BIHAR, INDIA, January 23, 2008: The Ma Mundeshwari Temple in Kaimur District, Bihar, has been reported as having been built in 108 CE. Since then rituals and worship have been taking place at the temple without a break, possibly making it the oldest functional temple in the world.
But the use of the term “oldest” is risky when talking about temples associated with Hinduism, because no one has been able to clearly state how old Sanatana Dharma is. It is safer to state that Ma Mundeshwari Temple is one of the oldest functioning Hindu temples in the world.
It is situated atop the Kaimur Hill and built in an octagonal shape. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple is dedicated to Devi Mundeshwari. There is also a Chaturmukha Shivalinga there, a clear indication that Shiva and Shakti were worshipped here. Temple materials and murtis can be found scattered near this very rare octagonal shaped temple.
The temple attracts devotees during festivals like Ramnavami and Shivaratri.