INFORMATION DURGA MAA TEMPLES IN INDIA

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Kalkaji Mandir, Delhi

Situated beyond the commercial complex of Nehru Place lies Kalkaji temple dedicated to the Goddess Kalka Devi. Kalkaji mandir is very famous and has numerous devotees thronging it on many religious occasions, throughout the year. Small red flags decorate the temple then, and women outnumber men among the devotees. Folklore is replete with tales of the Kalkaji temple, so much so that one does not know where legend ends and history begins.

This is a very old temple and the oldest part was built up in 1764 A.D. The Kali Temple in Kalkaji boasts of an existence of 3,000 years, although the oldest surviving portion of it dates to 1764-1771 when the Marathas were in power. Looking at the present-day Kalkaji temple one may find it hard to believe that this shrine to Kali is an antique one, where perhaps even the Pandavs and Kauravs had worshiped during the reign of Yudhisthir, whose citadel of Indraprastha had the fabled fairy gates of which bards sang, much like Homer of old, right up to the time of Prithviraj Chauhan.

The temple is situated on a hill and is dedicated to Kali. There is a very distinctive feeling there and the devotees are overwhelmed by light, which stay during the whole night. The power of Ma Kali is ambiguous but powerful. Devotees also try to meditate there and a spectacular tantric aarati is held at about 7 pm. The temple is also quite near to the Bahai Temple, which is just opposite on the other side of a big road.

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Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu and Kashmir

Vaishno Devi is nestled in the mighty Trikuta mountain 61 kilometers north of Jammu at a height of 5,200 feet above the sea level in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The shrine is visited all through the year, but the path is difficult during the winters due to snowfall.

The Legend
As the legend goes, more than 700 years ago Vaishno Devi a devotee of Lord Vishnu, used to pray to Lord Rama and had taken vow of celibacy. Bhairon Nath, a tantric (demon-God) tried to behold Her. Making use of his tantric powers, Bhairon Nath was able to see Her going towards the Trikuta mountains and gave chase. It took Bhairon Nath nine months to locate Her, the reason why the cave is known as Garbh Joon. Mata Vaishno Devi blasted an opening at the other end of the cave with Her Trident when the demon-God located Her.
On arriving at the Holy Cave at Darbar, she assumed the form of Maha Kali and cut off Bhairon Nath's head which was flung up the mountain by the force of the blow and fell at the place where the Bhairon Temple is now located. The boulder at the mouth of the Holy Cave according to the legend is the petrified torso of Bhairon Nath who was granted divine forgiveness by the benevolent Mata in his dying moments.

The Yatra
The Yatra begins at Katra and pilgrims have to cover 13 km. of terrain on foot to reach the Darbar. One kilometer away from Katra, is a place known as Banganga, where Mata quenched her thirst and at 6 km., the holy cave at Adhkawari. After 6 km. of trekking, the yatries reach Adhkawari, the holy cave where Mata meditated for nine months.

Darshan
The journey amidst snow capped mountains and sprawling forests arise from within the holy shrine of Maa Vaishno Devi. There is a common faith among the folk that Goddess-Vaishno sends a 'Call' to her devotees and that once a person receives it, wherever he or she is, marches towards the holy shrine of the great Goddess. A supernatural power seems to draw them through the mountain and they climb up those great heights step by step, chanting 'Prem se bolo, Jai Mata Di'. There are images of three deities - The Mahakali, Maa Saraswati and Maha Lakshmi.


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Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati, Assam

One of the best known temple of Guwahati is Kamakhya, situated on Nilachal Hill, eight km west of the city. This temple honour the Mother Goddess Kamakhya, the essence of female energy. It is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas of Goddess Durga. Legend has it that Kamakhya came into existence when Lord Shiva was carrying the corpse of his wife Sati, and her "yoni" (female genitalia) fell to the ground at the spot where the temple now stands. The temple is a natural cave with a spring. Down a flight of steps to the bowel of earth, is located a dark, mysterious chamber. Here, draped with a silk sari and covered with flowers, is kept the "matra yoni".

