Goddess Durga is considered the root cause of creation, preservation and annihilation. A pure form of Power ‘Shakti’, she is manifested as the protector of the universe. An important and integral part of the Hindu faith, Goddess Durga is worshipped in her different forms across the country. The Goddess recognized as the supreme soul is prayed to in order to attain strength and fulfilment of wishes. From the northern states to the southern tip, her aura is extended in a manner that is incomprehensible. Across the country several temples of the Goddess can be seen and amongst them are some that have more value than the others. These temples are either in the form of Shakti Peethas or have an important legend attached to it.
In this blog we will show you the top 20 Durga Temples in India that will blow your heart away.
| Durga Temple Name | City/State Name |
| Vaishno Devi Temple | Katra, Jammu and Kashmir |
| Mansa Devi Temple | Haridwar, Uttarakhand |
| Chamunda Devi Temple | Palampur, Himachal Pradesh |
| Kamakhya Temple | Guwahati, Assam |
| Amba Mata Temple | Junagadh, Gujarat |
| Dakshineswar Kali Mandir | Kolkata, West Bengal |
| Maa Jwala Ji Temple | Kangra, Himachal Pradesh |
| Karni Mata Temple | Bikaner, Rajasthan |
| Chamundeshwari Temple | Mysore, Karnataka |
| Naina Devi Temple | Nainital, Uttarakhand |
| Devi Patan Temple | Gonda, Uttar Pradesh |
| Kanaka Durga | Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh |
| Shree Durga Parameshwari Temple | Kateel, Karnataka |
| Durga Temple | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh |
| Banashankari Temple | Cholachagudda, Karnataka |
| Harsiddhi Durga Temple | Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh |
| Bhramaramba Devi Temple | Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh |
| Danteshwari Temple | Bastar, Chhattisgarh |
| Biraja Temple | Jajpur, Odisha |
| Ratangarh Mata Temple | Datia, Madhya Pradesh |
Vaishno Devi is the most popular Durga temple in India. It is nestled amidst the Trikuta Mountain, which is 61 kilometers north of Jammu at an altitude of 1584m above the sea level. As far as the legend goes Vaishno Devi was a devotee of Lord Vishnu, thus she practiced celibacy. However, Bhairo Nath- who was a tantric, chased the Goddess and to the Trikuta Mountain. In order to save herself from Bhairo Nath, the Goddess took refuge in the cave and the Demon God could not find her for nearly 9 months. Vaishno Devi then taking the form of Kali cut off the head of Bhairo Nath. The cave where the Goddess hid is now a popular pilgrimage and is called Garbh Joon. Vaishno Devi is accessible all through the year; however, winter months are comparatively difficult for the visit.
The Yatra: The Yatra begins at Katra and pilgrims have to cover 13 km distance on foot to reach the Darbar. One kilometer away from Katra, is a place known as Banganga, where the Goddess quenches her thirst and at 6 km from here is the holy cave at Ardhkuwari, where it is believed the Goddess meditated for 9 months.
Mansa Devi temple is situated in Badi Lambore (Lambore Dham) village on Sadulpur-Malsisar-Jhunjhunu Road near Haridwar. The Mansa Devi temple got its name from the belief that the Goddess fulfils all the wishes of her devotees. The legend behind the temple is that the Goddess appeared in the dream of Seth Surajmalji, the head of Hamirwasiya family and asked him to build a temple. Surajmalji did as he was directed and gave the responsibility of the construction of the temple to his son. The temple was completed by 1975.
Temple Highlights: The temple is a complex with 41 rooms, yagnashala, Shri Lamboria Mahadevji temple, Shri Lamboria Balaji temple and a Singhdwar. The temple organizes various religious ceremonies throughout the year.
Situated on the banks of the River Baner, Chamunda Devi Temple is yet another important Durga temple in India. The sacred shrine is located a few kilometers from Palampur and has the deity in the wrathful form. Devotees who have faith in the Goddess offer prayers here for their ancestors. It is said that in the olden days, people sacrificed themselves to the Goddess as well. One can also find a beautiful pond inside the temple, which is believed to have sacred water.
Temple Highlights: The highlight of the temple is the deity is covered in a red cloth as it is considered extremely sacred. On either side of the deity are the idols of Lord Hanuman and Demon God Bhairo. Here Lord Shiva can be seen in the form of death and destruction. One can also find paintings of other Gods and Goddesses inside the temple complex.
