Navratri 2024: 11 Maa Durga Temples You Can Visit This Festive Season

Goddess Durga is regarded as the fundamental source of creation, preservation, and destruction. Embodying pure Power, or 'Shakti,' she serves as the protector of the universe. An essential aspect of Hindu faith, she is worshipped in various forms throughout the country. Revered as the supreme soul, devotees pray to her for strength and the fulfillment of their wishes. Her presence resonates from the northern states to the southernmost regions in an unfathomable way. Numerous temples dedicated to the Goddess exist across India, with some holding greater significance than others, often recognized as Shakti Peethas or associated with important legends.

# Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu and Kashmir

Vaishno Devi is the most renowned Durga temple in India, situated in the Trikuta Mountains, 61 kilometers north of Jammu at an elevation of 1,584 meters. According to legend, Vaishno Devi was a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu who practiced celibacy. However, she was pursued by the tantric Bhairo Nath, forcing her to take refuge in a cave on the mountain. For nearly nine months, he couldn't find her. Ultimately, Vaishno Devi transformed into Kali and beheaded Bhairo Nath. The cave where she hid is now a revered pilgrimage site known as Garbh Joon. The temple is open year-round, though winter visits can be challenging.

# Mansa Devi Temple, Uttarakhand

Located in Badi Lambore (Lambore Dham) village along the Sadulpur-Malsisar-Jhunjhunu Road near Haridwar, Mansa Devi Temple is named for the belief that the Goddess grants the wishes of her devotees. The temple's origin story involves the Goddess appearing in a dream to Seth Surajmalji, the head of the Hamirwasiya family, instructing him to build a temple. He entrusted the construction to his son, and the temple was completed in 1975.

# Chamunda Devi Temple, Himachal Pradesh

Nestled along the banks of the River Baner, Chamunda Devi Temple is another significant Durga temple in India, located a few kilometers from Palampur. The deity is depicted in her fierce form, and devotees come here to pray for their ancestors. Historically, it is said that people once sacrificed themselves to the Goddess. The temple also features a beautiful pond believed to contain sacred water.

# Kamakhya Temple, Assam

One of Guwahati's most famous temples, Kamakhya is located on Nilachal Hill, about 8 kilometers west of the city. It honors Goddess Kamakhya, regarded as the embodiment of female energy, and is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas associated with Goddess Durga. Legend has it that the temple was established where the Yoni (female genitalia) of Sati fell to the ground when Lord Shiva carried her corpse. The temple is housed in a natural cave containing a spring, with a dark chamber where the Yoni is draped in a silk sari and adorned with flowers. Kamakhya Temple is significant for the Tantric sect and comes alive during the Ambubachi Fair and Durga Puja.

# Amba Mata Temple, Gujarat

Amba Mata Temple, situated in Junagadh, Gujarat, is a revered pilgrimage site attracting visitors nationwide. Located at the base of the holy Girnar mountain, the picturesque town is filled with monuments and religious sites. The temple, dedicated to an incarnation of the Mother Goddess, dates back to the 12th century and is believed to bless couples with eternal marital bliss. From the mountain's summit, visitors can enjoy stunning views.

# Dakshineswar Kali Mandir, Kolkata

Dakshineswar Kali Temple, located north of Kolkata along Vivekananda Bridge, is famous for its connection to Ramakrishna, who is said to have attained spiritual vision here. Built by Rani Rashmoni in 1847, Ramakrishna served as the temple’s head priest. While worshipping before the Kali statue, he would often enter a trance, losing awareness of his surroundings, which contributed to his spiritual enlightenment. The 12-spired temple features a vast courtyard surrounded by twelve other temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.

# Maa Jwala Ji Temple, Himachal Pradesh

Jwalaji Temple, located 30 kilometers south of Kangra Valley, is among the most popular Durga temples in India. Dedicated to Goddess Jwalamukhi, a form of the Mother Goddess, the temple is known for its natural flames, which are worshipped as manifestations of nine Goddesses: Mahakali, Unpurna, Chandi, Hinglaj, Bindhya Basni, Maha Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ambika, and Anji Devi. These flames burn continuously without fuel, believed to have emerged from the ground when gods united their powers against demons. The temple is highly revered among believers.

# Karni Mata Temple, Rajasthan

Dating back 600 years, Karni Mata Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga in the form of Karni Mata. Legend holds that she prophesied the victory of Rao Bika. A unique aspect of this temple is the population of rats that inhabit the shrine, believed to be the transformed souls of the Goddess's devotees, who must be cared for. The rats are offered Prasadam, and harming one is considered a serious offense. The temple features grand silver gates and intricate marble carvings donated by Maharaja Ganga Singh, attracting large crowds, especially during the Navratri festival.

# Chamundeshwari Temple, Karnataka

The renowned Sri Chamundeshwari Temple in Mysore is located atop scenic Chamundi Hills and is dedicated to Goddess Chamundi, another incarnation of Goddess Durga. Believed to have been established in the 12th century, the temple's tower is around 300 years old. Pilgrims visit with the faith that the Goddess will fulfill their needs. The temple boasts a seven-story structure and a 40-meter-high gopuram adorned with intricate carvings. Its centerpiece is a golden idol of Chamunda Devi, along with silver gates and a jewel Nakshatra-Malike inscribed with 30 Sanskrit slokas. A notable feature is the 16-foot-high statue of the demon Mahishasura, whom the Goddess defeated to protect the area.

# Naina Devi Temple, Uttarakhand

Naina Devi Temple in Nainital is situated lakeside, offering beautiful views. According to legend, when Lord Shiva was carrying the burnt body of Sati, her eyes fell where this temple now stands, giving it the name Naina Devi. The temple features a courtyard with a large Peepal tree on the left, while on the right are idols of Lord Hanuman and Ganesh. The main entrance showcases two lion statues, and inside, devotees can worship three deities: Kali Devi on the left, Maa Naina Devi in the center, and Lord Ganesh on the right.

# Devi Patan Temple, Uttar Pradesh

Devi Patan Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, located 70 kilometers from Gonda amidst the scenic Himalayan terai. Legend has it that the right shoulder of Sati fell here when Lord Shiva carried her corpse. The existing temple is believed to have been constructed by King Vikramaditya and renovated in the 11th century by King Suheldeo of Sravasti. A major fair is held during Navratri, and annually on Chaitra Panchami, the deity of Pir Ratan Nath is brought from Dang in Nepal for worship alongside the Devi.

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