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According
do Kathasaritsagara, the very same
three images
were worshipped as the guardian deities of
an illustrious Putraka,
the founder of the city. And the city is called after him - Pataliputra. Strange
to note that this ancient city was called in the past by various names such as
Kusumapura and Pushpapura by the Hindus, whereas Greeks called it Palibortha,
and Chinese, Pa-lin-fow. Muslim rulers named it as Azimabad. Its prakrit form is
Pataliputra as found in Ashoka's edicts.
PRAYER SERVICES:
The temples - Baripatan devi and Chotipatan devi open for public worship by 6 a.m.
All are admitted irrespective of any distinction. Morning rituals begin with
Aarati and till 10 p m. ritualistic worship goes on, but it is only during the Mahanaivedya,
the deities are screened off from public view. On Tuesdays
special prayer sevices are held and people in largo numbers attend them. As in vogue of
north the priests mark the foreheads of the worshippers with red powder after.
Aarati. These temples draw thousands of devotees during festive times.
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