Shree Durga Mandir, Matsari
Shree Durga Mandir, Matsari "The Spritual Heart of Rautahat" is a famous and sacred temple in Durga Bhagwati Rural Municipality, Rautahat District, Madhesh Province, Nepal. This temple is more than a hundred years old. It is an important place of faith for the people of Matsari and nearby villages.
The history of this temple is strongly connected with the devotion of local people toward Mata Durga. A Sanskrit school teacher named Pandit Mahanand Jha, who came from Debdiha village of Dhanusha district, was a great devotee of Shakti Mata Durga. He always took part in Durga worship and religious festivals. He also encouraged the people of Matsari to build a temple for Mata Durga in the village.
In Matsari, the food and lodging of the Sanskrit school teacher were arranged by Pandit Sarvajeet Jha. He was the Seth Ji of Matsari village during the Rana rule in Nepal. Pandit Mahanand Jha often requested him to start Durga worship in the village. Sarvajeet Jha was also a devotee of Shakti, and every year he used to take part in Durga worship ceremonies in Andhara Thadi of Madhubani district, in the village of his daughter’s son-in-law. This also inspired him to establish a temple in Matsari.
Considering Pandit Mahanand Jha’s repeated request, his own interest, and the need for a temple during epidemics and fire disasters, Pandit Sarvajeet Jha called a meeting with the local people of Matsari in B.S. 1984. In that meeting, almost everyone agreed to start a Durga Mata Mela and organize regular worship in the village.
The expense plan was also made in a simple and fair way. Pandit Sarvajeet Jha agreed to pay 25% of the total cost. Pandit Madhav Jha and Pandit Sadhav Jha together agreed to pay another 25%. The remaining 50% was to be paid by the local people according to their ability and wish.
The main responsibility of the event was given to Pandit Sworyug Jha, Pandit Murlidhar Thakur, Pandit Saktinath Thakur, Pandit Baidyanath Jha, and Pandit Akshelal Jha. Prabhunath Jha was appointed as the purohit, while Pandit Mohan Mishra became the priest. The statue or murti was prepared by Pandit Gangadhar Jha from Shashipur, Darbhanga, India.
The responsibility of Bali Pradan was given to Ayodhya Bhagat. Even today, the number of Bali Pradan offerings is around 2000 to 3000. This shows how strongly the tradition is still followed by the devotees.
Before the permanent brick and cement temple was built, a temporary temple of Shree Durga Mandir was made on the land of Pandit Uma Kant Jha. This temporary temple was used for Durga Puja and other religious programs until the present temple building was completed.
Today, the temple stands as a beautiful brick and cement structure. It looks especially lovely during the Dashain festival. Everyone is allowed to enter the temple. There is no restriction for devotees. Inside the temple complex, there is also a Yagya Mandap, where marriage, bratabandha, mundan, puja, and other religious functions can be done absolutely free of cost.
Inside Shree Durga Mandir, Matsari, there are also temples of Shree Ganesh, Shree Hanuman, Shree Gram Devta, Shree Brahma Devta, and Mahadev. CCTV cameras are also installed in the temple area for the safety of temple property.
During Dashain, the temple management arranges strong security with police support. Volunteers, known as Swayamsevaks, help manage the crowd and maintain a peaceful environment. The temple also provides free first aid and drinking water to devotees. The chairman of the temple is selected through a meeting of the local villagers.
Why Shree Durga Mandir, Matsari Is Special
Shree Durga Mandir, Matsari is not only a temple, but also a place of faith, culture, and community. It connects the old traditions of the village with the devotion of present-day people. Many devotees come here to pray, receive blessings, and take part in religious ceremonies.
The temple becomes even more active during Dashain, when a large number of people gather for worship. The atmosphere becomes full of devotion, peace, and celebration. This is why the temple remains so important in the hearts of the local people.
Google Map Location
Below is the map of Shree Durga Mandir, Matsari:
FAQs About Shree Durga Mandir, Matsari
It is located in Matsari, under Durga Bhagwati Rural Municipality, Rautahat District, Madhesh Province, Nepal.
The temple is more than a century old and has a very long history of worship and devotion.
Pandit Mahanand Jha and Pandit Sarvajeet Jha played the main role in starting and organizing Durga worship in Matsari.
The temple has a Yagya Mandap for free religious and social functions, smaller temples inside the complex, CCTV cameras, and free first aid and drinking water during festivals.
Yes, everyone is allowed to enter the temple without restriction.
During Dashain, the temple sees a large crowd, police security, volunteer management, and a peaceful worship environment.
The chairman is selected through a meeting of the local villagers.
Shree Durga Mandir, Matsari continues to stand as a symbol of faith, devotion, and village unity. Its history, religious value, and social importance make it one of the most respected temples in the area.
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