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Maa Sharda Temple, Maihar

Trikut hill, Maihar, Maihar district, Madhya Pradesh

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Maa Sharda Temple, Maihar
Photo: LRBurdak, CC BY-SA 3.0

Traditions differ: Lists of the Shakti Peeths differ. The temple's tradition says Sati's necklace fell here, while the Ramgiri (Devi Shivani) peeth of the classic list is placed by some at Chitrakoot and by others at Maihar.

About

The temple of Maa Sharda sits on top of Trikut hill at Maihar in Madhya Pradesh, about 600 feet above the plain. Maa Sharda is worshipped as a form of Maa Saraswati, the Devi of learning, wisdom and music, and devotees lovingly call her Sharda Mai. Pilgrims climb more than a thousand steps for darshan. Many devotees count the temple among the Shakti Peeths. It is also linked with the story of Alha and Udal, the brave brothers of the folk epic Alha-khand, who were her devoted bhakts. The temple is run by the Maa Sharda Prabandh Samiti.

The story

The Shakti Peeth story tells how Sati, daughter of Daksha Prajapati, married Shiv ji against her father's wishes. When Daksha held a great yagya, he did not invite Shiv ji and insulted him before everyone. Unable to bear this, Sati gave up her body at the yagya. Shiv ji was filled with grief and anger. To save the world, Vishnu ji divided Sati's body, and wherever the parts fell, Shakti Peeths arose. Devotees believe that Sati's necklace fell at Maihar. The temple's own story belongs to Alha and Udal. It is said that these brave brothers were the first to find the Devi's shrine in the forest on Trikut hill, and that Alha lovingly called her 'Sharda Mai'. Alha is believed to have done tapasya for twelve years, and the Devi blessed him with deathless life. Many devotees believe that even today Alha comes first, in the early hours of Brahma muhurta, to worship her. At the foot of the hill, Alha's pond and akhara are still shown to pilgrims.

Visiting

October to March is the best time; both Navratri melas draw lakhs of pilgrims. Wear comfortable footwear for the climb and carry water. At the foot of the hill are Alha's pond and akhara, and the Alha Dev temple and the Gola Math temple are nearby. Satna is about 36 km away and Katni about 55 km.

Festivals

  • Chaitra Navratri mela
  • Sharad (Ashwin) Navratri mela

Famous temples

Sources