BHUBUA - MUNDESWARI DEVI TEMPLE 

This hoary hill temple is the oldest and is built in the Nagara style of architecture that originated from Magadha wig centre at Pataliputra. It is built in an octagonal shape resembling the famous Sankaracharya temple at Srinagar. It faces east and contains several mini-shrines for many adorable deities like Durga,  Ganapathi and Sivalinga. Its architectural design and sculptural wealth is extremely superb and won appreciation of the connoisseurs, of art of both Indian and alien origin. It is said that on the very spot Mother Parvathi put to sword the formidable demons - Chanda and Munda sent Sumbha Nisumbhas The legend grows exuberant with many episodes of Mother's role as the Protector of Dharma. The  archamurthi of Mahishasura Mardini , one of the manifestation of Mother Parvathi is called locally Mundeswari. She is very popular and gained unpnecedented reputation.

The august image dives darsan with ten hands holding potent weapons. Here is an oddity in posture. It differs from the customary practice of standing in the act of killing. She is depicted here riding the buffalo, instead of engaged in the act of dusta samhara. Another! She is installed in a subsidiary cell, reserving the principal one for Lord Maheswar whose Linga has four faces bearing striking resemblance to Pasupathinath temple at Khatmandu. Although the temple is entirely built in stone, it is now in ruins and so hectic devotional activities are not being carried on as in its heyday. Hence less appeal comparatively, yet being an important land mark in the temple history of Bihar and the only specimen of Nagara architecture, it is visited by scholars and researchers more. If Archeological Department bestows attention, it can once again appear in its full splendour.

It lies near Bhabua, accessible by bus and train.

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