Temple – Ancient Kulukula Devi Shrine in Kushinagar Forest Draws Devotees

Temple – Deep inside the dense forest area near Kurwa Dilip Nagar State, about 11 kilometres from the Kasya tehsil headquarters in Kushinagar district, stands an ancient shrine dedicated to Goddess Kulukula Devi. Surrounded by flowing rivers on all sides, the temple has long been regarded as a spiritually significant site for devotees and local residents alike. Unlike many traditional temples that house sculpted idols, the goddess here is worshipped in the form of two sacred earthen mounds believed to embody the divine presence.

A secluded shrine amid rivers and forest

The temple’s location adds to its unique character. The surrounding rivers create a natural boundary around the shrine, while thick greenery and forest land provide a quiet and isolated environment. For years, pilgrims have travelled to this remote spot seeking blessings and offering prayers to the goddess.

Local devotees believe that the peaceful sound of water flowing through the nearby rivers contributes to the spiritual atmosphere of the place. Over time, the temple has grown into a well-known place of faith in the region despite its relatively hidden location.

Large gatherings during Navratri festivals

The temple becomes especially vibrant during the Sharadiya Navratri and Chaitra Navratri festivals. During these auspicious periods, a large number of devotees arrive from nearby villages and towns to participate in prayers and rituals. Temporary arrangements are often made to manage the influx of visitors who gather to seek the blessings of the goddess.

Religious scholars have also acknowledged the significance of the shrine. Pandit Ramnarayan Dutt Shastri ‘Ram’, a former editor associated with Gita Press publications, mentioned this sacred location in his writings related to the Durga Saptashati. His reference further strengthened the temple’s spiritual recognition among followers of the text.

References in ancient religious traditions

Local traditions connect the temple with several episodes from ancient mythology. According to widely shared beliefs, the Pandavas worshipped the goddess at this very site during their period of exile described in the epic Mahabharata. Devotees say that the brothers sought divine protection and strength while passing through the region.

References in the Markandeya Purana also highlight the importance of the Durga Saptashati, where King Surath and a merchant named Samadhi are said to have listened to the sacred narration from Sage Medha. These narratives are often linked to the traditions of goddess worship that continue at the Kulukula Devi shrine.

Another belief connects the temple with Kush, the son of Lord Rama, who is said to have worshipped the goddess here as his family deity. Though these accounts belong to religious tradition rather than historical documentation, they continue to shape the spiritual identity of the site.

The story behind the name Kulukula

The origin of the temple’s name is linked to a spiritual figure known locally as Rahasu Guru. According to tradition, he is believed to have brought the presence of the goddess to this region from Kamakhya in present-day West Bengal.

The name Kulukula is said to be inspired by the continuous murmuring sound created by the nearby rivers. Devotees describe the flowing water as producing a gentle “kul-kul” sound, which eventually gave the temple and the goddess their distinctive name.

A temple without a roof

One of the most unusual features of the Kulukula Devi shrine is that the sanctum has never had a roof. Despite attempts made in the past, local belief holds that any effort to construct a permanent roof over the shrine resulted in misfortune for those involved.

Because of this belief, the temple remains open to the sky even today. Devotees continue to offer prayers beneath the open air, maintaining the tradition that has been followed for generations.

For many visitors, the combination of natural surroundings, ancient stories and enduring local faith makes the Kulukula Devi Temple a remarkable spiritual destination in Kushinagar district.