Author: BhaktiParv.com
India, the land of spirituality and devotion, is home to countless temples dedicated to Goddess Durga — the divine mother who symbolizes strength, courage, and protection. Every year, millions of devotees travel across the country to seek her blessings, especially during Navratri. From the snow-capped Himalayas to the coastal plains of Tamil Nadu, every corner of India celebrates the glory of Maa Durga in its unique way.
In this article, let’s explore the Top 10 Famous Durga Temples in India that every devotee must visit at least once in their lifetime. These temples are not only sacred but also represent India’s deep-rooted cultural heritage and spiritual power.
1. Vaishno Devi Temple – Jammu & Kashmir
Nestled in the Trikuta Hills, the Vaishno Devi Temple is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India. Devotees trek around 13 kilometers from Katra to reach the sacred cave where Mata Vaishno Devi resides in the form of three pindis — representing Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati.
video for this Temple -> https://youtu.be/BUqelXLI66o?si=LCnraokBoxPEqFzH
Highlights:
- Pilgrimage route filled with chants of “Jai Mata Di.”
- Helicopter services available for devotees.
- Best time to visit: Navratri, when the temple glows with divine energy.
Visiting Vaishno Devi is believed to fulfill every true wish made with a pure heart.
2. Kamakhya Temple – Guwahati, Assam
Situated atop the Nilachal Hills, Kamakhya Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and a highly revered shrine in Northeast India. The temple is unique because the goddess is worshipped in her menstruating form, symbolizing the creative power of womanhood.
Video for this Temple -> https://youtu.be/3GdnMTaa_MI?si=VOGSE8K9kPHgmp4Y
Spiritual Significance:
It is believed that Sati’s womb fell here, making it a place of immense spiritual importance. Every year, the Ambubachi Mela celebrates the menstruation of the goddess.
Best time to visit: June (Ambubachi Mela) and during Navratri.
3. Dakshineswar Kali Temple – Kolkata, West Bengal
Located on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, the Dakshineswar Kali Temple is one of the most beautiful temples dedicated to Goddess Bhavatarini, a form of Maa Kali (Durga). It was built by Rani Rashmoni in 1855 and gained immense fame due to the presence of the mystic saint Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa.
Video for this Temple -> https://youtu.be/kkYzY07goyw?si=V9ryZ9kPuIfirQkB
Why visit:
- The temple complex has 12 Shiva shrines and a beautiful Ganga ghat.
- A peaceful and powerful place that inspires devotion and meditation.
Best time: During Durga Puja, when the temple comes alive with rituals, lights, and festive spirit.
4. Mansa Devi Temple – Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Located atop the Bilwa Parvat on the Shivalik Hills, the Mansa Devi Temple is one of the most visited shrines in North India. Devotees believe that tying a sacred thread on the temple’s tree fulfills their wishes.
Video for this Temple -> https://youtu.be/xujYGfyOXvg?si=EttfuXgyN00M_sYi
Highlights:
- Ropeway ride offers a panoramic view of Haridwar.
- The goddess is considered a wish-fulfilling deity.
- Perfect blend of devotion and natural beauty.
A visit to Mansa Devi during Navratri holds special spiritual importance.
5. Jwala Devi Temple – Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
The Jwala Devi Temple is one of the most sacred Shakti Peethas, where the goddess is worshipped in the form of eternal flames burning from the rocks. It is said that Sati’s tongue fell here, and since then, the flames have burned continuously without any fuel.
Video for this Temple ->https://youtu.be/nf-nwIQtfhU?si=jcofVopPlupBHrNz
Why it’s special:
- The temple’s natural flames are considered manifestations of Maa Durga’s power.
- A must-visit during Navratri and other major Hindu festivals.
Location: About 35 km from Kangra town, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Himalayas.
6. Kanaka Durga Temple – Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
Perched on the Indrakeeladri Hills along the banks of the Krishna River, the Kanaka Durga Temple is one of the most important Durga temples in South India. The goddess here is worshipped as “Kanaka Durga,” meaning the Golden Goddess.
Video for this Temple ->https://youtu.be/SlAzOaFzUds?si=4qaSVzR79X2xuAJz
Highlights:
- The temple comes alive during Dussehra celebrations.
- Offers breathtaking views of the Krishna River and the city of Vijayawada.
According to legend, Goddess Durga slew the demon Mahishasura here, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
7. Chamundeshwari Temple – Mysuru, Karnataka
The Chamundeshwari Temple stands majestically on Chamundi Hills, overlooking the royal city of Mysuru. The goddess here, an incarnation of Durga, is the presiding deity of the Mysuru royal family.
