Van Devi Temple: Bihar shrine inspires new film
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Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia’s upcoming film, The Vvaan: Force of the Forrest, focuses attention on the Van Devi Temple in Bihta, Patna district, Bihar, India.
The centuries-old temple draws on local folklore and traditions, offering visitors a look into the region’s living religious practices. Located about 35 kilometers from Patna, the shrine stands in a rural area once covered by dense forest.
Local people worship Van Devi as a sacred pind, rather than with a traditional idol, and also connect the temple to Maa Vindhyavasini of Vindhyachal. Oral histories suggest the temple originated around the 16th century, though archaeological records haven’t confirmed this date. Stories passed down through generations warned people against entering the surrounding forest after dark, a tradition that continues today.
Writer Arunabh Kumar learned about the temple and its folklore through conversations with residents, priests, and villagers, then shared the story with director Deepak Mishra and Ektaa Kapoor, leading to the film project. The Van Devi Temple distinguishes itself not through elaborate buildings, but through its integration with the everyday lives and beliefs of nearby communities, providing a glimpse into a lesser-known side of Bihar.
