Saptashrungi Devi Mandir

The Hindu temple Saptashrungi Devi Mandir is close to the village of Nanduri. The temple sits on a cliff 1,230 meters above sea level and honors Goddess Saptashrungi. It is also famous as Mahishasura Mardini and killed the demon Mahishasura. Many people know it as one of the "three and a half Shakti Peethas" in Maharashtra.

People can find it as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in the Indian region. 'Saptashrungi' means seven mountain peaks,' which refers to the hill area with seven hills. The Saptashrungi Goddess is worshiped among these peaks. In Nashik tour packages, this is a must-see spot.

What is Saptashrungi Devi Temple famous for?

Many call the temple one of Maharashtra's "three and a half Shakta pithas." People consider the temple one of the 51 Shakta pithas in India, and they believe that Sati's (Lord Shiva's wife) right arm fell there, making it a key spot included in many Nashik tour packages.

History of Saptashrungi Devi Temple

One of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India is Saptashrungi Temple. It is believed to be the site where Sati's right arm dropped. The other three and a half Shakti Peethas in Maharashtra are the Mahalakshmi Temple in Kolhapur, the Tulja Bhavani Temple, and the Renuka Mata Temple in Mahur. This temple is devoted to the goddess Saptashrungi. These four churches represent Omkara's four components: A, U, M, and Bindu.

Another legend states that the powerful goddess assumed the appearance of Devi Durga in order to overcome Mahishasura, that is, buffalo demon, in Saptashrungi. Numerous legends tell that Devi Saptashrungi Nivasini resides in Saptashrungi after she vanquished Mahishasura. In tribute to this triumph, there exists a huge monument of a buffalo's head by the entrance gate of the temple, and in the front porch of the temple, there stands a Trishul with lamp and bells.

Features of the Temple

•    On a cliff encircled by seven mountain peaks (thus "Saptashrungi," meaning "seven peaks"), the temple offers panoramic vistas and a spectacular natural setting.

•    Architecture: The two-story temple faces a natural cave that serves as the sanctuary. Inside this cave, a steep rock face holds the goddess' idol. The complex includes the main shrine, prayer halls, entrance gate (Pravesh Dwar), assembly hall (Sabha Mandap), circumambulation path, and rest houses.

•    Deity Iconography: Goddess Saptashrungi's 8-10-foot self-manifested (swayambhu) statue holds 18 divine weapons and emblems. These include the trishula (trident), Sudarshan chakra, bow and arrow, conch, bell, mace, and lotus. People cover the idol in sindoor (vermilion) and decorate it with gold and silver on special occasions.

•    Religious significance: Sati's right arm landed in one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. People worship Mahalakshmi and Mahishasura Mardini at the temple, making it a potent Shakti hub.

•    Daily pujas and unique Navratri rituals like Maha Aarti and Durga Saptashati are spiritual practices. People worship with coconuts, flowers, sarees, and vows (Navas).