One of the best-known temples of Guwahati is Kamakhya, situated on Nilachal Hill at a distance of about 8kms west of the city. This temple honors Goddess Kamakhya, who is believed to be the essence of female energy. Kamakhya Temple is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas of Goddess Durga. As far as the legend goes, Kamakhya came into existence when Lord Shiva was carrying the corpse of his wife Sati, and her Yoni (female genitalia) fell to the ground at the spot where the temple now stands.
The temple is in the natural cave that houses a spring. Down the flight of stairs to the bowel of earth, a dark chamber is located in the temple. Here is where the Yoni or the part of Sati that is believed to be draped in a silk sari and covered with flowers is kept. Kamakhya is known as an important temple for the Tantric sect, the shrine comes to life during the Ambubachi Fair and the Durga Puja.
A highly revered pilgrimage that attracts pilgrims from all over the country, Amba Mata Temple is situated in Junagadh, Gujarat. It is one of the most picturesque towns in India and is dotted with monuments and religious places. The town is situated at the base of the holy Girnar mountain making it an interesting place to visit in Gujarat.
Temple Highlights: Perched on the mountain is the temple of Amba Mata, which is dedicated to an incarnation of the mother Goddess. The temple is often visited by the nuptials that seek the blessing of the Goddess for eternal conjugal bliss. Amba Mata Temple dates back to the 12th century and it is believed that visiting this temple guarantees a happy married life. One can have some great views from the top of the mountain as well.
Situated along the Vivekananda Bridge north of Kolkata, Dakshineswar Kali Temple is famous for its association with Ramkrishna who is believed to have achieved spiritual vision here. This temple is said to be built by Rani Rashmoni in the year 1847.
Ramakrishna once served as the temple’s head priest here. It is believed that while worshiping in front of the statue of Kali, Ramakrishna would fall to the ground and, immersed in spiritual trance, lose all consciousness of the external world. It is how he achieved the spiritual vision here. The 12- spired temple has an enormous courtyard and is surrounded by 12 other temples that are dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Jwalaji temple is amongst the most popular Durga Temples in India. Situated 30 km south of Kangra valley, it is dedicated to Goddess Jwalamukhi who is a form of the mother Goddess. There are natural flames in the Jwalaji temple that are worshipped as a manifestation of the nine Goddesses – Mahakali, Unpurna, Chandi, Hinglaj, Bindhya Basni, Maha Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ambika and Anji Devi.
These flames burn continuously naturally, no fuel or assistance is required for it as it is seen erupting from a rock-side. According to a legend, when demons ruled over the Himalaya Mountains and harassed the gods, Lord Vishnu along with other gods decided to destroy them. They focused their strengths and huge flames rose from the ground and from that fire, a young girl took birth and she is regarded as Adishakti-the ‘First Power’, Jwalaji is said to be the same power and that is why is highly revered amongst the believers.
Dating back to 600 year, Karni Mata temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga in the form of Karni Mata. Legend has it that she prophesied the victory of Rao Bika. The unique feature of Karni Mata Temple is the population of rats that inhabit the shrine. Owing to the belief that the souls of the devotees of the Goddess have transformed into rats and consequently, they must be looked after.
The rats are also offered Prasadam and killing even one of them (even accidently) would make one eligible to repentance. Another highlight of the temple is its huge silver gates and the marble carvings that were donated by Maharaja Ganga Singh. The temple sees a massive crowd around the Navratri festival.
The highly famed Sri Chamundeshwari Temple in Mysore is located atop scenic Chamundi Hills. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chamundi, who is another incarnation of Goddess Durga. The shrine is believed to be built in the 12th century while its tower is relatively new and dates around 300 years old. Pilgrims come with a strong faith that the Goddess can help them to fulfill their needs.
Temple Highlights: The temple has seven storeys and has a 40-metre-high ‘gopuram’ adorned with intricate carvings. Major attraction of the temple is the idol of the Chamunda Devi, which is said to be made of pure gold. The gates of the temple are of silver, the shrine also boasts of a jewel Nakshatra-Malike which has 30 Sanskrit slokas inscribed on it. A 16-foot-high statue of the demon Mahishasura (the demon, the Goddess killed here to protect the area) near the temple is another important feature of Sri Chamundeshwari Temple.
