In the city of Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, there is a revered temple of Panchkuian Mata where, along with devotion and faith, people also come to seek remedies for their ailments. Situated near the fort of Jhansi, this temple was built in the 16th century by Maharaja Veer Singh Judev of Orchha. During the construction of the fort itself, he had this grand temple built.
Panchkuian Mandir Navratri Festival 2026 is from October 11
to October 20. Chaitra Navratri festival is from March 19 to March 27.
A unique feature of this temple is that all the idols inside
face south. Inside the temple, there are five small wells, which is why the
temple is named Panchkuian Temple.
The Main Deities Worshipped In The Temple
Phalak Barai Mata: Worshipping her is believed to
cure diseases like typhoid and malaria. If someone has a prolonged
illness, they place a bangle or a scarf (chunni) as an offering and make a vow.
After recovery, they offer cosmetic items at the temple in gratitude.
Sankata Mata: People visit her for relief from chickenpox.
It is believed that offering neem leaves and lemons at the shrine cures
the disease. Even after recovery, devotees come back for darshan (to pay
respects).
Khijli Mata: Worshipped by parents of children who
are extremely irritable or cranky. To soothe the child’s irritation,
parents offer puri and kheer (traditional Indian food) at the shrine.
Godari Mata: People suffering from measles
come to pray to her. The belief is that offering spinach on white paper
and performing rituals helps cure the disease faster. Even after healing,
people come to offer their prayers.
Motijhara Mata: People suffering from Motijhara
(a local illness) come to worship here and make vows. After recovery, they
offer spinach-based dishes to the goddess.
Panchkuian Mandir Navratri Festival
During Navratri elaborate rituals are performed following
ancient Vedic and Tantric traditions. Each of the nine days is dedicated to a
different manifestation of the Goddess, representing various aspects of divine
feminine power. Devotees observe fasts, perform special pujas, and offer
flowers, fruits, and other sacred items to the Goddess.
The temple priests conduct multiple aartis (ritual worship
with lamps) throughout the day, with the evening aarti during the chariot
procession being particularly magnificent. Devotees sing bhajans (devotional
songs) and chanting mantras that glorify the Divine Mother. The atmosphere is
charged with devotion, with the continuous ringing of bells, blowing of
conches, and the fragrance of incense filling the air.
Special offerings of bhoga (sacred food) are prepared and
distributed as prasad to thousands of devotees. The tradition of anna dan (food
donation) takes on special significance during these nine days, as feeding
devotees is considered an act of service to the Goddess herself.
Kanya puja is held on the ninth day. Ashtami and Saptami day rituals attracts thousands of devotees.