Shakumbhri Devi Temple Peeth dedicated to Goddess Shakti or Durga is an ancient Hindu shrine located in Jasmor village in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Shakumbhri Peeth comprises of two temples, one of Shakumbhri Devi and the other of Bhura deva. Besides this place, places near Badami and Sambhar Lake are dedicated to the Goddess.
Those who are aware of the legend of Goddess Durga and the demon Mahishashura, would be excited to know that this place is considered to be the exact place where the demon was slain by the mother Goddess. The place is considered extremely holy and sacred because the Goddess performed worship and meditation for around 100 years. She followed a strict vrat; during the meal which she consumed only once every month and that too on the last day. Many saints as well as seers visited her during this period and she served them vegetarian meal as well. The tradition of eating vegetarian food during certain festive occasions was popularized from this concept itself. The name ‘Shakumbhri’ has also being derived from it.
The temple at Saharanpur
Though several other cities have got Shakumbhri Devi temples, the one in Saharanpur Uttar Pradesh deserves special mention. The Pundir Rajputs during the reign of the Rajput ruler Rana Bahadur Singh Pundir constructed the temple and popularized it. Though it is technically not one of the ancient ‘peethas’, it is considered one because of the prowess of the divine feminine, Goddess Shakti. The faith that devotees all over India have on Goddess, attracts lakhs of people every year. Today, the temple has been maintained beautifully by the authorities and the shrine of the Goddess is visible for viewing to all its devotees. For the convenience and comfort of the devotees, a properly covered corridor had been constructed to connect the outer verandah along with the main gate of the temple. Shri Radha Kishen, who was Treasurer of the temple during the reign of Ranas of Jasamour, had made great contributions to the temple in the form of donations. It should also be said in the context that the temple is easily accessible to people who can reach up to Saharanpur in train.
Fair and festivities
During the Durga Puja and several other pujas concerning the Goddess, the temple lights up with devotees and elaborate rituals. The Ashwin and Chaitra months of the Hindu calendar, i.e., during the ‘Navratri’ festivals, Shakumbhri meals are arranged. Devotees swram to the temple during these months to seek the blessings of the goddess and receive the Prasad. The roads are thus well-maintained during the months to keep a continued channel of communication going.
Those who are aware of the legend of Goddess Durga and the demon Mahishashura, would be excited to know that this place is considered to be the exact place where the demon was slain by the mother Goddess. The place is considered extremely holy and sacred because the Goddess performed worship and meditation for around 100 years. She followed a strict vrat; during the meal which she consumed only once every month and that too on the last day. Many saints as well as seers visited her during this period and she served them vegetarian meal as well. The tradition of eating vegetarian food during certain festive occasions was popularized from this concept itself. The name ‘Shakumbhri’ has also being derived from it.
The temple at Saharanpur
Though several other cities have got Shakumbhri Devi temples, the one in Saharanpur Uttar Pradesh deserves special mention. The Pundir Rajputs during the reign of the Rajput ruler Rana Bahadur Singh Pundir constructed the temple and popularized it. Though it is technically not one of the ancient ‘peethas’, it is considered one because of the prowess of the divine feminine, Goddess Shakti. The faith that devotees all over India have on Goddess, attracts lakhs of people every year. Today, the temple has been maintained beautifully by the authorities and the shrine of the Goddess is visible for viewing to all its devotees. For the convenience and comfort of the devotees, a properly covered corridor had been constructed to connect the outer verandah along with the main gate of the temple. Shri Radha Kishen, who was Treasurer of the temple during the reign of Ranas of Jasamour, had made great contributions to the temple in the form of donations. It should also be said in the context that the temple is easily accessible to people who can reach up to Saharanpur in train.
Fair and festivities
During the Durga Puja and several other pujas concerning the Goddess, the temple lights up with devotees and elaborate rituals. The Ashwin and Chaitra months of the Hindu calendar, i.e., during the ‘Navratri’ festivals, Shakumbhri meals are arranged. Devotees swram to the temple during these months to seek the blessings of the goddess and receive the Prasad. The roads are thus well-maintained during the months to keep a continued channel of communication going.
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