The Temple was rebuilt in 1665 after being destroyed by Muslim invaders, but its origins are much older than that. It was probably an ancient Khasi sacrificial site, sacrifices are still very much part of worshiping here. Group of devotees arrive each morning with goats to offer to Shakti.

Here, Durga Puja is celebrated annually during Navaratri in the month of September- October. It is a three day festival attracting several visitors. A unique festival observed here is the Ambuvaci (Ameti) fertility festival wherein it is believed that the Goddess (mother Earth) undergoes her menstrual period.

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Mansa Devi Temple, Churu, Rajasthan

Mansa devi temple is located in Badi Lambore (Lambore Dham) village at a distance of 8 kilometers from Sadulpur (Rajgarh) on south. Sadulpur-Malsisar-Jhunjhunu road. Mansa Devi is one of the forms of Durga Mata that inspires the devotees to not only perform rituals and puja but also dedicate yourself towards accomplishing holy deals.

Legends
In the earlier days, the idol of Mata was placed in 'Devi ki Vani'. Mata left that place due to the evils and came near the berry tree. She came in the dreams of Seth Surajmalji, the head of Hamirwasiya family and inspired him to build a temple at the place. He came to this place and gave responsibility of constructing the temple to his elder son Shri Onkarmalji and returned to Calcutta. The construction of the temple and an attached verandah completed within an year and the idol of Mataji was placed on April 19, 1975.

The Temple
Today the temple is expanded in a vast complex with 41 rooms, yagnashala, Shri Lamboria Mahadevji temple, Shri Lamboria Balaji temple and a Singhdwar. The temple is equipped with all the necessary items that include generators, pots, quilts, rugs and many others. The temple organizes various religious ceremonies throughout the year. The devotees of Mata are constantly spreading Her divinity among the others.

Location
Lambore Dham (Lambore Bari) is accessible from Delhi/Jaipur by Road or by Rail, the distance in each case being approx. 240 Kms. Nearest Railway Station is Sadulpur (Rajgarh). Lambore Bari is situated 8 Kms south of Rajgarh on Rajgarh-Malsisar-Jhunjhunu road, a 15 minute journey by car, jeep and bus available almost round the clock.

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Karni Mata Temple, Deshnoke, Rajasthan

This 600 year old temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, a famous mystic of her times, believed to be an incarnation of goddess Durga. Legend has it, that she foretold the victory of Rao Bika. Here, rats are considered holy, owing to the belief, that the souls of the devotees of the Mata, are resident in these rats and, consequently, they must be looked after. The huge silver gates to the temple, and the marble carvings were donated by Maharaja Ganga Singh.

People from far and wide come to pay religious tribute to shri karni mata. Throughout the year there's an influx of pilgrims. Outside rajasthan, places like Gujrat, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana are areas where mata is greatly respected and loved. During the time of navratri thousands flock to mata's temple on foot. Mata's enigma attracts pilgrims from all over. It is becoming one of the holiest and most faithful places in India.

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Chamunda Devi Temple, Himachal Pradesh

Chamunda Devi is a Shakti shrine, situated 10 km west of Palampur, on the Baner River. This colorful shrine has a wrathful form of Durga or Chamunda. The idol in the temple is considered so sacred that it is completely hidden beneath a red cloth. Here Lord shiva is present in the form of death, destruction & dead bodies along with Devi Chamunda. In the temple the devotees can see scenes from the Devi Mahatmya, Ramayan and Mahabharata. On either side of the Devi's image is Hanuman and Bhairo.

Devotees offer prayers, worship and give offerings for their ancestors. It is thought to be sacred to take a dip in Ban Ganga and to read and recite the writings of Shat Chandi. In the old days, people used to offer sacrifices also to the deity. The Goddess Chamunda was enshrined as chief Goddess with the title of Rudra in the battle between demon Jalandhra and Lord Shiva which made this place famous as "Rudra Chamunda".

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Durgiana Temple, Amritsar, Punjab

Punjab is a land blessed by saints, an ancient land yielding archaeological treasures, a land of palaces and temples. Situated outside the Lohgarh Gate, Durgiana Temple is built after the design of the Golden Temple and attracts sages and scholars in Hindu scriptures from all over India. A walk away from the Golden temple complex through the narrow passageways brings the visitors to the 16th century Hindu temple of Durgiana.

