The Pachrukhi Bhagwati Temple derives its name from the fact that its entrance connects to five different villages. These villages include Matsari (East), Rajpur (West), Pipra (North), Saruwatha (South), and Tulsi. In the past, a panchayat (village council) was formed to govern the affairs of these five villages collectively. Additionally, the area was home to five different ethnic groups, leading to the place being referred to as Panchmukhi (Five-faced). Over time, the name evolved into Pachrukhi Bhagwati Temple.
Historical and Religious Significance
The Pachrukhi Bhagwati Temple was established over 25 years ago and is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga Bhagwati. Historically, when King Narendra Dev ruled the Tirhut Kingdom and made Simraungadh its capital, he established a village here, naming it Bharpura Gaon. It is believed that during that time, the Durga Sthan (Durga shrine) and Gram Devta (village deity) were also consecrated, a belief still held by the local people.
At present, the temple complex houses Durga Sthan, Gram Dev and Devi, Brahma Sthan, Hanuman Sthan, D-Dibarini Sthan, Bhairav Sthan, and other shrines dedicated to various deities.
Religious Practices and Festivals
- Daily puja, prayers, and devotional songs (bhajans) are conducted in the temple.
- A special puja is held on Chaitra Navami (the ninth day of Chaitra month) in honor of Goddess Bhagwati.
- During the Bada Dashain festival, a grand fair (mela) is organized from Ghatasthapana (first day of Dashain) until Tika (last day of Dashain).
- During this festival, devotees worship the Goddess, make vows (bhakal), and perform animal sacrifices (bali) as part of traditional rituals.
References:
- Anand Jha – Mantra reciter, Pachrukhi Bhagwati Temple
- Paltan Jha – Daily priest, Pachrukhi Bhagwati Temple
- Manchun Mishra – Mela (fair) president, Pachrukhi Bhagwati Temple
- Madan Mishra – Retired teacher and temple caretaker
पाँच वटा विभिन्न गाउँहरुको बाटो(मुख) पर्ने भएकोले यस मन्दिरको नाम पचमुखी भगवती मन्दिर रहन गएको हो । पुर्वको मत्सरी, पश्चिमको राजपुर, उत्तरको पिपरा, दक्षिणको सरुआठा र तुलसी गरेर पाँच वटा गाउँहरुको स्थानीय सरकार जस्तै शासन व्यवस्था चलाउन एउटा पंचायत नियुक्त हुन्थ्यो । यसका साथै पाँच वटा भिन्न जातका वासिन्दा बसोबास गर्ने ठाउँ भएकोले संयुक्तरुपमा यस स्थानलाई पचमुखी भनिन्थ्यो । कालान्तरमा ‘पचमुखी’ नाम अप्रभंस हुदैं पचरुखी भगवती मन्दिर भयो
पचरुखी भगवती मन्दिरको स्थापना करिब २५ वर्ष भन्दा अघि भएको थियो भने यहाँ दुर्गा भगवतीको आराधना हुने गर्दछ। नेपालको राजनीतिक दर्शनमा नरेन्द्र देवले तत्कालिन तिरहुत राज्यको राजधानी सिम्रौनगढ़मा राज चलाउँदा भरपुरा गाउँ नाम दिएर यो स्थानमा गाउँ बसाएको पनि इतिहास रहेको छ । त्यसबेला नै दुर्गा स्थान र ग्राम देवको स्थापना भएको स्थानीयवासीहरुको विश्वास रहेको छ । हाल पचरुखी दुर्गा मन्दिरमा दुर्गा स्थान, ग्राम देव र देवी , ब्रम्हास्थान, हनुमान स्थान, डि-डिबारिनी स्थान, भैरव स्थान, आदि देवी देवताहरुको स्थान रहेको छ ।
मुख्यतः मन्दिरमा दैनिक पूजा, आराधना र भजन हुने गर्दछ । त्यसबाहेक, चैत्र नवमीमा भगवतीको विशेष पूजा हुन्छ। बडा दशैंको बेला घटस्थापना देखि टिकाको दिन सम्म यहाँ मेला लागें गर्दछ । त्यतिबेला, भगवती को आराधना हुनुका साथै भक्तजन हरुले भाकल गर्ने र बलि दिने चलन पनि यहाँ रहेको छ ।
सन्धर्भहरु
आनन्द झा – पचरुखी भगवती मन्दिर – मन्त्र पाठ
पल्टन झा – पचरुखी भगवती मन्दिर – दैनिक पुजारी
मन्चुन मिश्र- पचरुखी भगवती मन्दिर- मेला अधक्ष्य
मदन मिश्र- सेवा निग्रित शिक्षक
