Choti Beriya Temple, Bahraich

Choti Beriya Temple, located in Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh, is a well-known and highly revered religious site. It is a major center of faith for the local devotees. The temple is dedicated to Samay Mata, a local deity worshipped with great devotion. The temple becomes especially significant during Guru Purnima and Navratri, when special rituals, celebrations, and fairs are organized.

The history of Choti Beriya Temple is believed to be more than 100 years old. Samay Mata, worshipped here, is regarded as a revered local goddess. On Guru Purnima, special prayers and rituals are performed. Thousands of devotees offer ghee tikri and halwa as offerings to the goddess. Newly married couples also visit on this auspicious day to seek blessings and perform rituals near the nearby pond. The region of Bahraich, also known as part of the ancient Gandharva Forest, was once covered with dense woods. It is said that Lord Brahma developed this forested land as a sacred place for sages and ascetics. Although detailed historical records about the temple are limited, it is widely regarded as an important spiritual and cultural center. A grand fair is organized on Guru Purnima, attracting devotees from distant places. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, this fair was temporarily suspended. The temple complex also hosts Radha-Krishna tableaux, Dandiya dance performances, and mundan ceremonies of hundreds of children on Guru Purnima.

The temple architecture beautifully blends traditional Indian and modern design elements.

The main structure has a simple yet elegant design.

The entrance features a grand marble pavilion, welcoming devotees.

The temple’s shikhara (tower) follows the traditional Indian temple architectural style, tall and beautifully curved.

Inside the temple, the idol of Samay Mata is installed in a specially designed sanctum decorated with lights and sound effects.

Marble has been extensively used on the walls and floors, giving the temple a divine and majestic appearance.

Wooden craftsmanship enhances the temple’s traditional and natural feel.

Artistic decorations, paintings, and religious artwork adorn the inner walls, helping devotees experience peace and spiritual connection.

The temple complex includes lush green gardens and peaceful surroundings, adding to the spiritual ambience.

Every day at 5:00 AM, the goddess is carried from the inner temple to the grand outer temple.

At 12:30 PM, the goddess is again carried back from the outer temple to the inner temple.

Devotees are offered ghee tikri and halwa as prasad. This is especially significant on Guru Purnima, when large quantities of these offerings are prepared and distributed with devotion. Devotees consider this prasad a sacred blessing from the goddess.

By Train Bahraich Railway Station is well connected to major cities such as Lucknow, Delhi, Prayagraj, and Varanasi.

The temple is around 6–7 km from the railway station.

You can hire an auto-rickshaw, taxi, or rickshaw to reach the temple.

By Bus UPSRTC and private bus services operate regular buses to Bahraich city.

The main bus stand of Bahraich is well connected to nearby and major cities.

From the bus stand, the temple is around 4–5 km away.

Autos and rickshaws are available to reach the temple.

By Air Bahraich does not have its own airport.

The nearest major airport is:

Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow Distance: approx. 120 km from Bahraich.

From Lucknow airport, one can take a taxi or bus to reach Bahraich.

If traveling from Delhi, take a flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Lucknow, and then travel to Bahraich by road.