Badi Patan Devi Temple, Patna: History, Significance and How to Reach

Patna has many places of worship, but few carry the weight of Badi Patan Devi, also called Patneshwari Devi. It is one of the oldest Shakti shrines in Bihar and is revered across eastern India.

Badi Patan Devi

Why this temple matters

According to tradition, Badi Patan Devi is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, the sacred sites where parts of Goddess Sati’s body fell. Local belief holds that her right thigh fell here, which is why the goddess is worshipped as the protector of the city. The name “Patan Devi” is often linked to the ancient name of Patna itself.

What you’ll see inside

The sanctum houses black stone idols of Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati. The temple is also associated with Tantric worship, which gives it a distinct atmosphere compared to other temples in the city. Nearby, a smaller shrine called Chhoti Patan Devi is part of the same pilgrimage tradition, and many devotees visit both on the same trip.

When to visit

• Navratri (both Chaitra and Sharad) is the most important time, with long queues and special rituals. Come early if you want a calmer darshan.
• Tuesdays and Saturdays see steady crowds of regular devotees.
• A weekday morning outside festivals is best for a quiet visit.

Distance and how to get there

The temple is in the Patna City area, the old part of Patna on the eastern side. The distances below are approximate and vary with traffic and route.

• From Patna Junction railway station: roughly 10 to 12 km, usually 30 to 45 minutes by auto or cab, longer in peak hours.
• From Jayprakash Narayan International Airport: roughly 15 to 18 km, usually about 45 minutes to an hour.
• From Gandhi Maidan: roughly 8 to 10 km.
• From Takht Sri Patna Sahib Gurdwara: only a short distance, a few minutes by road, so the two are easy to combine in one trip.

The narrow lanes around the temple get congested, so it is easier to take a cab or auto to the nearest approach road and walk the last stretch. Confirm the exact route on a maps app before you leave, as road conditions and diversions change.

Practical tips

• Dress modestly and carry little. Footwear is left outside.
• Expect crowds and slow movement near the gate during festivals.
• Buy offerings from shops near the entrance, but agree on prices first.
• Combine the visit with Patna Sahib and the old city for a full half-day heritage trip.

Final thoughts

Badi Patan Devi is not a grand showpiece. Its pull comes from its age, its Shakti Peeth tradition and its place in Patna’s identity. Pilgrim or history lover, it is worth the trip into the old city.