On Durga Puja 2021, let’s take a look at some of the iconic Durga temples in India. By Shubhanjana Das
1. Kamakhya Temple, Assam
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One of the 51 revered Shakti Peethas of India, the Kamakhya Temple in Assam is one of the state’s most visited sites. The cave temple sits atop the Nilachal Hills. It was built by King Chilarai, the descendant of the Koch family, in 1556. The temple, which is where Sati’s yoni, or vulva, is said to have fallen, witnesses a huge footfall during Navratris. The main temple is surrounded by 10 smaller temples, dedicated to different incarnations of Goddess Kali.
2. Jwalaji Temple, Himachal Pradesh
Thirty kilometres south of Kangra Valley, in a place called Jwalamukhi, sits one of India’s most prominent pilgrimage sites. Here, Goddess Durga is worshipped as Devi Jwalamukhi, one of her nine incarnations, who burns in the form of an eternal flame. Eight other flames burn from rocks without any fuel at all times. Are you putting this on your Durga Puja bucket list?
3. Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu and Kashmir
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Another iconic temple especially during Durga Puja! We all know someone who has made the popular journey to the Vaishno Devi Temple on foot. Every year, an endless number of devotees undertake the 13-km-long trek to the temple, known as one of the most significant Durga temples. This sacred shrine is said to have been visited even by Emperor Akbar and Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Pony rides and helicopters are also available to reach the temple.
4. Durga Temple, Uttar Pradesh
Constructed back in the 18th century by a Bengali queen, the Durga temple in Ramnagar, Varanasi is built in the Nagara style of architecture. Painted in ochre red after the clothes worn by the goddess herself, the temple is also known as the Monkey temple because of the animals who are always present here in huge numbers. It is believed that the shrine appeared on its own and protects Kashi (Varanasi) from evil forces.
5. Kalighat Temple, West Bengal
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Also one of the Shakti Peethas, Kalighat is where the right toe of the goddess is said to have fallen. The Shakti here is known as Dakshina Kalika and the image of Kali in this temple is unlike any other pattern of Kali images throughout Bengal. The temple is more than 200 years old and was built around 1809. However, it is said to have been referred to in 15th-century texts. Along with the Dakshineshwar Temple which was built by Rani Rashmoni in 1885, Kalighat is an extremely pious place of worship for devotees of Maa Durga in Bengal.
6. Chamunda Devi Temple, Himachal Pradesh
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Yet another prominent place of worship in Himachal, the Chamunda Devi temple is situated on the banks of the river Baner and is flanked by the majestic Himalayas. The temple is built in devotion to the wrathful form of Maa Durga, with its name derived from Chanda and Munda, the two demons whom the goddess is said to have slain.
If you are visiting any of these sacred places during Durga Puja, do give us a hollar on social media!
Related: This Festive Season, Let’s Revisit 7 Iconic Heritage Lakshmi Temples Of India
Shubhanjana Das
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