godia, 40 km from Khairagarh is the location of Dongargarh. It has direct connectivity by road, the best facilities of car, bus, taxi etc. are available and due to being connected to National Highway 6, the traffic is very convenient.

For railway passengers, Dongargarh is the nearest railway station on the Mumbai-Howrah railroad. For the convenience of the visitors, the railway department has specially arranged to stop almost every train passing through here on the occasion of Navratri. The nearest airport is Raipur.

Good accommodation services

Dongargarh has good accommodation for travelers and tourists. It is well-equipped with modern and budget hotel, government rest house, rest house, municipality Dharamshala, Marwari Dharamshala etc. There is also a good arrangement for delicious food and refreshments in the restaurants here.