Chandika Sthan, Munger

Chandika Sthan is a temple to the goddess Chandi on the north-eastern edge of Munger in Bihar, about 2 km from the town. It is counted among the fifty-one Shakta pithas, and as a Siddhi Peetha it is held to be as sacred as the Kamakhya temple near Guwahati. It ranks as a major pilgrimage centre of the Ang Pradesh region.

The Shakta pitha legend tells of Shiva carrying Sati's body after her death at Daksha's sacrifice, and of her left eye falling at Munger, where worship of the Divine Mother then began. For that reason devotees come here in the belief that prayers cure eye troubles. Another story links the shrine to King Karna of Anga, who is said to have worshipped Chandi daily and received 50 kg of gold from her to give to the poor at Karanchaura, still a local name for the area. The nearest railway station is Munger Junction.