In its present form the temple echoes of not the traditional Hindu temple architecture, but that of the Golden Temple. It rises in a similar manner from the midst of a tank and has canopies and a central dome. Its foundation stone was laid by one of the greatest reformers and political leaders of resurgent India, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya. It is a well-known repository of Hindu scriptures.

Also called the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, it is dedicated to goddess Durga and a large part of the temple is also dedicated to Hindu deities Laxmi, The Goddess of wealth and Narayan, The Preserver of Universe. All dignitaries visiting Golden Temple make it a point to visit Durgiana Temple also.


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Amba Mata Temple, Junagadh, Gujarat

A highly revered pilgrimage which attracts thousand of pilgrims every year, Junagadh is one of the most picturesque town in India. Dotted with historical monuments and religious places, the small town situated at the base of the holy Girnar mountain makes an interesting destination. The pilgrimage site of Mount Girnar is a popular place to visit. An old wall, much of which is now missing, surrounds the city.

At the summit of the mountain is the temple of Amba Mata. This Hindu temple is dedicated to an incarnation of the mother Goddess. Newly married couples come here to be blessed by the Goddess and thereby be assured of eternal conjugal bliss. Dating back to the 12th century, it is said that a visit to this temple guarantees a happy marriage. There are good views from the top of the mountain.

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Chattarpur Temple, Delhi

One of the most popular Hindu temples around Delhi, Chhatarpur Temple is located at a distance of 4 kms. from Qutb Minar. Extended over a wide area in serene ambiance, the temple presents a classic example of modern temple architecture that embodies extensive use of marbles. The main Temple is dedicated to goddess Durga, while the devotees can also worship Shiva, Vishnu, Lakshmi or Ganesh in adjoining temples.

During Durga Puja days, this place attracts a large number of devotees, who gather here to offer prayers. It is believed that tying a thread on a tree located in the temple premises will get the desired wishes fulfilled. Round-the-clock discourses and prayers are held which any devotee can participate. It is a big temple complex that represents both the South and North Indian style of architecture.

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Jwalamukhi Temple, Himachal pradesh

Jwalamukhi Temple is situated 30 km south of Kangra valley. Dedicated to Goddess Jwalamukhi, there is a copper pipe in this temple through which natural gas comes out and the priest of the temple lights this. This flame is worshiped as a manifestation of the goddess Jwalamukhi. The nine flames have been named after Goddesses - Mahakali, Unpurna, Chandi, Hinglaj, Bindhya Basni, Maha Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ambika and Anji Devi. These flames burn continuously without any fuel or assistance and may be seen erupting from a rock-side.

Ancient legends speak of a time when demons lorded over the Himalaya mountains and harassed the gods. Led by Lord Vishnu, the gods decided to destroy them. They focused their strengths and huge flames rose from the ground. From that fire, a young girl took birth. She is regarded as Adishakti-the first 'shakti'.

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Naina Devi Temple, Nainital, Uttar Pradesh

According to legends, Sati or Parvati was the daughter of Prajapati Daksha and later, became the consort of Lord Shiva. Once her father insulted Lord Shiva and unable to accept this, she killed herself. When Lord Shiva heard of his wife's death his rage knew no bounds and holding Sati's body he began stalking the three worlds. The other gods trembled before his wrath and appealed to Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu let fly a volley of arrows which struck Sati's body and severed it to pieces. At the places where the pieces fell, the fifty-one sacred 'shaktipeeths' came into being. It is believed that Sati's eyes fell at the place where this temple is situated. Therefore, this temple is called Naina Devi.

The word Naina is synonymous with Sati's eyes. Since then, devotees started visiting this temple. Once the devotee reaches the hill top, prasad can be bought from any of the various shops or it can also one's own offerings from home. After crossing the main gate, there is a big Peepal tree on the left side. On the right side of the temple there are idols of Lord Hanuman Ji and Ganesh Ji. After reaching the main entrance of the temple, there are two statues of lions.

