Dewas Mata Ji Tekri Mandir History: India is the land of mysteries, reverence and traditions. There is some mysterious story attached to every hill, river, temple and place here. One such place is – Dewas Tekri. Located in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, this hill not only holds religious significance but is associated with it is a secret that has made it ‘Rakt Peeth’. In this article, we will know why Dewas Tekri was given this name? What is its history? And what are the mythological, historical and mysterious things associated with this place?
Geographical and religious introduction of Dewas Tekri
Dewas Tekri, who is revered, is called ‘Mataji Ki Tekri’ or ‘Maa Chamunda Tekri’, is a famous religious place in the city of Devas (Madhya Pradesh). This Tekri is located about 34 – 35 km from Indore in Malwa region and is situated on a major hill. There are two major Devi temples here, one is Chamunda Devi (called Chhoti Maa) and the other Tulja Bhavani (elder mother). Other Goddess forms are also recognized in local traditions, but officially these two temples are mainly distinguished. Devotees have to climb about 410 stairs to reach these temples located on Tekri, although now the facility of ropeway is also available, which has made the journey easier. This place is considered an ancient center of Shaktipujan and is considered one of the 52 Shaktipeeths in India. During Navratri and Chaitra Navratri, lakhs of devotees gather here for darshan and worship, which has made this place a symbol of spiritual energy and faith.
Mysterious story behind the name ‘Rakta Peeth’
Dewas Tekri is not only recognized as a Shaktipeeth but is also known as ‘blood back’. It is believed that the blood of Maa Mata Sati dropped at this place, due to which the area became a special center of Shaktipujan and it was also known as ‘Rakta Peeth’. Maa Chamunda is believed to be revealed due to this sacred event. This belief is based on local folklore and religious traditions and based on this it has gained a place in 52 Shaktipeeths in India. In Navratri and Chaitra month, lakhs of devotees come here to visit and worship from far and wide. Although the history of Tekri is considered to be thousands of years old, there is no concrete historical evidence about its ancient form and events. An ancient tunnel located here and the archaeological stories associated with it make the mystery of this site even deeper.
Local recognition
Apart from this, the recognition behind Dewas Tekri being called ‘blood back’ is also associated with ancient Tantric traditions and blood worship. It is said that in ancient times, there were special practices of tantric rituals, sacrifice and blood offering at this place. Many saints and seekers made harsh penance and sacrifices here, whose stories are still alive in local folklore. Due to these incidents, this land was considered as ‘bloodshed’ and the form of mother came to be known as ‘Rakt Chamunda’. This is the reason that this site became famous as ‘blood back’ and became a major center of faith of devotees.
Stories recorded in history
Many historical and folk beliefs related to Dewas Tekri reflect the Maratha rule and the faith of the kings of the princely state of Dewas. It is said that during the crisis, the kings took refuge in Mataji, sacrificed and won by the grace of mother during the war. It is also mentioned in some folklore that after winning the war, the land of the enemies used to be blooded due to which this place was considered even more sacred. However, no concrete historical documents of these incidents are available. But in local history and public, these beliefs are still deeply created, which further strengthens the mysterious and spiritual identity of Dewas Tekri.
The presence of goddesses and tantric energy
Dewas Tekri is mainly worshiped by two major goddesses Devi (younger mother) and Tulja Bhavani (elder mother). Although some local devotees also recognize other goddess forms like Kali and Mahakali, only two mothers are duly established in the temple form. Both these goddesses are considered to be a symbol of fiery and tantric forms, which are worshiped especially with specific methods on the occasion of Navratri and Tantric festivals. According to historical and folk traditions, this Tekri has also had a tradition of simple worship as well as tantric rituals. Many seekers used to come here for Havan, Sadhana and night tantric activities. These stories also mention highly fierce rituals like blood worship, animal sacrifice and sometimes human sacrifice. However, they have no historical or administrative confirmation and all these rituals like animal sacrifice and blood worship are legally completely prohibited in the present time based on publicity and oral traditions. Strict restrictions have been imposed on them by the administration, so that religious activities can only be done according to peace, reverence and social dignity. Now this site has become a symbol of the traditions of restrained and spiritual worship.
Historical evidence and folklore
The historical form of Dewas was divided into two princely states Dewas Senior and Dewas Junior and these two royal houses have deep reverence for their respective Kuldevi. This is the reason that two different temples of Chamunda Devi (Chhoti Maa) and Tulja Bhavani (elder mother) are established on Dewas Tekri, which were built by the kings of both the princely states with dedication. It is also said in folklore that due to political competition between the two kings, there were also incidents such as an oath of blood offering to each other’s goddess, although no historical documentary evidence of these stories is available. This recognition called ‘Blood Peeth’ is also associated with this background which is mainly based on Janashruti and Faith. In addition, many devotees associated with Tekri have also shared the experience of the presence of night -long conch, mysterious voices and the presence of invisible powers. Such experiences are also prevalent here like many Shaktipeeths of India. Which deepen the faith and spiritual feelings of the devotees.
Change in modern times
Dewas Tekri, which is the center of faith of millions of devotees, has become a well -organized religious place today due to the continuous monitoring and development of the local administration. Facilities like security, cleaning, crowd management, drinking water, toilets, stairs repair, and rope-way are being improved here. Police forces, health services and regular deployment of scavengers give visitors to safe and comfortable experience. The title of ‘Blood Peeth’, which is associated with historical and mythology, is still a source of faith and attraction of devotees. Apart from this, there is no tradition of any type of tantric practice or blood worship here. This place is now a symbol of mother’s peace, power and positive energy, where devotees feel deeply spirituality and faith.
Some major attractions and characteristics
To reach Dewas Tekri, mainly the way of stairs is available, which is about 410. Apart from this, a tracking/walking route and modern rope-way have also been arranged for the convenience of devotees. Due to which this journey is not only easy but also gives the experience of reverence and penance. On the occasion of Navratri, there are grand fair and various religious events, in which lakhs of devotees from all over the country gather. In the Yajna Kund located on the Tekri, the unbroken fire continues to ignite, which is considered a symbol of mother’s grace, strength and energy. This place is not only the center of faith but also a living source of intensive spiritual practice and positive energy.
