The thousands of bells tied to iron bars on the Arjunganj bridge never fail to pique the curiosity of passersby. Many have compared the bells on the bridge to the lovelocks of Paris. But the bells here are a sign of the faith of the people who visit the Mari Mata Temple located on the bridge.
Interestingly, this temple of Mari Mata has no idol. What it has instead are thousands of bells in all sizes, and all stages of degeneration – some are rusted and corroding, having weathered in the heat and dust; others are bright and shiny. It is said that if you make a wish at this temple, it comes true. And those whose wishes have come true, tie bells around the shrine. During Navratri, you will find worshippers lining up and even conducting havans and kathas right on the road. Temporary stalls have come up a little ahead of the mandir, that sell puja ka saman, and of course, the bells ranging from Rs. 30 to Rs. 2500. How old is the temple? No one can say for sure. But according to hearsay, it’s at least a 100 years old!
Location: Lucknow-Sultanpur Road, Arjunganj, Lucknow
Timings: All day
