Rani Sati

Jhunjhunu, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan


Rani Sati mandir is one of the most famous temples in Rajasthan. It is situated in Jhunjhunu town. It has a history of more than 400 years and is a testimony to feminine bravery and spirit which certainly captures the attention of all tourists. This temple is also famous for its magnanimous and rare paintings. It is also one of the oldest existing Indian pilgrimages.
A special Pujanutsav is held on the occasion of Bhado Amavasya (no moon day). This day the temple is crowded with devotees in huge number. People from all over the country visit this place to offer their puja to Goddess Sati Devi. The most remarkable feature of this famous temple is that it does not hold any painting or statue of either female or male gods. Instead a trident depicting power and force is worshipped religiously by the followers. However one can surely find a beautiful portrait of Rani Sati in the pradhan mand. The temple consists of colorful wall paintings and is structured with white marbles.
In the complex of Rani Sati temple there is also Hanuman Temple, Sita Temple, Ganesha Temple and Lord Shiva Temple. The regular ‘prasad’ distribution takes place after every ‘aarti’. There are also arrangements made for the meals in day time on payment basis. The temple is situated within city limit of Jhunjhunu. It is beautiful and intricately crafted, not to forget the golden pot at the top of the temple.

History of Rani Sati Temple
It is the firm belief of Marwaris from Rajasthan that Rani Sati is an avatar of Maa Durga. The Marwari society of Rajasthan as well as from all other part of the country worship Rani Sati dadi daily in their houses.
The history of Rani Sati starts from the time of Mahabharata. It is believed that Rani Sati was Utera, wife of Abhimanyu (son of Arjun). When Abhimanyu was killed in the battlefield, Utera decided to be Sati along with Abhimanyu’s funeral. However amidst all this Lord Krishna came to her rescue and pursued her against her decision. He also granted her wish of being married to Abhimanyu and her desire to be sati in her next life.
As granted by Lord Krishna, in her next life she was born as the daughter of Gursamal in the village of Thukaye in Rajasthan. She was named – Narayani. Abhimanyu took birth in Hissar as son of Jaliram and named – Thandhan. Thandan and Narayani got married and were leading a peaceful life. He was in possession of a beautiful horse which was being eyed by the son of king of Hissar from quite some time. Thandan refused to hand over his precious horse to the king’s son. The king’s son then decides to forcefully acquire the horse and thus challenges Thandan for a combat. However Thandan fights the battle bravely and kills the King’s son instead. The enraged king thus kills Thandan in front of Narayani in the battle. Narayani symbolic to female bravery and power fights with the king and kills him. She then commanded Ranaji (the caretaker of the horse) to make immediate arrangements for her to be set a blazed along with her husband’s cremation.
Ranaji playing a vital role in fulfilling her wish to be sati with her husband is then blessed by Narayani that his name will be taken and worshiped along with her name and since then she is known as Rani Sati.
Beliefs of Temple
The Rani Sati Temple in Jhunjhunu is administered by Marwari Temple Board from Calcutta. It is one of the wealthiest Temple trust in India. It is said that earning of this temple amounts little low from that of Tirupati Balaji Temple in south India.
There are many organizations that have made numerous efforts for the sati puja to be banned. They perceive the practice and devotion of people to such number of Sati temples across India as the spreading and affirmation of Sati Pratha. To a certain extent it may be considered as a threat to people still living in the ancient era. However one can also not ignore the profits made by Sati Temple, through these devotees, which in turn has proved quite beneficial for the progress of natives.
This Articles published here on aapnodesh.com is for education and Informational purpose. We do not support any of the old social rituals such as “Sati Pratha” which are not permitted by Indian Government.