10 Must Visit Maa Durga Temple In India
By: Saloni Jasoria Thu, 20 Feb 2025 8:07:06
Goddess Durga is revered as the ultimate source of creation, preservation, and destruction. A pure embodiment of power, or ‘Shakti’, she stands as the protector of the universe. A central figure in Hindu belief, Durga is worshipped in various forms across India. Recognized as the supreme soul, she is invoked to bestow strength and fulfill desires. Her presence extends across the nation in ways that transcend understanding. Numerous temples dedicated to her can be found, some of which hold greater significance due to their association with Shakti Peethas or legends linked to them.
# Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu and Kashmir
Located on the Trikuta Mountain, 61 km north of Jammu at 1584m above sea level, Vaishno Devi is one of the most renowned Durga temples in India. The legend speaks of Vaishno Devi, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, who practiced celibacy. However, Bhairo Nath, a tantric, pursued her to Trikuta Mountain. To escape him, she hid in a cave for nine months, eventually slaying Bhairo Nath in the form of Kali. The cave, known as Garbh Joon, is now a sacred pilgrimage site. The temple remains accessible year-round, though winter visits are more challenging.
The Yatra: Pilgrims begin the journey from Katra, covering a 13 km distance on foot to the Darbar. The route includes notable stops such as Banganga, where the Goddess is said to have quenched her thirst, and Ardhkuwari, where she meditated for nine months.
# Mansa Devi Temple, Uttarakhand
Located in Badi Lambore village near Haridwar, Mansa Devi Temple is known for its belief that the Goddess grants the wishes of her devotees. The temple's foundation was laid by Seth Surajmalji in response to the Goddess’s appearance in his dreams, with construction completed in 1975.
# Chamunda Devi Temple, Himachal Pradesh
Situated on the banks of the River Baner near Palampur, Chamunda Devi Temple is significant for its association with the Goddess in her wrathful form. Devotees visit to honor ancestors, and the temple houses sacred water in a pond.
# Kamakhya Temple, Assam
On Nilachal Hill, 8 km west of Guwahati, Kamakhya Temple is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas and honors Goddess Kamakhya, the essence of female energy. According to legend, the Yoni of Sati fell to the ground here, leading to the temple’s construction. The sacred site features a spring and a dark chamber where Sati’s Yoni is preserved, draped in a silk sari.
# Amba Mata Temple, Gujarat
Located in Junagadh, Gujarat, Amba Mata Temple is a revered pilgrimage dedicated to an incarnation of the Mother Goddess. The temple, dating back to the 12th century, is especially popular among newlyweds seeking blessings for a happy marriage.
# Dakshineswar Kali Mandir, Kolkata
Built in 1847 by Rani Rashmoni, this temple in Kolkata is linked to Ramakrishna, who achieved spiritual vision here while in deep trance before the idol of Kali. The temple complex includes 12 other temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
# Maa Jwala Ji Temple, Himachal Pradesh
Located 30 km south of Kangra Valley, Jwala Ji Temple is famous for the natural flames burning from a rock-side, which are worshipped as manifestations of the nine Goddesses. These flames are said to have emerged when a young girl, regarded as Adishakti, was born from the fire created by the gods.
# Karni Mata Temple, Rajasthan
Located in Deshnoke, Rajasthan, this 600-year-old temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga in the form of Karni Mata. The temple is unique for its population of rats, believed to be the souls of devotees who have been reincarnated. The temple features ornate silver gates and marble carvings, donated by Maharaja Ganga Singh.
# Chamundeshwari Temple, Karnataka
This temple, located atop Chamundi Hills in Mysore, is dedicated to Goddess Chamundi, another incarnation of Durga. The 12th-century temple features a 40-meter-high tower with intricate carvings, a golden idol of Chamundi Devi, and a 16-foot-high statue of the demon Mahishasura, whom the Goddess is said to have slain.
# Naina Devi Temple, Uttarakhand
Situated on the shores of Naini Lake in Nainital, Naina Devi Temple is named after the eyes of Sati, which are believed to have fallen at the site. The temple features a courtyard with a sacred Peepal tree, and idols of Lord Hanuman, Lord Ganesh, and Kali Devi. Inside, devotees can worship the three deities: Kali Devi, Maa Naina Devi, and Lord Ganesh.
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