The Nine Devi Temples are dedicated to various forms of the Goddess Durga, and these temples hold immense religious significance in Hinduism. Many of these temples are part of the Shakti Peethas, believed to be sites where parts of Goddess Sati’s body fell. Pilgrims visit these temples to seek blessings from the divine mother. Below is a brief description of the Nine Devi Temples, how to reach them, the best time to visit, and other necessary information:
1. Vaishno Devi (Jammu and Kashmir)
- Significance: Located in the Trikuta Mountains, Vaishno Devi is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India. The shrine is dedicated to Goddess Vaishnavi, a manifestation of Goddess Durga. Millions of devotees visit each year to seek blessings.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Nearest airport is Jammu Airport, 50 km away.
- By Train: Nearest railway station is Katra Railway Station.
- By Road: Katra is the base for the trek (13 km) to the shrine.
- Best Time to Visit: March to October. Avoid winter months due to heavy snowfall.
- Other Information: Helicopter services are available from Katra to the shrine for those unable to trek.
2. Chamunda Devi (Himachal Pradesh)
- Significance: Chamunda Devi Temple, located near Dharamshala, is dedicated to Goddess Chamunda, a fierce form of Durga who symbolizes destruction of evil. The temple sits by the banks of the Baner River.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Nearest airport is Gaggal Airport (15 km away).
- By Train: Pathankot Railway Station is 95 km away.
- By Road: Accessible by road from Dharamshala (15 km).
- Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November.
- Other Information: A sacred pool near the temple is said to have healing properties.
3. Jwala Devi (Himachal Pradesh)
- Significance: Jwala Devi Temple is famous for the eternal flame that burns continuously from the rock crevices, which is considered a manifestation of the Goddess. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Nearest airport is Gaggal Airport (46 km).
- By Train: Nearest railway station is Jawalamukhi Road (20 km).
- By Road: Accessible from Kangra (35 km) and Dharamshala (53 km).
- Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November.
- Other Information: The Navratri Festival is celebrated with grandeur at the temple.
4. Naina Devi (Himachal Pradesh)
- Significance: Naina Devi Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and is believed to be the place where Goddess Sati’s eyes (Naina) fell. The temple is located on a hilltop, offering scenic views of the surrounding area.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Nearest airport is Chandigarh Airport, 100 km away.
- By Train: Nearest railway station is Anandpur Sahib Railway Station, 30 km away.
- By Road: Well connected by road from cities like Chandigarh and Shimla.
- Best Time to Visit: October to April.
- Other Information: A ropeway facility is available to take pilgrims to the temple.
5. Chintpurni Devi (Himachal Pradesh)
- Significance: Chintpurni Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Chinnamasta, a form of Durga, and is one of the Shakti Peethas. It is believed that those who visit this temple with a wish will have their desires fulfilled.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Nearest airport is Gaggal Airport (60 km away).
- By Train: Nearest railway station is Una (55 km).
- By Road: Easily accessible by road from Hoshiarpur and Kangra.
- Best Time to Visit: March to October.
- Other Information: The temple sees a large influx of devotees during Navratri.
6. Kangra Devi (Himachal Pradesh)
- Significance: Bajreshwari Mata Temple, also known as Kangra Devi Temple, is one of the oldest temples dedicated to Goddess Bajreshwari, a form of Durga. The temple is situated in the town of Kangra.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Nearest airport is Gaggal Airport (11 km).
- By Train: Nearest railway station is Kangra Mandir Railway Station, 3 km away.
- By Road: Well connected by road from Dharamshala (20 km) and Palampur (35 km).
- Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November.
- Other Information: The temple is famous for its Lohri Festival, celebrated with much fervor.
7. Mansa Devi (Haryana)
- Significance: Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameshwaram is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Rama worshiped Shiva here to absolve himself of the sin of killing Ravana. It is also associated with the Ramayana and holds great spiritual importance.
- Best Time to Visit: October to April. The weather is cool and pleasant, especially during the winter months, making it ideal for pilgrimages and sightseeing.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Nearest airport is Madurai Airport (170 km away).
- By Train: Rameshwaram Railway Station is well connected to major cities in Tamil Nadu like Chennai and Madurai.
- By Road: Rameshwaram is accessible by road from Madurai and other nearby cities. Buses and taxis are available.
Other Information: Don’t miss visiting Dhanushkodi Beach, Pamban Bridge, and Agni Theertham. The temple’s long corridors are an architectural marvel.
8. Kalka Devi (Haryana)
- Significance: Located near the town of Kalka on the foothills of the Shivalik Hills, Kalka Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. It is a major pilgrimage site for devotees of Goddess Kali, particularly during Navratri.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Nearest airport is Chandigarh Airport, 25 km away.
- By Train: Kalka Railway Station is 1 km away.
- By Road: Easily accessible from Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Shimla.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Other Information: Navratri is the main festival when the temple is thronged with devotees.
9. Kamakhya Devi (Assam)
- Significance: Kamakhya Temple is one of the most powerful Shakti Peethas, located on the Nilachal Hill in Guwahati. The temple is known for its Ambubachi Mela, an annual festival celebrating the fertility aspect of the goddess.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Nearest airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (20 km).
- By Train: Nearest railway station is Guwahati Railway Station, 8 km away.
- By Road: Accessible by road from Guwahati.
- Best Time to Visit: October to April.
- Other Information: The Ambubachi Mela in June is the main festival of the temple, drawing millions of devotees.
General Tips for Nine Devi Temples:
- Clothing: Wear modest clothing when visiting these temples, especially in hill stations where it might be colder.
- Festival Times: Most of these temples are packed during Navratri, so plan your visit accordingly if you wish to avoid large crowds.
- Altitude: For temples located in the hills, such as Chamunda Devi or Naina Devi, be prepared for some trekking or steep climbs. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
- Health Precautions: High-altitude temples may require some acclimatization, especially for elderly visitors. Carry necessary medications if you have altitude-related concerns.
These nine temples represent various manifestations of the Divine Mother and are spread across different regions of India, each offering a unique spiritual experience.