Naina Devi Temple in Nainital is situated on the lakeside. Overlooking the lake, Naina Devi is a popular spot in Nainital. The legend has it that when Lord Shiva was carrying the burnt body of Sati, her eyes fell at the place where this temple is situated. Therefore, this temple got its name as Naina (eyes) Devi.
Temple Highlights: The temple has a courtyard where a big Peepal tree is situated on the left side. On the right side of the temple there are idols of Lord Hanuman and Ganesh. The main entrance of the temple has two statues of lions posted outside. Inside the temple, devotees can have darshan of three deities. On the extreme left is Kali Devi, the center representing two Netras or eyes is Maa Naina Devi and to the right side is the idol of Lord Ganesh.
Devi Patan temple is one amongst the 51 Shakti Peethas. Located 70 km from Gonda, the holy shrine is amidst the beauty of Himalayan terai. As per the legend, during the event when Lord Shiva was carrying the corpse of his wife Sati, the right shoulder of Sati fell here.
The existing temple here is reckoned to have been built by King Vikramaditya. In the 11th century King Suheldeo of Sravasti renovated the temple. A large fair takes place in Navratri and annually on Chaitra Panchami the deity of Pir Ratan Nath is brought from Dang in Nepal to the Devi Patan temple where it is worshipped along with the Devi.
Kanaka Durga is believed to be the Goddess of power, riches and benevolence. Being one of the forms of Goddess Durga, Kanaka is the presiding deity of the city of Vijayawada. The temple is set on the Indrakiladri hill and the deity is regarded as Swayambhu or self-manifested, hence is considered very powerful and sacred. She also takes the form of Chandi or destroyer of the demon Durgama who caused havoc among the peace-loving inhabitants of Dakshinapatha. It is believed that Adi Sankara visited this temple and installed the Sri Chakra here. The temple is also mentioned in the scriptures for several Sivalilas and Saktimahimas were enacted on and around it.
Kateel is a sacred place for Hindu devotees in South Karnataka situated 29kms from Mangalore city. Shree Durga Parameshwaru is an important temple in the state and is dedicated to Goddess Durga Parameshwari. Situated in the middle of the sacred river, Shree Durga Parameshwari Temple is surrounded by scenic landscape. On every Sankramana, devotees offer coconut sevas to the Goddess. Free meals are also offered to devotees and visitors every noon and night. Since Goddess Shree Durga Parameshwari is believed to enjoy dance and music, a play team is dedicated exclusively for the cultural activity of Yakshagana (folk play).
Temple Highlights: Before the main entrance to the temple a symbolic rock in the form of Goddess Rakteshwari is placed. Pooja is performed every day to Goddess Rakteshwari. There is also a shrine dedicated to Goddess Chamundi, who is another form of Goddess Durga Devi.
A short distance from Varanasi of 2kms is the 18th century Durga temple. Reckoned to have been built by a queen of Bengal, this temple has Nagara Style of architecture. Being one of the most popular Durga shrines in India, it is visited by a large number of devotees all through the years. It sits on the large rectangular tank called Durga Kund in the southern part of the city. According to few who serve this temple, the image of Durga is a self-manifest image, which had appeared here of its own accord. Goddess Durga is also believed to be the protector of the city of Varanasi and is one of the fierce goddess guardians of the zone.
Temple Highlights: A mighty structure, Durga Temple is built with a multi-tiered spire, which are formed by many small spires built one on top of the other. The temple is painted in red with ochre and is also known as the Monkey Temples due to several frisky monkeys.
Banashankari Temple is a famous Durga shrine in Karnataka. It is located at Cholachagudda, which is about 5 kms from Badami. Here Banashankari or Shakambari is considered the form of Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. As the temple is located in the Tilaka Aranya forest, the Goddess got her name as Banashankari or Vanashankari where ‘Van’ or ‘Ban’ means forest.
The Banashankari Temple is an old one and its original structure is said to have been built by the Chalukyas of Kalyan Banashankari who worshipped the Goddess as their Kuladevi. However, the existing temple is believed to have been built in the 17th century with a distinct Dravidian style of architecture. This shrine too has a legend behind it, according to the Skanda Purana it was here that Goddess killed a demon called Durgamasur.
