As the auspicious festival of Navratri envelops the air in devotion, there exists a mesmerizing tale of divine presence atop the hills of Namkum, Ranchi. Here, amid the serene surroundings, lies a temple that echoes the miracles of the Goddess herself.Navratri Wonders
This temple, often whispered about in awe, is perched atop a hill in the heart of Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand. It’s a place where the devout come from far and wide to offer prayers and seek blessings. Legends whisper that no prayer uttered here goes unanswered.
The temple’s priest, Lal Giri, narrates the story that adds to its mystique. It is believed that a fierce battle once raged between Goddess Durga and the demon Raktabeej on this very hill. In a moment of divine valor, Goddess Durga annihilated her adversary, standing tall on one foot. The imprint of her divine step remains here, a symbol of victory over evil. It’s not just Goddess Durga’s, but also Lord Ganesha’s and Lord Kartikeya’s footprints that adorn this sacred place, symbols of their divine intervention during the battle.
Lal Giri shares the remarkable journey of devotees who travel nearly 10 kilometers to this spot, their faith unwavering. It’s said that every prayer made in front of these footprints fulfills, and the Goddess’s presence is felt profoundly.
Intriguingly, within the temple premises lies a pond, believed to be divinely created at the Goddess’s command. It’s in this sacred pond that devotees worship the Goddess’s yoni (symbolizing the divine feminine). Although this tradition has been followed for two decades, it was only when a devout believer had a vision of the Goddess, confirming the sanctity of the footprints and the yoni, that the rituals gained prominence.
As Navratri unfolds, devotees are drawn to this sacred hill, where each prayer, each chant, finds resonance in the divine vibrations that permeate the air. The miracles and the mystique of this temple continue to inspire faith, making it a beacon of spiritual solace for all who visit during this sacred festival. In the spirit of Navratri, devotees climb the hills, seeking blessings, believing that every prayer is indeed fulfilled, and every wish, granted.
