The Vindhyavasini Devi Temple
The Vindhyavasini Devi Temple, located near the town of Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, is a prominent pilgrimage site dedicated to the goddess Vindhyavasini, a form of Goddess Kali. Situated approximately 8 kilometers from Mirzapur, the temple holds significant religious importance as one of the revered Shakti Peethas. The temple’s deity, Vindhyavasini (also referred to as Kajala Devi), is believed to embody both divine grace and maternal love, drawing devotees from across India.
Although situated near the River Ganges, it is important to clarify that the Ganga does not directly pass through the temple. However, the temple’s proximity to this holy river enhances its spiritual significance.
The temple is particularly renowned for its vibrant Navaratri celebrations, which occur twice a year, in April and October, attracting large numbers of pilgrims. Due to its proximity to the sacred city of Varanasi, many visitors to Varanasi often include Vindhyavasini Devi Temple in their pilgrimage, making it a popular destination for devotees traveling by road.
Overall, the temple serves as a vital center for spiritual journeys, attracting pilgrims and devotees from various parts of India due to its historical and religious importance.
Kalikoh Temple
The Kalikoh Temple, located approximately 2 kilometers from the main Vindhyavasini Devi Temple near Mirzapur, is another important site for devotees of Goddess Kali. This temple, set within sacred caves, is believed to be where Goddess Maha Kali resides. It forms a significant part of the pilgrimage, often visited alongside the Vindhyavasini and Ashtabhuja Devi temples, completing a revered triad of shrines in the region.
Goddess Maha Kali is worshiped here as the powerful deity who vanquished the demon Raktabeeja, a figure in Hindu mythology symbolizing the victory of good over evil. This site holds immense spiritual significance, and devotees visiting the area often include the Kalikoh Temple as part of their pilgrimage to seek the blessings of the goddess.
Ashtabhuji Devi Temple
The Ashtabhuji Devi Temple, situated atop the Vindhya mountain ranges, holds significant historical and mythological importance. According to local tradition, it is believed that the temple is dedicated to the goddess who, as a child born to Devaki and Vasudeva, escaped the clutches of the tyrant king Kansa. This girl, who is considered an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, is said to have found refuge in these mountains.
The temple, located within a cave, is dedicated to Ashtabhuji Devi, who is revered as a form of Goddess Parvati, embodying strength and protection. The temple is located approximately 3 kilometers from the Vindhyavasini Devi Temple and can be easily accessed from Mirzapur. It is a key site for pilgrims, who often visit it as part of a spiritual journey through the temples in the Vindhya region.
