Maihar Devi Temple is situated in the Satna district and is sacred to goddess Shakti, who is also known as the Sharda Devi. The temple is situated atop the Trikut Hill and to reach the main shrine, tourists will have to either climb 1603 steps or can take ropeway.
Shrine’s History
The history begins from the Yajna organised by Daksha, father-in-law of Lord Shiva. He willingly failed to invite Lord Shiva to show that he could do things without Him. Dakshayani, despite Her fathers indifference to Her Lord, argued with Him, visited the Yajna place and scolded Her father. Unable to bear the humiliation at Her fathers hands, She fell in the Yajna pit and ended Her life. Furious Shiva destroyed the yajna through Veerabadra. He appeared there and played His Rudra Thandava holding the body of Mother Sasi Devi. All the worlds trembled and a total end appeared to have been nearing.
Lord Vishnu appeared at the place, softened Lord Shiva and cut the body of Mother Sasidevi to pieces with His discus. The parts fell in 51 places being worshipped by devotees as 51 Shakti Peetas now. Her chest fell in this place. Maihar means Mother Home. The temple is at the top of the Trikooda Hills. Mother Sharada Devi is also praised as Saraswathi Devi. There is an inscription at the feet of the stone idol of Mother. The Narasimha idol in the temple is also very old. It is said that a devotee Noopula Deva by name installed these idols in the temple in the year AD 502.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By RoadThe nearest Bus stop is Maihar. By RailThe nearest Railway station is Maihar Railway StationBy AirDomestic Airport of Jabalpur (160 km) and Khajuraho (140 km) serve as the nearest points for flight landings. From here, the city is a small distance away, which could be covered either by train, bus or car.
Shrine Timings
The temple is open from 5.00 a.m. to 8.00 a.m. and from 6.00 p.m. to 10.00 a.m.
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Navaratri
Extra Information About this Shrine
The temple is on a hill. There are 1063 steps to reach the temple.Road facility is also available for vehicles to a particular point only. People have to take the steps for the remaining distance. Rope car is provided for the disabled and the aged. Lodging facilities are available at the foot of the hill. Devotees from Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Himachal Pradesh throng the temple to pray to Mother Sharada Devi.Devotee tourists to the temple are estimated to be about 10 lakhs in a year.