Unexplored Bihar

Agam Kuan , Ashoka’s Hell    Agam Kuan  which means ”unfanthomable well” is an ancient well and an archaeological site situated in Patna,Bihar,India. The Agam Kuan is set within an archaeological site identified by the Archaeological Survey of India which also contains the adjacent Shitala Devi temple where the folk deity Shitala Devi is venerated. It is said to date back to the period of Mauryan emperor, Ashoka (304–232 BCE). The well was known to be part of “Ashoka’s Hell “. It’s a legend that Ashoka threw 99 of his brothers in this well after killing them for the throne of Magadh. The well is believed to be 105 feet deep, Circular in shape, the well is lined with brick in the upper 13 metres (43 ft) and contains wooden rings in the remaining 19 metres (62 ft). The surface structure, which now covers the well and forms its most distinctive feature, has eight arched windows. A hand written plate stuck in the wall of the well reads "The well of Emperor Asoka"...

Shitala Mata Temple, Agamkuan Mandir,Patna Shitla Mata Temple is situated in Archaeological site of  Agam Kuan in Patna near Gulzarbagh adjacent to “Ashoka’s Well”. This temple is also known as Agamkuan Mandir .The temple houses the idol of Shitla Devi ,an incarnation of Goddess Durga, and pindas of the “saptamatrikas” representing the seven mother goddess, it is also known as shaktipeeth of Durga. “Shitala” literally means cool, so people worship Shitala Mata for mental peace and prosperity. It’s a belief that Shitla Devi has the power to cure smallpox and chicken pox and wish fulfilment. The temple is very old though exact date cannot be ascertained. Many marriages are held here during the auspicious months. It is one of the most visited temples in Patna.The water from the well is used to perform all the rituals at this temple. The well , called Agam Kuan, was  built by King Ashoka in 240 BC and as per the local belief, it has 9 smaller wells inside ...