SAPTASHRUNGI DEVI TEMPLE - NASHIK

Saptashrungi Devi is Durga Devi. Saptashrungi Devi Temple is located at Vani a place near the city of Nashik in the state of Maharashtra.

This temple is one among the 51 Shakti peethas located on the Indian subcontinent. The Devi is said be swayambhu (self-manifested) on a rock on the sheer face of a mountain. She is surrounded by seven (sapta-in Sanskrit) peaks (shrunga-in Sanskrit), hence the name- Sapta Shrungi Mata (mother of the seven peaks). The image of the Devi is huge-about 10 feet tall with 18 hands, holding various weapons. The idol is always coated with Sindoor, which is considered auspicious in this region. She is also known as Mahishasur Mardini, the slayer of the demon Mahishasur, who took the form of a buffalo.

Mahishasur Mandir

It is believed that the Devi Mahatmya, a sacred book which extols the greatness of Devi and her exploits, was composed at this place by the sage Markandeya. He performed rigorous penance on a hill opposite the one where the Devi resides; it is now named after him. The temple, which is on the side of the cliff, is 1230 meters above sea level. There is an old path with steps cut out of the mountain, which starts right at the foothills at Vani and goes all the way to the mountain.

A motorable road has been built, which goes up to an altitude of 1150 meters. From this place one has to climb around 500 steps to reach the shrine, which takes about 45 minutes.

LEGENDS :

Saptashrung mountain was a part of the forest called Dandakaranya mentioned in the Ramayana. It is mentioned that Lord Rama, along with Seeta, had come here to pray to Amba and seek her blessings.

• For those who cannot climb even this, there are “dolis” (chairs carried by 4 people) available 
• Devotees visit this place in large numbers every day. 

HOW TO REACH :

Saptashrungi Devi Temple is located at kalwan Tahasil in Nashik District in Maharashtra State of India. The temple is well connected with the city of Nashik with state transport buses. The closest and highly connected city from   Saptashrungi devi temple is Nashik city.

                                  

  By Road: Distance between Nashik - Vani 60 kms.

                  

  By rail : Nashik Road , which is 60 kms away from Saptashrungi Devi Temple.

                 

   By air  : Nashik