Gopalganj, Bihar: The Maa Thawewali Temple, located in Thawe, Gopalganj District, Bihar, is a prominent religious site attracting devotees from across the region. Situated about 6 kilometers southwest of Gopalganj town on the Gopalganj-Siwan National Highway, the temple has become a revered destination, especially during its annual fair held in the month of Chaitra (March-April).
Rich History and Legends Surrounding the Temple
The origin of the Thawe Durga Temple is deeply rooted in regional folklore, with multiple stories linking its establishment to local kings and divine interventions. One of the most popular legends involves Raja Manan Singh of the Chero dynasty. The king, known for his devotion to Goddess Durga, faced a severe famine in his kingdom. At the same time, a local devotee named Rahashu in Thawe performed a miraculous act: he offered rosemary to a tiger, resulting in an abundance of rice. This act sparked the belief that Goddess Durga had blessed the region, alleviating the famine.
When this event reached the king, Raja Manan Singh, skeptical of the claims, challenged Rahashu, demanding that the goddess appear in his kingdom. Rahashu warned that the arrival of the goddess would bring ruin to the king, but his plea went unheeded. In response to Rahashu’s call, Maa Durga is said to have traveled from Kamakhya to Thawe, passing through Patna and Saran. As the legend goes, Rahashu attained salvation when the goddess appeared, and the king’s kingdom was said to have fallen into decline.
Another widely told story attributes the establishment of the temple to Yuvraj Shahi Bahadur, a ruler from the Hathua region. According to this version, in 1714, the king, after suffering multiple defeats in battle, rested under a large tree in the Thawe forest. During his rest, he is said to have had a divine dream where Maa Durga assured him of victory over his enemies. Following this vision, Shahi Bahadur successfully defeated Kabul Mohammad Barharia, a Zamindar from Champaran, and expanded his territory. He later discovered a Durga idol buried beneath the tree, marking the spot where the temple was subsequently built.
A Sacred Site with a Unique Tree
In addition to the temple’s spiritual significance, there is a peculiar tree located within its compound that has become an object of curiosity. The tree, whose botanical family remains unidentified, has grown in a distinctive shape resembling a cross, adding to the temple’s mystique. Local legends continue to circulate about the tree’s connection to the goddess and its role in the divine events that shaped the temple’s history.
The Annual Fair and Devotional Activities
Each year, the temple hosts a large fair during the Chaitra month, drawing thousands of devotees who come to seek the blessings of Maa Thawewali. The fair features religious rituals, cultural performances, and community gatherings, marking it as a major event in the region. Devotees visit from nearby towns and villages, as well as from other parts of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, making it an important religious occasion in the area.
Accessibility and Travel Options
The Maa Thawewali Temple is easily accessible by rail, road, and air, making it convenient for pilgrims and tourists alike.
– By Rail: Thawe is well connected to the rest of Bihar and major cities in India through the Northeastern Railway. The nearby Siwan Junction links Thawe to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, as well as to Gorakhpur and Patna, which are major rail hubs.
– By Road: Thawe is connected by an extensive road network, and regular bus and taxi services are available from major cities in Bihar and neighboring regions like Gorakhpur, Lucknow, and Varanasi. Local transport options like taxis and auto-rickshaws are available from Gopalganj to the temple.
– By Air: The nearest airport is in Patna, which is well-connected to major cities across India. From Patna, rail and road options are readily available to reach the temple.
