The journey to Shakumbari Devi is about faith, devotion and love for the Divine Mother. The journey to Her holy feet begins with the Divine call from the Mother Herself. It is said, when the Mother calls Her Divine Grace takes care of all the necessary details. All you need to take to the Mother is a grateful and a loving heart. The Mother provides you with everything and asks nothing in return. Such is Her love for all beings.
Nestled in the Shivalik moutain range, 40 kms from the town of Saharanpur in Uttar pradesh, Shakumbari Devi Shrine is easy accessible year-round, by road from both Saharanpur and Dehradun. The nearest railhead is Saharanpur and the nearest air head is Dehradun. From Sharanpur or Dehradun you can take either taxis, buses or use private cars to reach Shakumbari Devi. Either from Saharanpur or Dehradun, you have to first reach the town of Behat. From Behat there is a separate road to go to Shakumbari Devi. From Behat, you also have an option of taking a tonga (horse carriage) or a Vikram (mini-bus) to the Shrine.
You can go to Shakumbari Devi any time during the year and have the Darshan easily. However, during the Navratri period and on some other important Hindu festivals, it is very crowded and you may have to wait for a long time to get the Darshan.
The legend of Maa Shakumbari is mentioned in Sri Durga Saptashati of the Markandaya Puran. It is said that during a time of severe drought, when there was no water on earth, Maa Shakumbari grew vegetables on her body to sustain human life at that time. Hence, she came to be know as Shakumbari, 'Shak' meaning vegetables.
There are several legends associated with the idols and the temple. Some people believe that the temple was constructed by the Marathas, while some believe that Adi Shankracharya, practised his penance (tapasya) here and the idols were installed by him.
The popularity of this temple has been increasing day-by-day and it is beginning to get crowded. During the time of Navratri, which is twice a year, a fair is held and it is very crowded.
About one kilometer east of Shakumabari Devi Temple is the temple of Bhura Dev. He is considered to be the guard of the Devi. Hence, before visiting the main shrine, people have a darshan of the Bhura Dev.
Around the temple, there are several shops selling the prasad, and toys for little children and other trinkets and souveniers. The temple has an associated Dharamshala that provides overnight accomodation to the travellers. It is advisable to carry your own food and water.
May the Mother's blessings be always on you.
JAI MAA SHAKUMBARI.
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5 comments:
hi,
i needed some information on shakumbari devi temple. i heard that there is a tree there where one can tie a thread for any desire . is it so.. or is some other temple nearby ?
please help me find it..
further to my comment just now, could you please send me a mail at sandeep376@yahoo.com if you find any information regarding such temple where one needs to tie a thread for a desire, pl do let me know. i only know that it is shakumbari devi or some other temple nearby
Hi Deep,
Unfortunately, I am not aware of tying the thread for fulfilling desire neither I am aware of any other temple in the vicinity that allows that. I am not very familiar with the Shakumbari area. The only reason for putting up this site is to help people spread information about Shakumbari Devi.
Hope you find what you are looking for.
Thanks for visiting my blog, i have updated it today, 13.02.2010 and request you to see it again and inform to as many people as you can to spread the awareness about Maa Shakambari.
Just started Blogging hobby recentle. So randomnly i came accross your blog through your comment on another blog.
good to see your blog on Shakambari Ma.
I love mata parvati a lot and all her aspects are equally dear to me.
keep posting such good stuff. Thanks!
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