Mundeshwari Devi Temple

However, historians suggest that the surviving structure exhibits architectural elements from the 6th–7th century, while parts of the current octagonal sanctuary may have been reshaped as late as the 16th–17th century, often using older salvaged materials.






Architecture of the Temple

The temple displays a distinctive octagonal floor plan, rare among Hindu shrines .
Built in the Nagara style, it originally featured a towering shikhara, now lost and replaced with a protective roof during restoration.
Walls and door jambs are adorned with elegant carvings—Dvarapalas, Ganga, Yamuna, and vase-and-foliage motifs .
Besides the four-faced Shiva linga and Devi Mundeshwari, the temple also houses idols of Ganesha, Surya, and Vishnu .
A traditional Nandi mandapa stands just outside the temple entrance, serving as a focal point for offerings and devotional activities.
Restoration by the ASI includes soot cleaning, idol repairs, solar lighting, and public amenities to enhance visitor experience.
How to Reach to Temple
By Road: Accessible via state highways from Patna, Varanasi, or Gaya. From Bhabua Road, the climb to the temple takes about an hour via around 530 stairs.
By Train: Nearest station is Bhabua Road (Mohania)—roughly 22 km from the temple.
By Air: The closest airport is Varanasi (Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport), about 102 km away.
Best Time to Visit: October to March offers pleasant weather. Weekends and festival days can get crowded, so mornings are ideal.

Temple Timings
