Maa Lakhni Devi Temple is located at Ratanpur near Bilaspur in Chattisgarh.
Maa Lakhni Devi Temple is especially significant because it is atop a massive hill. It is also the highest point among the hills of Ratanpur, making it a unique and sacred destination. The temple enshrines Goddess Lakhani Devi as the presiding deity. Built-in the 13th century, the temple’s construction is shaped like a classical Pushpak Vimaan (a flying chariot).
Maa Lakhni Devi is considered a form of Sowbhagya Lakshmi, one of the Ashta Lakshmi’s (eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi). She is depicted seated on a lotus with eight petals. Worshipping Sowbhagya Lakshmi brings fortune, fulfills desires, and ensures prosperity. Devotees believe that her blessings bring happiness and favorable outcomes in life.
Around 1,000 years ago, King Ratnadev visited a village called Manipur for hunting. During the night, while resting under a banyan tree, he witnessed a divine assembly of Goddess Mahamaya, which left him astonished. Impressed by this event, he decided to move his capital from Tumman Khol to Ratanpur. In 1050 CE, he established the famous Mahamaya Devi Temple in Ratanpur. The temple houses grand and artistic idols of Goddess Mahalakshmi, Goddess Mahakali, and Goddess Saraswati.
According to ancient beliefs, when King Ratnadev III ascended the throne in 1178, the people of Ratanpur faced a severe famine and a deadly epidemic. The royal treasury was also empty. To address the situation, a wise minister named Pandit Gangadhar suggested building a temple dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. The temple was constructed, and soon after, the famine and epidemic ended. Prosperity, happiness, and wealth returned to Ratanpur.
The design of the temple resembles the Pushpak Vimana described in ancient scriptures. Inside the temple, there is also a sacred Shri Yantra, enhancing its spiritual significance.
In Chhattisgarh, Goddess Mahalakshmi is worshipped as Lakhni Devi. During Navratri, the temple hosts special rituals and the sowing of Mangal Jwar (a sacred ritual). It remains a significant religious site for devotees.
