Navratri is a festival of nine days, observed by Hindu population in India. The Navratri which is celebrated post monsoons in also known as Sharad Navratri. The auspicious festival of nine days has kick-started in India from 21st September 2017, Thursday. People across the country and also the Hindus around the world observe fasts to celebrate the nine-day festival. In several places like West Bengal, Gujarat, Maharashtra, etc Pandals are set up and feasts are served. Throughout the nine days, nine incarnations or Avatars of Goddess Durga are worshipped and prayers are sought. Some devotees offer their prayers at home itself while some visit special temples established in different parts of India. Many famous temples of Durga Maa is situated in India along with popular 51 Shakti Peeths. Here is the list of some of the most popular Durga temples in India.
Naina Devi Temple, Bilaspur
It is located in the Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi, who is considered one of the 51 Shakti Peeths. It is the place where Goddess Sati’s eyes fell, hence the name Naina Devi is designated.
Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati
Kamakhya Mandir is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths. It is located on hills of Nilachal in the Guwahati city of Assam. The temple is dedicated to Kamakhya Devi and is also a major hub for Tantric practices. Ambubachi Mela is very popular along with Durga Puja in Navratri.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Kolkata
It is the most famous temple of Goddess Kail situated on the bank of Hooghly river in Dakshineshwar near Kolkata, West Bengal. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhavatarini, an incarnation of Goddess Kali.
Karni Mata Temple
Situated in Deshnoke, Rajasthan, this temple is dedicated to Karni Mata. Karni Mata is said to be one of the incarnations of Goddess Durga. This festival is famous for its thousands of holy rats, thus also known as ‘Temple of Rats’.
Danteshwari Temple, Dantewada
Located in Dantewada district of Chattisgarh, the temple is dedicated to Mata Danteshwari. IT is one of the 51 Shakti Peeth shrines of Maa Aadi Shakti. It is the site where Maa Sati’s tooth fell, hence the name fell Dantewada.
Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur
It is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths shrines. Located in the city of Kolhapur in Maharashtra, the temple nests an idol made up of precious black stone with 3 feet height. It weighs around 40 kgs.
Ambaji Temple, Banaskantha
The temple is situated in Banaskantha district of Gujarat, near famous hill station Mount Abu. It is also one of the 51 Shakti Peeths of Goddess Shakti. This temple is one of the most famous shrines in India.
Sirsangi Kalika Temple, Belgaum
Shri Kalika Devi Mandir is situated in the Belgaum district of Karnataka. It is dedicated to Maa Kali. There are many Kalka or Kalika Temple situated in India like Kalka Mandir of Delhi, Maha Kali Mandir in Jammu & Kashmir, Kalika Mata Temple Rajasthan and Mahamaya Kalika devi Temple, Goa.
Durga Mandir, Varanasi
This temple is also known as ‘Monkey Temple’ for obvious reasons. The temple is situated in the southern part of city in Ramnagar of Banaras. It receives thousands of devotees every day.
Jwala Ji Devi Temple, Kangra
As the name suggests, a set of flames keeps burning off in the place. It is also one of the 51 Shakti Peeths of Goddess Shakti. The temple is situated in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.