Inside the temple, devotees have darshan of three deities. On the extreme left is Mata Kali Devi, the centre representing two Netras or eyes is Maa Naina Devi and to right side is idol of Lord Ganesh.

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Mookambika Devi Temple of Kollur, Karnataka

Mookambika Devi Temple of Kollur is one of the most prominent shrines for people in the state of Karnataka and Kerala. Located at a distance of 147 km from Mangalore in the picturesque surroundings presented by the banks of the river Sauparnika and the lush green Kudashadri hill, the temple attracts millions of pilgrims every year. The temple holds immense relevance for the devotees as it is associated with revered Hindu saint and Vedic scholar Adi Shankara. It is believed that Adi Shankara perceived the idea of having a Mookambika Devi temple at Kollur and himself installed the idol of deity in the temple some 1200 years ago. People have high faith in Mookambika Devi Temple as Goddess Mookambika is regarded as a manifestation of Shakti, Saraswathi and Mahalakshmi. In fact Temple of Mookambika Devi is one of the 'Seven Muktistala' pilgrimage sites in Karnataka which are Kollur, Udupi, Subrahmanya, Kumbasi, Kodeshwara, Sankaranarayana and Gokarna.

The Temple
Mookambika Devi Temple is built in the Kerala style of architecture. It has a big courtyard and a spacious sanctum in which the graceful idol of Mookambika Devi in the form of Jyotir-Linga incorporating both Shiva and Shakthi is placed. The idol is made of Panchaloha - an alloy of five metals. The Goddess is seated in Padmaasana posture holding 'Shanku' and 'Chakra' in Her two upper hands and showing 'Abhaya' and 'Varada' mudras in Her other hands. Idol of the Devi is adorned with exquisite gold and diamond jewelry. On either side of the Mookambika Devi idol are idols of Goddess Kali or Parvathi and Saraswathi.

In the corridor around the sanctum, there are smaller shrines for Lord Vinayaka (with 10 hands), Subramanya, Anjaneya, Veerabhadra and Adi Sankara. The image of Anjaneya is said to have been installed by Madhwa Acharya, Sri Vadiraja Swami.

Other Places of Interest
There are several interesting places in and around the Mookambika Devi Temple which catches the attention of tourists and devotees. About 28 km from the historic town of Kollur, there is a place called Maaranaghatta. The place has mythological relevance as Mookambika Devi is said to have vanquished the demon Mookasura at this spot. As ordained by the Goddess, Mookasura is worshiped here even today. A Car Festival is also conducted in honour of Mookasura.

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Vidyashankara Temple at Sringere, Karnataka

Vidyashankara Temple at Sringere is a revered pilgrimage centre located amidst the picturesque Sahyadri hills in Chikmaglur District of Karnataka on the left bank of the river Tungabhadra. The temple is held in high esteem by the people of Karnataka as it is considered to be the home to 'Sarada Peetham' established by the revered spiritual leader Aadi Sankaracharya in the 1st millennium CE. Idol of Goddess Sarada in the temple is said to have been installed by Aadi Sankaracharya himself.

The Temple
The Vidyashankara Temple at Sringeri was built in memory of Guru Vidyashankara or Vidyathirtha by Vidyaranya with the aid of the Vijayanagar rulers in the 14th century. Scholars believe that it was in this temple that Adi Sankaracharya established 'Sarada Peetham' in the 1st millennium CE and installed the image of Sarada with a Sri Chakra in front of her. And from then on he started the Bharati Sampradaya to propagate the philosophy of non dualism. Because of the strong association of Adi Shankaracharya from Vidyashankara Temple it is commonly known as the 'Shankaracharya Temple'.

Vidyashankara Temple is built with the combined features of the Hoysala and Dravida architecture. It stands on a richly sculptured basement with six doorways leading into the temple. The twelve pillars in the mandapam are named the Raasi Pillars marking the 12 zodiac signs. These pillars are so arranged that the sun's rays fall on each of them in the order of the solar months.

Each column in the temple also has a large rearing lion with non removable rolling stone balls in its mouth. A circular shikhara crowns the sanctum. This temple walls also features carved scenes from the puranas. Buddha is depicted as one of the incarnations of Vishnu here. The temple presents a majestic view especially when seen from across the river.

