Must Visit Devi Temples in India
Goddess plays as significant role in formation, nourishing and destruction of the world as the Gods hold. According to Hindu mythology, the Goddess is considered as the source of all the power in this universe that is why she is often called “Shakti” which means “Power”. India is the land of temples, houses with many shrines, and pilgrim sites that are dedicated to the Goddess and her different forms.
People from all over the world travel to these temples during their India tourism and get drenched in the aura of spirituality.
Dakshineswar Kali Mandir in Kolkata
The city of joy, Kolkata is known for its sweet dish Roso Gulla and is also famous for its devotion towards Goddess Kali. Thus one can find many temples here dedicated to Goddess Kali. One major temple is Dakshineswar Kali Temple which is associated spiritual leader name Ramkrishna. Built-in 1847 the temple was once under the protection of Ramkrishna being its head priest. There are 12 spired temples and a huge courtyard which is warped with 12 temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is an integral part of Kolkata tourism.
Maa Jwala Ji Temple in Himachal Pradesh
Listed among the most prominent Durga temples, Maa Jwala Ji Temple is located in the south of Kangra Valley which if having natural flames the temple. These natural flames are worshipped as manifestations of nine Goddesses. Burning undisturbed naturally without any fuel or any help these flames are erupting from a rock side is considered holy and divine. Legend has, to destroy a demon, Lord Vishnu and other Gods combined their power and from that huge flames rose from the ground, from that flame a young girl took birth and killed the demon. Goddess Jwala is considered as the same power.
Karni Mata Temple in Rajasthan
Famous as the temple of Rats, the Karni Mata Temple in Rajasthan is also known as the temple of rats. This temple is located in Deshnok which is 30 km from Udaipur. People on Udaipur tourism love visiting this temple due to the presence of more than 2000 black rats. Devotees who visit here feed rats with milk and Prasad and it is considered as a good omen. If you have visited Karni Mata Temple and have found a white rat, then it is considered quite auspicious for you.
Warning – If the rat is killed by anyone in here, then one would be liable to offer a silver rat in the temple to replace the one killed by you. So be a little aware while walking in the temple and make your Rajasthan tourism memorable.
Chamundeshwari Temple in Karnataka
Located in the lap of Mysore on the Chamundi Hills, the Chamundeshwari temple in Karnataka is dedicated to Goddess Chamundi who is considered the incarnation of Goddess Durga. Being a prominent temple in South India the temple is built in the 12th century and is compacted with seven stories. The temple has a 40-meter high gopuram which is having intricate carvings. The main deity of Goddess Chamunda in the temple is made up of pure Gold. The gates are made up of silver with many Sanskrit shlokas inscribed on them.
Naina Devi Temple in Uttarakhand
Naina Devi temple is one of the major Shakti peetha of Goddesses. The temple is located in Nainital on the lakeside. Even Nainital has got its name from Naina Devi, who is considered the most auspicious deity of Nainital. People who visit Nainital during their North India tours always prefer to take a tour of this temple. According to legend, when Lord Shiva was carrying the burnth body of Sati, her eyes falls at this place and thus a Shakti Peetha established. Nain means eyes and from Nain comes Naina Devi Temple.
The temple has big peepal tree, along with that on either side of the temple there are the idols of Lord Hanuman and Ganesha. The sanctum of the temple is compacted with three idols of Goddess Kali on the extreme left, in centre it has two eyes representing Naina Devi and to the extreme right is the idol of Lord Ganesha.
Devi Patan Temple in Uttar Pradesh
Among the 51 shaktipeethas, Devi Patan Temple holds a prominent place. The place is located at a distance of 70 km from Gonda, another holy shrine located in the terai of the Himalayas. Legends has when lord Shiva was carrying burnt corpse of Sati, her right shoulder dropped here. According to history, the present structure of the temple was built by King Vikramaditya. Every year during Navratra, a huge fair takes place and the idol of Pir Ratan Nath is brought here from Nepal and worshiped with Devi. Agra, one of the prominent places in Uttar Pradesh is another famous tourist destination which is the famous Taj Mahal. Agra day tour packages are the major attraction of tourism.
Kanaka Durga in Andhra Pradesh
South India is famous for lush greenery and various temple which are dedicated to various deities, specially Lord Vishnu and Goddess and her various forms. The Kanaka Durga Temple in Karnatak is worshiped as the Goddess of power, riches and benevolence. The temple is located on the hill of Indrakiladri and is considered a self-manifested thus called “Swayambhu” and is considered very powerful and sacred. Being a prominent Durga temple Kanaka Durga temple is the place where Adi Shankara installed Sri Chakra. The temple is a major attraction in South Indian tourism.
Shree Durga Parameshwari Temple in Karnataka
Here’s another significant Devi temple in Karnataka, which is located in a sacred place called Kateel located 29 km from Mangalore city. Surrounded by the spectacular landscape, Shree Durga Parameshwai Temple is featured as an important temple dedicated to the form of Goddess Durga. The temple offers free meals to all visitors/devotees who visit this temple. The meal is offered during noon and night. As Goddess Parameshwari is believed to enjoy dance and music, a dedicated play team is there for organizing various culture activities of Yakshagana a form of folk play.
Durga Temple in Varanasi
This 18th-century Durga Temple is located at a distance of 2 km from the main city of Varanasi. Built in the form of Nagara Style of architecture, the temple is known to have built by the queen of Bengal. Large numbers of people from all across the world visit this temple throughout the year. Located on the large rectangular tank the Durga kund, the temple is housed by an idol which is considered a self-manifested image. The huge temple structure is painted in red and is considered as the monkey temple due to the presence of several frisky monkeys. Varanasi the ancient city of India places an important role in North India tour packages.
Banshankari Temple in Karnataka
Another Devi temple in Karnataka, Banashankari Temple is a significant Durga shrine in south India which is located in Cholachigud. Devi Banashankari is also known as Shakambari which is considered as the manifestation of Goddess Parvati. The temple was built by Chalukyas who are the huge devotee of the Goddess and worship her as their Kuladevi. This 17th-century structure is composed of Dravidian style of architecture… Legend has Goddess Durga killed a demon named Durgamasura here at the place of the temple.
The main deity of the temple can be seen siting on lion with 8 arms holding trident, kapaalpatra ghanta, veda scripts and khada kheta.