Stories
Debi Choudhurani Worshipped as Goddess on Teesta Banks
- •Joydurga Debi Choudhurani is worshipped as Manthani Mata on the banks of the Teesta in Jalpaiguri for two centuries.
- •She was the wife of Shibchandra, the zamindar of Manthana, and fought against British rule and Debi Singh's oppression.
- •Historical accounts link her with Sannyasi rebellion leader Bhabani Pathak and Fakir rebellion leader Majnu Shah.
- •Villagers still offer daily worship at the Manthani Mata temple, believing she continues to protect them.
Key Questions Answered
Joydurga Debi Choudhurani was the wife of zamindar Shibchandra of Rangpur who took up arms against British rule and leaseholder Debi Singh. For two centuries, villagers on the banks of the Teesta in Jalpaiguri have worshipped her as Manthani Mata in the attire of a village bride, with daily worship and special joint worship during Durga Puja.
According to historical accounts, Debi Choudhurani was accompanied by Sannyasi rebellion leader Bhabani Pathak, Fakir rebellion leader Majnu Shah, and King Darpadev Raikut of Baikunthapur during the rebellion against British rule and oppression.
The Manthani Mata temple is located next to Manthani Haat, about 15 kilometers away from Jalpaiguri town in the Belakoba block area. The locality derives its name from the ancient Manthana estate of undivided Bengal, linking it directly to the 18th-century Sannyasi and Fakir rebellions.
