Gopalganj: Nestled on the banks of the Dhaah River in Uchkaghat village, the Ghoda Ghat Temple in Gopalganj district has long been revered as a sacred site for Tantric practitioners. Dedicated to Goddess Durga, the temple is believed to have been visited by the deity herself on her journey to the nearby Thawa temple, a story that continues to draw pilgrims and researchers alike.
According to local tradition, the Goddess arrived from Kamakhya on a chariot drawn by five horses. The horses are said to have paused at the Dhaah River to drink water before she continued to Thawa, giving King Manan Sen a final warning. The temple, built around the same time as the Thawa temple, also maintains historic ties to the Hathua royal family, whose queen mother visits annually to offer prayers.
“The Goddess came here riding a chariot drawn by five horses and made them drink from the river. This place is sacred for Tantric rituals,” said Dilip Pandey, a practitioner. “Devotees come from far and wide, especially during the Sharad and Chaitra Navratras, to perform rituals and seek spiritual attainment.”
The temple’s rituals include an unusual offering: 51 lotus flowers brought from Mansarovar Lake in Kashmir. Devotees believe these flowers are essential for worshipping the goddess and have maintained the practice for generations.
The Dhaah River, locally known as Banh Ganga, carries its own legend. It is said that during Lord Rama’s wedding procession returning to Ayodhya, Lakshmana struck the ground to summon water for the thirsty entourage, giving rise to the river.
“This is a temple of the Goddess,” said Rajiv Kumar Pandey, a devotee who travelled more than 40 kilometres to visit. “We come here for Tantric rituals and spiritual practices. The Goddess is merciful — wishes made in her name are fulfilled.”
Ghoda Ghat Temple remains both a centre of faith and a subject of historical interest, its combination of mysticism, royal connections, and enduring rituals offering a unique window into Bihar’s religious traditions.