Image of Goddess Sarada
The original image of Goddess Sarada as installed by Adi Sankaracharya was made of sandalwood. It was replaced with a golden image in the 14th century. In the golden idol Ma Sarada can be seen seated on the Sri Chakra Peetham holding a Japa Mala with a parrot perched on the top of Her hand.

Besides a shrine to Aadi Sankara in the Vidyashankara Temple there are shrines to Shakti Ganapati, Bhuvaneswari, Mahishasuramardini and Rajarajeswari. The temple also houses ruby images of Venugopala and Srinivasa besides a Nandi made out of a large pearl. Several inscriptions can also be seen in the temple describing contributions made by the Vijayanagar emperors.

Best Time to Visit
Number of devotees in the temple increases each Friday when the procession of Saradamba in a silver chariot can be witnessed around the temple. The biggest surge of devotees can be seen during Navaratri Festival.

There are are several other places of interest for devotees in Sringeri. Sringagiri hills are said to be the birth place of Sage Rishyasringa. Then there is the Janardhana temple housing the image of Aadi Sankaracharya.

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Chamundeswari Temple of Chamundi Hill, Mysore

The famous Sri Chamundeswari Temple is located on top of picturesque Chamundi Hills near Mysore in the state of Karnataka. In fact Chamundi Hill is named after Goddess Chamundi who is believed to be the incarnation of Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. A large number of devotees from all over the country and even abroad visit the temple every year. Pilgrims strongly believe that the Goddess helps them to fulfill their needs.

About the Temple
Foundation of Sri Chamundeswari Temple is considered to build in 12th century old while its tower is relatively new about 300 years old. The temple has a seven story tall and 40 metre high 'gopuram' adorned with intricate carvings. Major attraction of the temple is the idol of the Chamunda Devi which is said to be made of solid gold. Even the gates of the temple are made of silver. The temple also boasts of a jewel Nakshatra-Malike with 30 Sanskrit shlokas inscribed on it. A 16-foot-high statue of the demon Mahishasura near the temple is another significant feature of Sri Chamundeswari Temple. This is so because Mahishasura was slain by the goddess Chamundeswari (Durga or Parvati) to protect the area. Hence Chamundi Devi is also lovingly known as the Goddess of Mysore. The word 'Chamundi' means terrible, and this is another name for Parvati, who is in an angry mood to slay the demon.

It takes about one thousand steps or a taxi ride to reach the top of Chamundi Hill. One can have a bird's eye view from the top of the hill and enjoy the beautiful vistas of Mysore. Halfway up the hill, along the road, is a 16 foot high and 25 feet long Nandi (Shiva's holy bull) carved out of a large granite stone. Nandi is another attractive feature of the Chamundi Hill and attracts millions of tourists every year.

Best Time for Visit
Chamundeswari Temple is approximately 13 kms from Mysore and can be reached by road. Tuesdays and Fridays are considered to be the auspicious days to visit the Chamundi Devi temple hence a large number of devotees throng the temple on these days. Best time to visit the temple is during 'Dussehra Festival' in September or October when Mysore city can be seen in all its pomp and splendor due to regal Dussehra celebrations.

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Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Kolkata, West Bengal

Dakshineswar Kali Temple is situated alongside the Vivekananda Bridge north of Calcutta, about 20 km. from BBD Bagh. It is famous for its association - with Ramkrishna who achieved spiritual vision here. This temple was built by Rani Rashmoni in 1847. The 12- spired temple with its enormous courtyard is surrounded by 12 other temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a world famous place of pilgrimage and it was here that the famous religious thinker Rama Krishna Paramahamsa achieved his spiritual vision and preached the unity of all religions.

Ramakrishna served as temple's head priest. From the first days of his service in the shrine of the goddess Kali, he was filled with a rare form of love for the Goddess known in Hinduism as maha-bhava. Worshiping in front of the statue of Kali, Ramakrishna would be overcome with such ecstatic love for the deity that he would fall to the ground and immersed in spiritual trance, lose all consciousness of the external world. Ramakrishna fully realized the infinite and all-inclusive nature of the divine.

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