Chaitra Navratri: There Is No Idol Of Any Deity In Alopi Devi's Temple In UP's Prayagraj; Devotees Have Darshan Of Cradle Form Of Mother

Prayagraj (UP): Devotees throng the unique temple of Alopi Devi on the occasion of Chaitra Navratri in Tirtharaj Prayagraj.

This temple is situated in Alopi Bagh locality of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh near Triveni Sangam. It is one of the revered Shaktipeethas in India, and among the most-visit temples in UP.

This temple is peculiar in that there is no statue or idol of any deity in this temple, rather, there is a wooden carriage or 'doli' which is worshipped.

Biggest centre of faith on Navratri 

It is the biggest centre of faith on Navratri where thousands of devotees come every day to see the grand cradle form of the mother.

According to legend, the paw of the right hand of Goddess Sati fell here and became invisible or missing, that is why this Siddhapeeth has been named Alop (disappeared) Shankari and a cradle has been placed here as a symbol. 

Alopi Mata is the newlywed bride

According to another legend, Alopi Mata is the newlywed bride who disappeared from the wooden carriage when the marriage procession was attacked by a group of robbers. The strange disappearance of the bride was deemed as a miracle and a temple was erected at the same site to worship the divine bride. There lies a wooden cot in the sanctum sanctorum, also known as the 'doli' of the new bride..

In the sanctum sanctorum of the Alop Shankari temple, there is a platform in the center which has a tank. Above the kund there is a wooden cradle of square shape, which is also known as Jhula, it is covered with a silver layer . Thousands of devotees come here to visit the mother.

Devotees stand in long queues during Navratri

During Navratri, one has to stand in long queues for many hours to have darshan of this form of Maa. Devotees from far and wide come to worship in the temple of Alopi Devi. It is believed that every wish of the devotees who make a vow by tying Raksha Sutra on their wrist here is fulfilled and the goddess protects them till the thread remains tied tied in their hand. 

Huge fair is held 

Maa's shringar is not done here during Navratris, but her forms are recited. Devotees stand in line for hours waiting for their turn to have darshan of the Goddess during Navratri. A huge fair is held here on Monday and Friday. Devotees take water from the well located in the temple and offer it on the cradle.