Matsari Durga Mandir

Matsari Durga Mandir belongs to the Ṛgveda Śrotriya Brahmin lineage rooted in the Shakta tradition. Originally founded after the fall of Simraungarh (1324 CE), the temple's custodians migrated eastwards following Ghiyās-ud-dīn Tughlaq’s invasion and the gradual silting of the plains. In 1673 CE, it was re-established in Matsari at the invitation of Dhaval Raut, a local chieftain of Rautahat. The priestly line—descendants of Ānath and Sanath Jhā, scholars regrouping against Aurangzeb and the East India Company—revived the shrine’s sacred role. The temple later forged allegiance to the Gorkha Kingdom against the Mughals and East India Company, becoming a cultural bastion in the Nepalese Terai and a religious stronghold. The temple later received significant patronage from Drona Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana, noted for constructing the Purenma Durbar nearby. Over centuries, Matsari Durga Mandir has offered relief and sanctuary during floods, famine, and illness, acting as a cultural and humanitarian refuge for the local population. Its custodians continue to uphold this legacy of service, ritual, and regional solidarity.