India's oldest temple is in Bihar where prayers are being offered since 2000 years

Time of India

2 days ago

CREDIT: tourism.bihar.gov.in
Nestled amid Bihar's Kaimur district, on top of a lone hill covered by jungle, stands the Maa Mundeshwari Devi Temple, claimed to be India's oldest functional temple as per Bihar Government's tourism website.
Dating back to 108 CE, the temple has witnessed centuries of invasions, natural deterioration, and dynastic transitions. Yet, no spark of belief ever diminished here. Even when time eroded its form and covered its stones with moss, ceremonies were still conducted. For pilgrims and villagers, it's more than a temple; it's a living, breathing example that never ceased.
The Goddess and the four-faced Shiva statue
CREDIT: tourism.bihar.gov.in
Differing from the majority of temples where a single deity is the focus, Mundeshwari worships both Goddess Durga (Mundeshwari) and Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here in his uncommon Chaturmukha (four-faced) lingam incarnation.
This coexistence of Shakti and Shiva worship in one shrine is an icon of harmony and divine feminine and masculine power in perfect equilibrium. The goddess is seated on a lotus, serene yet powerful, whereas Shiva's lingam is oriented in four directions, blessing the world.
A shape that goes beyond tradition
Step inside the temple, and feel the divine power of the temple. That's because this shrine has an octagonal shape, a shape that is not common in Hindu architecture.
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The majority of temples are based on square or circular designs, conforming to ancient Vastu principles. But of the eight sides here, each is representative of a broader cosmology, perhaps the preserve of tantric practices or trials of early temple design.
Constructed in Nagara architecture, the temple boasts meticulously carved pillars, lattice windows, and carvings of river deities, dwarapalas, and star beings-all worn smooth by centuries but expressive to the core.
The famous
bloodless goat sacrifice
One of the most compelling ceremonies at Mundeshwari is its goat sacrifice without bloodshed. That's right, read it again!. Each year, goats are taken to the temple in time for special festivals. But rather than being slaughtered, they are ritually offered to the goddess. The priest recites sacred mantras, makes offerings of rice and flowers, and the goat is lightly touched on the head with a ritual knife. Strangely, many of the goats will reportedly swoon or temporarily lose consciousness, only to recover moments later.
Locals believe this is the goddess accepting the offering without bloodshed, a rare form of sacrifice that blends devotion with compassion.
Living through time immemorial
Despite its age, the Mundeshwari temple has never fallen into complete ruin. Even during British surveys in the 19th century, it was found standing—weathered, yes, but alive with prayer. Although sections of the original shikhara (spire) were lost with time, every effort was made to retain its structure in the form of flat stone roofing. The latest conservation efforts have served to sustain its sacred shape, but actual preservation has always been in the hands of people who never stopped praying here.
Villagers for centuries have ascended the 600-foot hill, bearing offerings and prayers, so the goddess is never left alone.