Ratanpur is a town and a nagar panchayat located in the Bilaspur district in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. It is located about 25 km from Bilaspur on the Katghora Road on the National Highway 200 towards Ambikapur. Ratanpur was earlier the capital of Chhattisgarh. According to the belief of the local people, Ratanpur held an important position in all the four yugs or ages of Hinduism which are the Krita Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dwapara Yuga and Kali Yuga. Ratanpur is a holy land and is considered as one of the most important holy places in Bilaspur. Ratanpur was previously known by the name of Ratnapur. Ratanpur derived its name after the founder of the district King Ratnadev. The town functioned as the capital of the then ruling dynasty, Kalchuri. It was founded in 1000 A.D.
Tourist Places in Ratanpur
Ratanpur serves as a famous tourists spot in Chhattisgarh. Temples of Ratanpur attract tourists from far and wide places. The ruins of ancient palaces, forts and temples can be seen dotting over the place. The ruins of an old fort is noticeable that stands tall over the small town. This fort is decorated with an attractive stone sculpture built over the frame of the Ganesh gate. The entrance door has the image of Lord Shiva`s Tandav Dance and the statues of Lord Bramha and Lord Vishnu. The famous Sitchourai and Jagarnath temples are also located here. The fort built in Ratanpur is looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Apart from these forts the town also houses many beautiful temples. King Ratnadev, the founder of Ratanpur had built the famous Mahamaya temple here. It is an 11th century temple, dedicated to the Goddess Mahamaya. The temple is surrounded with scenic beauty and there are many ponds also that flow beside the temple. The Mahamaya temple houses the idols of two deities; Goddess Laxmi and Goddess Saraswati. This temple is known as one of the Sidh Peeth in India. Devotees visit this temple through out the year to pay obeisance and receive blessings from the goddesses. Adjacent to this temple is another beautiful temple which features the Kantideval of Maratha Period. The temple has been renovated by the architecture department. There are numerous other temples dedicated to many Hindu gods and goddesses that have been built near the temple of Mahamaya. The devotees visit the temple of Mahamaya during the Navaratri festival every year. Fairs are set up at this time of the year in Ratanpur that are visited by many tourists.
Apart from these temples there are many other attractive temples in Ratanpur. The temple of Baba Bairavnath is located little far off from the palace of Ratanpur. The temple houses a nine foot tall idol. The temple of Ram Panchayat is situated inside the palace of Ramtekri. Perched on a hillock is the Bhuddeshwar Shiv Temple that was built by Bhimbhaji Bhosle. Tucked away on a hilltop is the Laxmi Temple, also called Ekbira Temple. The Ratneswar Mahadev Temple, Bees Dubaria Sati Mandir and Rampanchayat Temple are also situated here. A visit to these shrines is very fascinating as one gets to see the beauty and sculpture of the temples.
These archaeological evidences are also depict the art and architecture of the people of the state. Hence temples of Ratanpur, Bilaspur are highly acclaimed and draw hundreds of tourists every year. Some of these temples are believed to be very auspicious.
