Harsiddi Mata Mandir in Rangir

Lesser know but popular local temples

A Sunday morning drive to the Harsiddi Mata Mandir in Rangir near Sagar turned out to be a trip back in time. En route to the temple we crossed a small check dam which had a very tempting pool of water, with children splashing about.

               

The scene is utterly rural with rolling fields and trees in full bloom with summer semal flowers.

                                  

The smooth road passes through quaint villages with old styled terracotta tiles (Chappar) roofs and mud walls. 

    

Women draw water at hand pumps and children, dogs and cattle loll about in the heat. Less cellphone towers and dish antennas, it could be 19th century India.

                                                                                                   

The Har Siddi Mata temple is a huge complex which has grown around the small central structure housing the idol of the deity. It is a ecosystem in itself with shops selling  puja items, juice vendors, juice and fruits. Inside, pujaris sit beneath brightly painted walls which advertise rates for conducting marriages and mundans.

Occasional children walk up asking for a rupee. Many are seen loitering around playing cricket or playing the drums at the temple entrance. 

There are posters announcing upcoming pujas, prayer gatherings and Government schemes. The whole place is quite serene and calm and well worth a visit.