Patan Devi Temple (Bari Patan Devi), Patna
Patneshwari (Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati) temple · Patna City, Patna, Bihar, India
Bari Patan Devi, also called Maa Patneshwari, is an important Devi temple in Patna City, Bihar. Wikipedia calls it the oldest and one of the most sacred temples of Patna, and a Shakti Peeth in tradition.
A second shrine, Chhoti Patan Devi, stands in the Chowk area; the two are separate temples.
Faith & Tradition
Religious Significance of Patan Devi Temple (Bari Patan Devi), Patna
According to Puranic tradition, after Vishnu divided Sati's body, her right thigh fell at Magadha, identified with this part of Patna. Bihar Tourism calls the temple one of the 52 Shaktipeeths, while Wikipedia says 51, so the count varies by tradition.
Wikipedia names the principal images as Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati, with Bhairav; Bihar Tourism describes black stone statues on a throne dressed in saris and crowns, with Vyom Bhairav alongside, and a large havan kund in front of the sanctum.
Some people trace Patna's name to the temple; Wikipedia notes others link it to 'patan', meaning town, and Bihar Tourism offers a link to Sati's cloth. These are unsettled etymologies.
Heritage
History of Patan Devi Temple (Bari Patan Devi), Patna
Wikipedia attributes the Bari Patan Devi temple to Shri Badrinath Chaudhary, described as a British-era inspector, and records that Chhoti Patan Devi was once Patna's main presiding shrine, noting Buchanan's remark that it held the primary position in the 18th and early 19th centuries.
It also says images at the Chhoti shrine were reportedly installed by Man Singh, and that fragments there may date to a 9th-11th century temple, while adding that authentic records are lacking.
Architecture and sacred features
Wikipedia says the temple faces north towards the Ganges and that all statues are of black stone. Past a small portico is a room about 2.4 m square housing Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati and Bhairav on thrones about 2.1 m high.
Plan Your Visit
Darshan and Visitor Information
Bihar Tourism asks visitors to remove footwear and keep silence, and suggests September to April. Its photography guidance is contradictory, so ask on site.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with the temple administration before travelling. Last reviewed 1 November 2026.
Location
How to Reach Patan Devi Temple (Bari Patan Devi), Patna
Bihar Tourism gives the address as Sadikpur, Patna 800007, southeast of Harmandir Sahib, and says it can be reached by auto, rickshaw or taxi through city lanes. Wikipedia puts Patna Junction about 10 km away, and notes Patliputra Inter-State Bus Terminal services. Neither source names an airport.
Location: Patna City, Patna, Bihar, India
Nearest railway station: Patna Junction (about 10 km, per Wikipedia)
More in Hindu temples in Bihar · Patneshwari (Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati) temples · Temples in Patna Rural Block · Temples in Patna District
Questions
Patan Devi Temple (Bari Patan Devi), Patna: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bari Patan Devi?
A Devi temple in Patna City, traditionally a Shakti Peeth where Sati's right thigh is said to have fallen.
Which deities are enshrined?
Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati in black stone, with Bhairav.
What is the difference between Bari and Chhoti Patan Devi?
They are two separate temples; Chhoti Patan Devi is in the Chowk area.
Is Patna named after the temple?
Some say so; others derive it from 'patan', a town. It is unsettled.
When is it busiest?
During Navratri and Durga Puja, and on Tuesdays, per Wikipedia.
How far is it from Patna Junction?
About 10 km according to Wikipedia.
Sources and attribution
Further reading: Patan Devi Temple (Bari Patan Devi), Patna on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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