Jibhia Mai – The Silent Goddess of the Tongue: A Journey
Through Myth, Mystery & Faith with Kashiwala
"Where silence speaks, and legends whisper through
the winds of Bihar..."
Amidst the lesser-known yet deeply sacred spiritual sites of
Bihar, the shrine of Jibhia Mai (जिभिया माई)
holds a place of mystique and reverence. Tucked in the folds of time, nature,
and folklore, Jibhia Mai Mandir is not just a temple—it is a living
legend, a silent sentinel of divine feminine power, and a site shrouded in mystery,
miracles, and myths.
Come, take a step into the unknown with Kashiwala,
your trusted travel companion, and uncover the sacred secrets of Jibhia Mai,
the goddess without a tongue, who listens, blesses, and heals... even in
silence.
The most striking element of the temple is its unusual
name – "Jibhia", which in local dialect means “tongue”.
According to ancient oral traditions passed down through generations in
the region:
- Once,
Goddess Durga incarnated in this area during a cosmic war with
demonic forces.
- To control
her own wrath, which was threatening to consume the universe, she bit
off her own tongue—symbolizing restraint, sacrifice, and supreme
power over one's own shakti (energy).
- The
goddess buried her tongue into the earth, and that very site became
sacred.
- Devotees
believe that the idol or energy of Jibhia Mai emerged from that
sacred ground—silent, tongueless, yet all-powerful.
This story makes Jibhia Mai one of the rarest forms of
Shakti, representing control over speech, ego, and violence.
Many believe that speech disorders, lies, gossip,
and wrongful words are purified when prayed for here. Hence, she is
revered by those who wish to control anger, improve communication, or seek
inner calm.
The Temple:
Sacred, Simple, and Surreal
The temple of Jibhia Mai does not boast of towering shikhars
or marble halls. Instead, it is earthy, humble, and deeply
rooted in the soil—literally.
Architectural Elements:
- A mud-covered
sanctum, believed to be over 500 years old.
- The
idol is half-buried, symbolizing the part of the goddess hidden
beneath the earth.
- The
structure is open to sky, surrounded by sacred peepal and neem
trees.
- Offerings
include mud, sindoor, red cloth, and jaggery—symbolic of the earth,
power, devotion, and sweetness of speech.
- There
are no priests in traditional robes; the temple is managed by hereditary
caretakers, often from humble families deeply connected to the
goddess.
Mysteries and Local Beliefs
There are many local mysteries and supernatural stories
surrounding the site, passed down from generation to generation:
Whispers of the Wind
Locals believe that if someone whispers a prayer or wish
into the wind while touching the mud near the goddess’s sanctum, Jibhia
Mai hears it directly—through the heart, not ears.
Flames That Speak
It is said that the flame of the diya near her idol never
goes out, even during storms. It is considered a sign of divine
protection over the village and surrounding lands.
The Vow of Silence
Many devotees, especially women, take a “maun vrat” (vow
of silence) when visiting the shrine, as a mark of respect to the
tongueless goddess. It is believed that silent prayers here are stronger
than spoken ones.
Blessings for
Children
Jibhia Mai is widely revered as a fertility goddess,
and couples come from far-off regions to pray for children. Special rituals are
held on Navratri and Tuesdays, where devotees offer mud cradles and
dolls as symbolic prayers.
Historical Context
& Lost Records
Despite the strong spiritual aura, there is very little
written history about Jibhia Mai. Some believe the site dates back to the early
medieval era, possibly Gupta or Pala period, but was left
undocumented due to its rural location and folk tradition origins.
This absence of historical inscription adds to the mystique.
Archaeologists visiting the region have found traces of ancient rituals,
terracotta figurines, and tribal influence, indicating that this site
may have once been a major shakti peetha in a pre-Sanskritized form.
How to Reach Jibhia Mai Temple (with Kashiwala)
Location:
The temple is located near Bhabua/Kaimur district,
Bihar. The exact village varies in folklore—different regions claim the
original Jibhia Mai temple. The most revered one lies near Chainpur block or
Bhagwanpur, depending on local routes.
Travel Routes:
- By
Air: Nearest airport – Varanasi (130 km) or Patna (200 km)
- By
Train: Bhabua Road Station (Mohania) is the nearest railway
station – about 30–40 km away
- By
Road: Well connected by NH-2. Taxis and local jeeps available.
With Kashiwala:
- Private
A/C Vehicles
- Local
Guides fluent in Bhojpuri & Hindi
- Stopover
at Mundeshwari Devi Temple or Telhar Kund
- Eco-Cultural
Storytelling Sessions
Festivals &
Celebrations
Though the temple is peaceful year-round, it bursts with
devotion and folk festivities during:
- Chaitra
Navratri (March-April)
- Sharad
Navratri (Sept-Oct)
- Tuesdays
& Saturdays – Considered auspicious for Shakti worship.
Folk singers, shankha-dhwani (conch rituals), clay
puppet offerings, and community feasts are highlights of festival
times. Devotees often walk barefoot from neighboring villages in processions
of silence and song.
Nearby Attractions
with Kashiwala
- Mundeshwari
Devi Temple – The oldest living temple in India (30–50 km radius)
- Telhar
Kund & Kaimur Hills – Natural beauty, waterfalls, and scenic
retreats
- Rohtasgarh
Fort – Historic fort filled with Mughal and Mauryan tales
- Bhagwanpur
Shiva Temple – Local legend ties this to the tongue of Mahadev himself
A Spiritual,
Cultural & Healing Experience
Jibhia Mai represents a rare blend of rural faith,
feminine power, and spiritual silence. She is not a goddess of grandeur,
but one of depth and intimacy.
With Kashiwala, your journey to Jibhia Mai becomes more
than travel—it becomes transformation.
Plan Your Visit
with Kashiwala
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