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Date of journey: 16/01/2009

Starting from: Bhilai

Destination: Siyadevi

Crew: Maneesh and Pawan.

It was my brother’s idea to visit the Siaydevi temple. We started our journey on a bike. The route of the journey was:

Bhilai-5->Durg-58->Balod-20->Siyadevi

Siyadevi is about 83 km. from Bhilai and about 20 km. from Balod. After an hour drive we reached Balod. My brother said that there is a famous Ganga Maiya Temple in Jhalmala near Balod and we went to see that. Ganga Maiya Temple is located in Jhalmala panchayat just 4 km. east of Balod of Balod Tehsil, on Durg-Balod main road. It is 58 km. from Durg and 40 km. from Dhamtari.

The history of Ganga Maiya Temple goes like this: Once a fisherman catching fish in the pond near the village encountered an idol that got caught in the net, along with the fish. However hard he tried to immerse the idol in water sifting it from his net, it just remained stuck inside. Frustrated, he went home. That very same night, a tribal villager, Gond had a dream about “I am being ignored by fishermen and take me out and get installed”. Taking this as a sermon from the goddess, Gond, the tribal went to the pond the next morning and retrieving the idol, installed it in a “kuccha” hut, near the village. As it was brought from water, hence the idol was named Ganga Maiya.

Initially it was renovated by Shri Bhikam Chand Tawri and a fresh temple-shape was given. After this, the whole reconstruction process begun and is now the premiere place bustling with activities. The trust takes care of the temple and other multitasking, like cultural activities and problem solving of the villagers. Medical camps are arranged from time to time to serve the poor people; free medicines are distributed. The darshan timings of Ganga Mailya temple are: Morning: 6am to 12 am. and from Afternoon 1 pm to 9 pm.

Just near the temple I found a map of Chhattisgarh which shows the distance of other districts from Jhalmala. I have added the map in full resolution. Just click the image to enlarge it:

Click to view in full resolution

Here are the photos of the temple:

• Ganga Maiya Temple Trust:



• Inside the temple:



• Goddess:



• Ganga Maiya:



• Another temple just near the Ganga Maiya Temple:



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