must visit 5 Durga temples in India

Goddess Durga is considered to be the root cause of creation and preservation. She is also identified as Amba, Parvati, Bhavani, Adi Parashakti and by numerous other names. She is manifested as the protector of the universe. The mother goddess is revered after spring and autumn harvests, especially during the festival of Navratri. She is worshipped in different forms across the country.

Kamakhya Temple, AssamThe Kamakhya temple is located in Guwahati. According to a legend, Sati, Lord Shiva’s wife, jumped into the fire after her father insulted her husband. Carrying her corpse, Shiva performed Tandav Nritya. The place where the parts of her body fell were formed in ‘Shakti Peeths’. Kamakhya Temple was formed where the goddess’ womb and genitals fell. The annual Ambubachi Mela also known as ‘Mahakumbh of the East’ draws lakhs of devotees – tourists, sadhus, and tantrics – from all over the world. 

Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu & KashmirLocated in Trikuta Mountains in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Vaishno Devi Temple has three deities – Goddess Saraswati, Goddess Kali, and Goddess Lakshmi. The temple is accessible throughout the year, whereas during winter due to snowfall it becomes a little difficult. As per legends, Vaishno Devi was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. However, Bhairo Nath, a tantric, chased her and in order to save herself, she ran into the caves. 

Karni Mata Temple, RajasthanAlso known as ‘Temple of Rats’, the Karni Mata Temple is popular for housing over 20,000 rats. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Karni, who is believed to be the incarnation of Goddess Durga, the goddess of power. According to a legend, Karni Mata’s son Laxman was accidentally drowned in a pond in Kolyat tehsil while he was drinking water. Karni Mata requested Yama, the god of death, to revive him. Yama agreed with a condition that Karni Mata and her children be reincarnated as rats.

Mahalaxmi Temple, MaharashtraThe temple is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas and is listed in various Hindu Puranas. The idol of the goddess is made of precious black stone and weighs over 40 kgs. Kirnotsav is one of the famous celebrations when the sun rays touch the feet of the deity. It is believed that Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi reside here.

Ambaji Temple, GujaratAmbaji temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and is visited by millions of visitors every year. It is believed that the heart of Sati Devi fell here. The temple is located near the Gujarat and Rajasthan border. There is no idol or image of the goddess, instead, the holy ‘Shree Visa Yantra’ is worshipped.