| Maa Vishhari Sthan Diwari | |
|---|---|
माँ विषहरि स्थान दिवारी | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| Deity | Goddess Vishhari |
| Festivals | Shravan |
| Location | |
| Location | Simri Bakhtiyarpur Road, Diwari Saharsa, Bihar, 852202 |
| Country | India |
  Location of the temple in India | |
| Coordinates | 25°49′54″N 86°34′56″E / 25.8315350°N 86.5822887°E |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Temple |
| Style | Dravidian |
| Founder | Banaili (donate land) |
| Completed | 2024 (reconstruction) |
| Length | 47 m (154 ft) |
The Maa Vishhari Sthan Diwari (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.), also known as the Diwari Sthan, is a historic Hindu temple complex located in Diwari village within the Saharsa district of Bihar, India. This ancient shrine is dedicated to Goddess Vishhari, an incarnation of the serpent goddess Manasa who is revered as the supreme protector against venomous creatures and the "remover of poison." The site is recognized as a significant Siddhi Peeth, attracting devotees and tantric practitioners from across the Kosi region, as well as from neighboring Nepal and West Bengal. Local folklore suggests the temple houses five divine sisters—Dutala, Manasa, Maa Bhagwati, Vishhara, and Payal making it a unique center for Shakti worship where a sacred "Neer" (holy water) is distributed to pilgrims seeking protection from snakebites [1][2]
History[edit | edit source]
The temple's historical legacy is intertwined with the patronage of the Rajbaneli estate, which donated extensive land for its upkeep centuries ago. Historically, the region was a center for spiritual seekers, and the temple remains a focal point for the cultural identity of the Mithila and Kosi regions. [3] In a departure from traditional Vedic customs, the priestly duties at Diwari have been hereditarily performed by members of the Nai (barber) community for generations. Culturally, the temple serves as the epicenter for the annual Vishhari Mahotsav, a state-sponsored festival held during the month of Shravan that culminates on Shravan Purnima.[4] During this period, the temple grounds host a massive fair where traditional folk arts and religious ceremonies are performed, drawing thousands of devotees to the Saharsa district.[5]
Re-construction[edit | edit source]
Funded by the Bihar government, the temple was re-constructed and reopened in September 2024. The modern 47-metre-tall (154 ft) temple is one of the tallest religious structures in the region.[6] The design of the new Maa Vishhari Sthan blends Nagara (North Indian) and South Indian Dravidian architectural styles, featuring intricate carvings and a grand spire. The project was completed at an approximate cost of ₹12 crore as part of a state initiative to boost religious tourism and improve facilities, including the surrounding temple premises and the local Shivganga pond, to accommodate, as of 2026[update], the growing influx of pilgrims.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Wahidi, Inzamam (2026-01-01). "Temple In Bihar: आस्था या अंधविश्वास! इस मंदिर का पानी पीने से नहीं होता ज़हर का असर". hindi.oneindia.com (in हिन्दी). Retrieved 2024-12-10.
- ↑ "Nitish inaugurates renovated temple". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
- ↑ Bharat, E. T. V. (2024-09-20). "सहरसा के मां विषहरि मंदिर को देख आप हो जाएंगे मंत्रमुग्ध, यहां एक साथ विराजमान हैं पांच देवियां - CM Nitish Kumar". ETV Bharat News (in हिन्दी). Retrieved 2026-01-01.
- ↑ "आदि शक्ति मां विषहरा के नाम से प्रसिद्ध है दिवारी पंचायत - glipses of village in saharsa". Jagran (in हिन्दी). Retrieved 2026-01-01.
- ↑ "History | Saharsa District | India". Retrieved 2026-01-01.
- ↑ "Nitish inaugurates renovated temple". The Times of India. 2024-09-21. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2026-01-01.
External links[edit | edit source]
- https://saharsa.nic.in/ - Official Government website of Saharsa District
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