Devi Patan Mandir is a popular Shaktipeetha, located at
Tulsipur near Balrampur, in Uttar Pradesh. Ma Devi Patan Temple was established
by Yogi Gorakshanathji and was renovated by King Vikramaditya. This very
ancient shrine is on the banks of Siriya River. The temple is very popular with
Hindus in Nepal.
As per historical evidences, whenever Muslim invaders tried
to ransack the temple they met with death. Honeybees killed Meer Samar sent by
Aurangzeb for destroying the shrine.
It is widely believed that it is at this spot Mata Sita
prayed to Mother Earth to take her back. Mother Earth split up and took her in
here.
The main deity worshipped in the temple is known as Pateshwari
and the place is Devi Patan. She is also known as Ma Pataleshwar.
Legend has it that the Patambervastra of Ma Jagadamba fell
here, so the word Patan was added with Devi, derived from Devi Sati’s
Pat-paat-vastra. The legend is associated with the self-immolation of Goddess
Sati at Daksha yajna.
Legend has it that Karna and Lord Parashuram performed
intense meditation here.
Some of the important holy spots in the temple complex are Patal
Chabutra, Navadurga murtis, Akandha Deep Jyoti, Murti of Maa Durga, Bal Devi
Murti, Kalika Temple, Murti of Annapurna and Bhairav Temple.
There is also a huge pond in the temple premises.
The most important festival here is Navratri.
Performing Mundan here is considered highly meritorious.