The fascinating story of Paranu Baba Mandir and Dari ki Mari Mata Mandir at Bargarh, Chitrakoot District

 During the 15th century, there lived a local Brahmin priest by the name Prannath Dubey. He was fondly called Paranu Baba. He resided in the village Garwha near Mau in District Chitrakoot. During that time this area was ruled by the Baghel Kings. village Garwha was part of a large and prosperous city by the name Dari Garh. 

Prannath was in possession of a divine sword which he worshipped along with his Kuladevi, Mari Mata. 

The local king however wanted this sword to vanquish his enemies and use it as an instrument of power. Prannath however wanted to continue to worship the sword due to its divinity. Thus arose a difference of opinion between the two which led to lot of acrimony which ended up causing lots of hardships to the local people. There are many variation of stories about what happened next. Some say that the King obtained the sword by lies and deceit which Prannath took back after challenging the king. One version of the story says that the local king was actually the village thakur who had employed Prannath as a spiritual advisor. Both stayed in the vicinity of the temple. There was some disagreement between the two which lead to the brahmin sacrificing his own life. 

One part of the story ends here, and the local people began offering prayers at the temple which he prayed and made another temple next to that. This temple does not have a roof as per the wishes of Paranu Baba. 

Another variation of the story is that after Prannath dies, his immortal form manifests along with the deity he worshipped. She appears as his female compliment of the energy. Both of them cause havoc in the town and people flee from that place to the nearby place called Rewa which was actually a religious encampment. Remains of those old city are visible as ruins at a few places. 

Paranu Baba Mandir today

Except for a few additions and improvements, the temple complex is mostly the same way as it was centuries ago. A walking distance away is the kund which is sourced from an underground spring which never dries up. The spring and kund together used to be the place where baba used to meditate. These places are also exactly the way they would have been. Besides these two places there is wilderness all around. It is amazing that the place has remained like this for so long. 

Local people come here to offer prayers. The Hindu month of Sawan which falls during the winter months sees a lot of devotees come from far and wide. Makar Sankranti is the time when a huge fun fair is organised here. 

How to reach Paranu Baba Mandir

About one and a half hour drive from Prayagraj, this place falls in the route to Chitrakoot. Baba Paranu Mandir is half way between Prayagraj and Chitrakoot. There are a few locations in the vicinity like the Garhwa Fort, Kaushambi and finally Chitrakoot. 

If in for the longer haul, then keep two days for Prayagraj, two for Chitrakoot and one day to travel between the two. 

Now enjoy some pictures of that place.



















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