Temple Highlights: The temple has a Blackstone deity of the Goddess. Here the Devi can be seen seated on a lion and trampling a demon by foot. The Goddess has eight arms holding trishul-damaru, kapal patra, ghanta, veda scripts and khadg-kheta. In front of the temple is a pond called ‘Haridra Tirtha’ which is enclosed by stone mantapas on the three sides. The best time to visit Banashankari Temple is between the months of January and February when a car festival is organized here.
Harsiddhi Maa Durga Devi Temple in Ujjain is one of the most popular shrines of Goddess Durga in India. It is one of the 51 sacred Shakti Peethas of Devi Sati. According to Shiva Purana, when Goddess Sati immolated herself in the sacrificial fire, her elbow dropped at this place.
Since then, it became a Shakti Peeth. Devotees from all over the world come to get the divine blessings of Devi Harsiddhi. The Sri Yantra which represents the nine forms of Goddess Durga is a symbol of power enshrined in this temple and it has a divine aura to it. Two tall pillars adorned with lamps which burn day and night for ages is an outstanding example of exquisite Maratha art.
The idol of Devi Harsiddhi is of dark vermillion colour and it is placed between the idols of Devi Saraswati and Devi Lakshmi. The temple looks awesome on the eve of Navaratri Festival.
The magnificence of Bhramaramba Temple in Srisailam has been luring the devotees for ages. It is one of the most popular temples of Goddess Durga in India. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhramaramba who is a form of Devi Parvati (Durga). A Shri Yantra which represents all the nine forms of Goddess Durga is enshrined in the Sanctum Sanctorum (Garba Griha) of the temple. Along with the idol of Goddess Bhramaramba, the idol of Lopamudra who was a wife of Saint Agastya is also worshipped. It is also one of the major Shakti Peethas in India as the neck of Devi Sati fell in this place.
Interesting Legend
As per the Legend, a demon named Arunasura was a great devotee of Lord Brahma. He worshipped him with unwavering dedication. Pleased with the devotion Lord Brahma gave him the boon that he would not be defeated by any two or four-legged living being. Arunasura after getting the boon started targeting Devas and Saints and because of his great powers Devas were not able to defeat him. They went to Goddess Durga and told her everything. On their request Goddess Durga took the form of Bhramarambika and created thousands of six legged bees to kill Arunasura. In this way Goddess Durga defeated Arunasura and protected the Devas and Saints.
Danteshwari Temple is one of the major Durga Temples in Batsar. It is one of the major Shakti Peethas in India where the tooth of Devi Sati fell when Lord Vishnu severed her body into 51 pieces to stop Shiva’s Tandav Dance. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari who is a form of Goddess Shakti. Danteshwari Temple was built by Kakatiya Rulers of Batsar in the 14th century.
The idol of Devi Danteshwari is made of black stone. The temple is a center of attraction during Bastar Dussehra Festival. Tribals from villages and jungles come here to get divine blessings and the idol of Danteshwari is taken out in possession during the Dussehra Festival. Devi Danteshwari is the presiding deity (kuldevi) of Bastar.
Also known as Viraja Kshetra, Biraja Temple is one of the major Shakti Peethas and a very popular Durga Devi Temple in India. The navel of Goddess Sati fell here. Biraja Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga who is worshipped here in the form of Goddess Girija.
The idol has two hands. On one hand she is holding the chest of Mahishasura (Buffalo) and on the other hand she is pulling his tail. According to the Skanda Purana, Biraja Temple has the power to cleanse the pilgrims.
The temple looks magnificent during Sharadiya Durga Puja which is celebrated every year with great pomp and show. The carved sculptures of various eras on the temple walls will melt your heart with delight.
Deep in the forests of Seondha in the Datia District of Madhya Pradesh, the temple of Ratangarh Mata is one of the most famous Durga Devi Temples in India. It was built by a rajput King of erstwhile Pawaya Kingdom, Ratan Sen in the late 11th and early 12th century.
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. Every year thousands of devotees come to this temple to get the blessings of Goddess Durga who is worshipped in the form of Devi Ratangarh. Devotees also seek divine blessings from Kunwar Maharaj.
