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Maharashtra Saptashrungi Temple
The Saptashrungi is considered as one of the most religious sites in Maharashtra. Located on a string of seven hills the Saptashrungi Devi temple is at 1230m above sea level. The temple is located in the town of Vani about 60Km from Nashik. The temple is one of the 51 shaktipeethas in India. It is said that the Devi was self-revealed on the rock of the mountain. Since the Devi is encircled by seven peaks thus the name of the place Saptashrungi or the mother of the seven peaks.
The idol is approximately 10 feet high and has 18 hands each with one weapon. The idol of the Devi is always covered with sindoor as it is considered to be auspicious. There are steps cut into the mountains that can be climbed to reach the temple. Alternatively there are also well-paved roads via which vehicles can take visitors to an altitude of 1150m. From the parking there are 500 steps to reach the temple. People who are unable to walk can hire ‘dolis’.
There are about 108 water tanks or kunds located on the hill. The Saptashrungi Gad is rich in flora and fauna. There are a wide variety of trees in the area, many of medicinal value.
History
The Saptashrungi Devi temple is an ancient temple of the goddess Saptashrungi. It is not known exactly when the temple was built, but the area has been of significance since time immemorial. There are several legends associated with the place that date to the Ramayana, slaying of the demon Mahishasur and also the place where a body part of Mata Sati fell. There are numerous other local legends associated with this holy shrine.
How To Reach
By Air
The nearest airport to the Saptashrungi Devi temple is in Nashik about 60Km from Vani.
By Rail
The nearest major railway station that offers wide connectivity of trains within India is in Nashik.
By Road
If visitors are travelling from Mumbai, then the Mumbai-Nashik route is about 180 kms and further from Nashik the Saptashrungi temple is 70 Kms.
Important Shrines
There are several other shrines close to the Saptashrungi temple. Some of these shrines include Jalagumpha, Kalikund and Suryakund, Shivtirtha, Markendeya Darshan, Tambultirtha and SatichaKada.
About 135Km from the Saptashrungi temple is the Shirdi Sai Baba temple. A number of devotees often club both the visits in one.
Significance Of The Temple
The Saptashrungi Devi is believed to be the Mahishasur Mardini or the destroyer of Mahishasur, the demon. Mahishasur was in the form of a buffalo hence at the base of the hill there is a head of a buffalo made of stone believed to be the demon.
It is also believed that the sacred book Devi Mahatmya was written by the sage Markandeya at this site. There is a hill opposite to the hill on which the temple is located named after the sage Markandeya. He is said to have performed rigorous repentance at this site.
It is also believed that when Lakshman was injured in the war, Hanumanji came to this very hill to search for the medicinal plant.
Another legend states that the temple is also the location where one of Sati’s limbs had fallen when Lord Shiv was carrying her body around.
Weather And Time To Visit
The best time to visit the Saptashrungi Devi Temple is after the monsoon season is over. The best time to visit is between November and March when the weather is pleasant and not too cold or very hot.
Accomodation
- Accommodation can be found in Nashik. There are a number of budget and luxury hotels available in Nashik where visitors can stay.
- There is a small accommodation available for devotees close to the temple premises.
Tips For Devotees
The temple is open from morning 6.00 AM to night 8.00 PM. During navratri the temple remains open 24/7. There are different festivals celebrated in the temple such as Gudhipadwa, GokulAshtami, Kojagiri Pournima, Chaitrotsav, Navratri, Mahashivratri and Laxmi Pujan. During the festivals the temple can get quite crowded. It is important for visitors be decently dressed, as it a holy place of worship.
Rules And Rituals Of The Temple
The uphill road is quite tricky hence visitors are required to be careful when walking or driving. The steps are also steep hence visitors are requested not to rush but climb carefully. People with breathing and heart problems should not attempt to climb the steps of the temple on their own. It is best to opt for dolis that can carry them to the temple.
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