Stories
Devak Mata Temple: Where Handcuffs Are Offered To The Trident
- •The Devak Mata Temple in Pratapgarh is famous for its unique tradition of hanging old handcuffs and iron chains from the trident.
- •According to local folklore, the tradition started during the princely era when a dacoit named Prithvi Rana escaped jail and offered his shackles to the Goddess after fulfilling his vow.
- •Today, devotees visit the temple to pray for freedom from legal troubles and court cases rather than escaping the law.
- •The temple committee has completely banned the ancient practice of animal sacrifice, replacing it with offerings like bangles, bindi, mehendi, and coconuts.
- •Devotees suffering from body pain perform parikrama around a specially constructed area in the temple with the belief of finding physical relief.
Key Questions Answered
According to local folklore, a dacoit named Prithvi Rana vowed during the princely era that if he successfully escaped from jail, he would visit Devak Mata first. After getting out, he allegedly came and offered his shackles to the Goddess's trident, initiating the tradition.
The ancient practice of animal sacrifice upon the fulfillment of wishes has been completely banned by the temple committee. Instead, devotees now offer items like bangles, bindi, mehendi, coconuts, and clothes to the Goddess.
Some devotees suffering from pain in their body, hands, legs, or back perform ritual circumambulation, or parikrama, at a designated place in the temple premises with deep faith. Local belief holds that doing so provides significant relief from physical ailments.
