PATNA - CHOTIPATAN DEVI MANDIR 

Animals like goats and pigeons, too. Here is an interesting tradition. This deny is venerated as Mahakali, the tutelary goddess of the city. She is popular as Sitala too. During the break out of epidemic discaases, like small-pox, the number of adorers mounts to a staggering height.

Strangely enough, then certain ritualistic prayers are offered in the temple first and next in the house of patients. Normally a small area near the bed of the patient is cleaned with cow dung first and a fire is lit with small twigs using ghee pooja is offered to the fire with all the paraphernalia. Then services of a Special class of people called Mallis are taken in They come and sing in praise of Sitala Devi fanning the patient with neem twigs and at the end sweets are distributed. This puja brings in miraculous cure in almost all cases. Do devotees ever deserted by the adored? Ways of worship may vary, but raining of blessings remain constant. Devotion rejunevates and sustains. And that is the lndianess in its prestine form and purity. Annual festivals like Dasara is celebrated with great fanfare particularly on Saptami, Astami and Vijaya dasami days when huge congregatton overflow the compound. Bright illuminations, gay decorations and devotional songs are the star attraction when people's religious exuberance touches the meridian. These days bring special merits, if the temples are visited and worshipped. Hence the huge crowds.

It lies in Patna, the of Bihar, accessible by all modes of transport from stand.

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