Belha Devi Mandir – Bela Pratapgarh (Hindi – बेल्हा देवी मंदिर)

While transiting through Pratapgarh we are greeted with a magnificent sight crossing the Sai river, Belha Devi Mandir. This magnificent temple represents everything about temples and worship in India.

Location of Belha Devi Mandir

Though the temple is visible from the main road, reaching there is not easy. One option is to park your car on the main road and then walk the distance which is quite long. Other option is to clench your fear and drive into the narrow lanes. While taking the car inside the by lanes make sure that you have double checked the route.

Parking

If you are reaching there by a two wheeler then you can go right up to the temple entrance and park. However, with a four wheeler you need to find a place to park at the narrow lane. Better option is to park the car with some shop outside the temple.

History of Belha Devi Mandir

It is very difficult to put a date on ancient temples. Some of them faced the destruction by nature. Quite a few of them were plundered and destroyed by non believers and looters. Some of them were lost to earthquakes and other natural disasters. But the one common fact with all such places of worship is that they have been rebuilt over and over again, much grander the revival of spirituality and Hinduism.

The temple in the present form was constructed between 1811-15 by Raja Pratap Bahadur Singh of Awadh. After Independence it is the temple pujaris who look after this temple. By the looks of it, very good care is taken of the temple and the place is kept clean all the times.

The beauty of Belha Devi Mandir

Located on the banks of Sai river, this temple has all the elements of the perfect place of worship. Red painted steps leading to the river. Bright yellow and orange coloured walls and dome. Beautiful marbled tiles on the floor. Once you enter the temple premises, you are surrounded by peace and calm. With a picture perfect temple, this is the ideal place to visit for a family. Young kids get busy with their cameras and selfies while the ladies get in the queue for a darshan and pooja rituals.

Originally the idol was supposed to be worshiped in the form of pebbles. Later the Goddess was given a human form by carving out a marble statue.

The temple complex has a large courtyard and multiple smaller temples within. There are also a range of shops within premises selling many everyday use items.

People who come here to worship believe that Belha Devi is a form of Parvati and hence worship her as Shakti.