Maa Durga Mandir, also known locally as Curfew Wali Mata Temple or Maa Bhawani Mandir, is a revered Hindu temple situated in the historic core of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Dedicated to Goddess Durga, the temple stands at Bhawani Marg in Peetal Nagri near Azad Market and Peer Gate, attracting a steady flow of devotees throughout the year.

Historical significance

The temple gained prominence in the early 1980s during a major public movement that followed administrative attempts to remove its original deity idol. The ensuing protests, curfews, and eventual restoration of the idol earned it the popular name Curfew Wali Mata Mandir, symbolizing the community’s devotion and unity.

Architecture and layout

Although modest in size, the temple houses intricately adorned idols of Goddess Durga along with other deities such as Hanuman, Lord Rama and Sita, and Radha-Krishna. The inner sanctum and surrounding courtyards provide a traditional setting for daily worship and festive processions.

Religious and cultural importance

Maa Durga Mandir is a vital religious center for residents of old Bhopal, particularly during Navratri, when elaborate rituals, music, and devotional gatherings take place. Its accessible location near the city’s central market makes it a hub for community worship and social congregation