Top 8 Hindu Temples in India Dedicated to Goddess Durga

Story of Durga

There was a devil Mahishasura who grew extremely powerful and merciless, threatening the entire universe and creating chaos all over. He was given a boon that only a female could kill him so male gods were unable to control him. Due to this reason, all the gods contributed and collected their energies in one place, especially the Trinity gods (Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh) and created a female goddess known as goddess Durga. Goddess Durga conquered the devil Mahishasura and relieved the world from him.

India is dotted with numerous temples dedicated to the goddess Durga which are the masterpiece of phenomenal architecture and wondrous unrevealed spiritual myths.

Vaishno Devi Temple:

One of the most popular and revered temples in India, Vaishno Devi Temple is situated in the Trikuta Hills in Katra, Jammu. Visited by millions of devotees throughout the year the temple is the most pious one. People visit this temple with desires which are fulfilled by the blessings of Goddess Durga. The deity in the temple is in the form of five and a half feet tall rock having three heads or Pindies. Devotees offer a red drape (saree) or chunri to the mother goddess and worship her.

Chamunda Devi Temple:

Flaunting one of the mesmerizing vistas, Chamunda Devi Temple is located in Dharamshala Tehsil of Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to the daunting form of Chandi, mother goddess Durga. As per the myths demons, Chand and Mund came to kill Devi Mahakali as a result were conquered by Devi Mahakali who is popularly worshipped as Chamunda or Chamundeshwari devi.

Kamakhya Temple, Assam:

Counted amongst the oldest 51 Shaktipeethas, Kamakhya Temple is the Hindu temple settled in the Nilachal hills in Guwahati, in the state of Assam. The temple is dedicated to the mother Goddess Kamakhya which according to myths is the spot where Devi Sati used to retire in secret to satisfy her amour with Shiva.

It is the place where yoni (genitals, womb) the body part of Devi Sati fell after she burnt herself in the fire.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple:

Located in the state of West Bengal, Dakshineswar Kali Temple is the prominent temple in the city of Kolkata. The temple is situated on the banks of the Hooghly River which is dedicated to the deity Bhavatarini, a form of Parashakti Adya Kali. the temple was built by Rani Rashmoni, a philanthropist and a devotee of Kali. The temple is connected to Ramakrishna and Ma Sarada Devi as per the known facts.

Amba Mata Temple, Gujarat:

Another adorning the list is the Amba Mata Temple in the beautiful state of Gujarat. The temple is popular for its connections with sites of cultural heritage. Also referred to as Arasur Amba the temple has been worshipped since the pre-Vedic period.

Maa Jwala Ji Temple, Himachal Pradesh:

Another most visited temple dedicated to goddess Durga is Jwala ji Temple in Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the most auspicious Shaktipeeth amongst 51. Settled in the stunning location of the Shivalik range of Kangra the temple offers a panoramic view of the mountains around. The deity of goddess Durga is worshipped in the form of jwala or the flame of fire or light.

Chamundeshwari Temple, Karnatak:

Sri Chamundeshwari Temple is dedicated to the fierce form of goddess Durga known as ‘Chamundi’. The temple is located in the southwestern state of India Karnataka which is about 13 km away from Mysuru. Devi Chamunda in this form is popular as the slayer of demons like Chanda, Munda and Mahishasura. The temple is the most revered one and is visited by many devotees every year from around the globe.

Bamleshwari Devi Temple, Chhattisgarh:

Bamleshwari Devi Temple is one of the most prestigious religious shrines in the city of Dongargarh in the Rajnandgaon district in the state of Chhattisgarh. Though the temple is visited by lakhs of devotees every year, the major crowd of devotees that can be experienced is during the Navratri festival.