Video for this Temple ->https://youtu.be/NtR5eZplFlw?si=Dm9MPjpCVlvjaXL2
Why visit:
- The temple’s architecture is a masterpiece of Dravidian style.
- The city celebrates Mysuru Dasara with grandeur, reflecting the goddess’s power.
Spiritual note: It’s said that Maa Chamundeshwari killed the demon Mahishasura right here, symbolizing the eternal triumph of righteousness.
8. Ambaji Temple – Banaskantha, Gujarat
Located near the Arasur Hills of Gujarat, the Ambaji Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, where the heart of Goddess Sati is believed to have fallen. The goddess is worshipped as Arasuri Amba, a powerful form of Durga.
Video for this Temple ->https://youtu.be/AkwMSCJrsTI?si=MukD-ayhTgJjHGCJ
Highlights:
- No idol worship — the main sanctum houses a sacred yantra.
- The temple’s Navratri celebrations are filled with Garba and devotion.
- Beautifully decorated with lights and flowers during festivals.
Devotees from Gujarat and Rajasthan visit here throughout the year seeking blessings for health, wealth, and happiness.
9. Kalighat Kali Temple – Kolkata, West Bengal
Another iconic temple of Maa Kali, the Kalighat Temple in Kolkata is considered one of the most important Shakti Peethas. It’s believed that the right toe of Sati fell here. The temple is known for its intense spiritual energy and ancient rituals.
Video for this Temple ->https://youtu.be/QT-DvifYmiI?si=YN_I-s6TqX-Fjwda
Why visit:
- One of the 51 Shakti Peethas.
- The temple is associated with the Tantric traditions of Bengal.
- A divine experience for those seeking blessings from Maa Kali.
Tip: Visit early morning to avoid long queues and experience peaceful darshan.
10. Durga Temple – Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Known as the Monkey Temple due to the presence of many monkeys, the Durga Mandir in Varanasi is one of the oldest and most revered temples in India. The temple is built in Nagara style and painted in red, symbolizing power and strength.
Video for this Temple -> https://youtu.be/lAvjlvJp3ic?si=JDuT2ahivSmhfQKn
Highlights:
- Believed to have been built in the 18th century by a Bengali queen.
- A major attraction during Navratri when thousands of devotees visit daily.
- The holy Ganga nearby adds to the temple’s divine charm.
The temple signifies the eternal energy of Goddess Durga, who protects her devotees from evil and suffering.
Spiritual Essence of Visiting Durga Temples
Visiting these temples is not just about religious rituals — it’s a journey of awakening and transformation. Each temple carries a different form of the goddess, symbolizing various aspects of life like power, wisdom, purity, and courage. Devotees believe that Maa Durga removes negativity and grants strength to face challenges with positivity and determination.
When you visit these temples, you experience a connection with divine energy that purifies your mind, body, and soul.
Final Thoughts
The Top 10 Famous Durga Temples in India are more than just places of worship — they are centers of divine power, heritage, and faith. Whether it’s the eternal flames of Jwala Devi, the sacred caves of Vaishno Devi, or the royal charm of Chamundeshwari Temple, each shrine tells a story of devotion and spiritual strength.
If you’re planning a spiritual journey, make sure to include these holy temples in your travel list during Navratri 2025. Each temple will bless you with divine peace and guide you toward a path of positivity, courage, and fulfillment.
May Maa Durga bless you with health, happiness, and prosperity.
Jai Mata Di!
FAQs
Q1. Which is the most famous Durga temple in India?
The Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu & Kashmir is considered the most famous Durga temple in India, attracting millions of devotees every year.
Q2. Which Durga temple is known for eternal flames?
The Jwala Devi Temple in Himachal Pradesh is known for its natural eternal flames that burn continuously from the rocks.
Q3. When is the best time to visit Durga temples in India?
The best time is during Navratri, celebrated twice a year (March–April and September–October).
Q4. Which Durga temple is located on a hill?
Temples like Vaishno Devi, Chamundeshwari, and Mansa Devi are beautifully located on hilltops, offering both scenic and spiritual experiences.
Q5. Are all Durga temples open during Navratri?
Yes, most temples remain open throughout Navratri, with special aartis, pujas, and festivals during the nine days.
Category: Navratri 2025 | Goddess Durga | Hindu Festivals