Kaushalya Mata, Chandkhuri

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Kaushalya Mata Chandkhuri

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Chhattisgarh is blessed with the only temple dedicated to Lord Rama's Mother Kausalya Mata. Goddess Kausalya, the daughter of a King of the Dakshin Kosala Kingdom, was an extremely powerful woman. She was the eldest among King Dasaratha's three wives, and hence the queen of Ayodhya. Kausalya's influence was powerful because she gave birth to Rama, who is the seventh Avatar (incarnation) of the God, Vishnu, and the great king of Ayodhya.

In Indian mythology, Kausalya Mata has a special importance as she was the mother of the greatest king and the perfect embodiment of manhood, Lord Rama. Situated in Raipur, in a small village called Chandkhuri, the Kausalya Mata Temple is a popular pilgrimage destination. If you travel just 27km from Raipur in the eastern direction, you will come across a beautiful reservoir called 'Jalsen'. Right in the middle of this breathtakingly beautiful reservoir is the Kausalya Mata Temple.

Historic Importance

Chhattisgarh was known as the royal kingdom of Kosala. During the period of Ramayana, more than half of Chhattisgarh was covered by a dense forest called 'Dandakaranya' or 'Dakshinapath'. The Kausalya Mata Temple has been built in 1973 in Chandkhuri as this was the birthplace of Lord Rama's mother, Kausalya. The architectural style of this temple tells us that it belonged to the era of the Somvanshis between, 8-9th century AD. An ancient Shiva Temple located just a little ahead of Jalsen Pond makes for another beautiful attraction at Chandkhuri. The effigies and stone art of the Shiva Temple is truly noteworthy.

An elegant looking, yet sturdy bridge has been built upon the Jalsen reservoir to take pilgrims to the Kausalya Mata Temple. While on the bridge, the ornate idols kept on the porch of the temple can be seen. The Jalsen reservoir is spread across 16 acres, with lovely pink lotuses floating on the azure water. It seems as if the flowers are dancing on the water and the wind is carrying the leaves towards the temple, in reverence of Kausalya Mata. When seen from a distance, the picturesque landscape looks extremely alluring.

Inside The Temple:

The Garbha Griha of the Kausalya Mata Temple boasts of an extremely adorable image that amuses tourists and pilgrims. This image portrays little Lord Rama resting in Mother Kausalya's lap. Chandkhuri was earlier famous as Chandrapuri. Chandrapuri was known as the land of Gods. The Jalsen reservoir was believed to be the biggest pond of that particular region. Legend has it that there were a total of 126 pounds on all sides of Jalsen, but today only 20-26 of these remain.

Lore

According to the Ramayana penned by Valmiki Sage, King Bhanumant was invited to Ayodhya for the 'Abhisheka' of prince Dasaratha. His daughter princess Bhanumati was so graceful and beautiful that King Dasaratha was enchanted by her charming persona. Dasaratha asked King Bhanumant for his daughters' hand and the two got married amidst great revelry. After marriage the Queen of Ayodhya and the daughter of a Kosala king came to be known as 'Kausalya'. Kausalya Mata gave birth to a radiant, healthy son who was named price Rama. At that time, Kosal was divided into two parts, Northern Kosal or Awadh and Dakshin Kosal or Chhattisgarh.

In order to keep the identity of the honoured mother, who gave birth to a Vishnu Avatar, alive in Kosal, the magnificent Kausalya Mata Temple was constructed. This temple is entirely dedicated to Kausalya and stands testimony to the respect people of the land have for her. It is believed that since Kausalya was the only daughter of king Bhanumant and so Dakshin Kosal or Chhattisgarh was passed on to Lord Rama after she left the world. Gifted to him by his beloved mother, Lord Rama then bestowed the rights of the land upon his son Kush. Chhattisgarh is rich with many legends and its land has witnessed many important historic events related to Ramayana.

The Kausalya Mata Temple is a symbol of the respect and love shared by Lord Rama and mother Kausalya. It is definitely a one of its kind temple found in India. Kausalya Mata has been praised as one of the most gifted and wise women of the said era. She is believed to have excellent command over the different Vedas, and Sages of the time followed her morals and welcomed them into their own living and heart. Pilgrims and Lord Rama devotees feel fortunate to have witnessed the miraculous presence of Kausalya Mata in this temple. Such is the legend of a devout, affectionate, tender and caring mother. At the heart of Chandkhuri, lies the temple constructed in her honour and her warmth continues to touch the hearts of millions everyday!