Chaitra Navratri, the nine-day-long festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm in different parts of India. From the bustling streets of Gujarat to the serene surroundings of the Himalayas, Navratri celebrations are a feast for the senses. During this auspicious time, devotees fast, dance and pray to honor the divine feminine energy. As a traveler, Navratri offers a unique opportunity to witness and experience the rich cultural heritage and traditions of India. So, let's take a journey together to explore the diverse and colorful ways Navratri is celebrated in different regions of India.
Vaishno Devi Temple: Jammu & Kashmir
The Vaishno Devi Temple is a Hindu shrine dedicated to the goddess Vaishno Devi, located in the Trikuta Mountains in the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The temple is situated at an altitude of 5,300 feet and is considered one of the most revered places of worship in India. It is believed that the goddess herself calls her devotees to the shrine, and those who visit her with pure hearts and strong faith are blessed with her grace and blessings.
(Image Credit: The Indian Express)
The temple attracts millions of devotees from all over the world every year. The journey to the temple involves a steep trek of around 13 km from the base camp at Katra, which takes approximately 6-8 hours to complete. The shrine comprises three natural rock formations, known as the Pindis, which are worshipped as the three forms of the goddess- Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Saraswati.
How to Reach Vaishno Devi Temple from New Delhi
- 12919 | MALWA EXPRESS – New Delhi (NDLS) to Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK)
- 22439 | SVDK VANDEBHARAT – New Delhi (NDLS) to Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK)
- 14033 | JAMMU MAIL – Old Delhi (DLI) to Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK)
Maa Dhari Devi Temple: Uttarakhand
Maa Dhari Devi is a Hindu goddess worshiped mainly in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. She is considered to be an incarnation of Goddess Kali, the fierce form of the Divine Mother. The temple of Maa Dhari Devi is located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, on the banks of the Alaknanda River.
(Image Credit: Char Dham Yatra Blog)
The temple is usually crowded during the Navratri festival when devotees throng to the temple to worship the goddess and seek her blessings. The temple offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the river Alaknanda, making it a popular tourist attraction as well.
How to Reach Maa Dhari Devi Temple from New Delhi
- 12017 | DDN SHTBDI EXP – New Delhi (NDLS) to Dehradun (DDN)
- 12055 | DDN JANSHTBDI – New Delhi (NDLS) to Dehradun (DDN)
- 12401 | KOTA DDN EXP – Delhi H Nizamuddin (NZM) to Dehradun (DDN)
Maa Naina Devi Temple: Himachal Pradesh
The temple of Maa Naina Devi is an important pilgrimage site for the people of Himachal Pradesh and the surrounding areas. Devotees visit the temple to seek the blessings of the goddess and to offer prayers and offerings. The temple is situated on the top of a hill, and one can either take a ropeway or climb the stairs to reach the temple.
(Image Credit: Himachal Pradesh General Studies)
The temple is usually crowded during the Navratri festival when devotees throng to the temple to worship the goddess and seek her blessings. A fair is also held during the festival, and devotees come from far and wide to participate in the festivities.
How to Reach Maa Naina Devi Temple from New Delhi
- 12057 | UHL JANSHATABDI – New Delhi (NDLS) To Anandpur Sahib (AADR)
- 22447 | AADR VANDEBHARAT – New Delhi (NDLS) to Anandpur Sahib (AADR)
Jwala Devi Temple: Himachal Pradesh
Jwala Devi is a Hindu goddess worshiped mainly in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. She is also known as Jwalamukhi Devi or Jwala Ji. The temple of Jwala Devi is located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.
(Image Credit: Adotrip)
The legend associated with Jwala Devi goes that the goddess is believed to have appeared from the tongue of the Hindu goddess Sati. The temple of Jwala Devi is considered to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas.
How to Reach Jwala Devi
- 14553 | HIMACHAL EXP – Old Delhi (DLI) to Una Himachal (UHL)
- 22447 | AADR VANDEBHARAT – New Delhi (NDLS) to Una Himachal (UHL)
Sheetla Devi Temple: Haryana
Sheetla Devi is a Hindu goddess worshiped mainly in the northern and western regions of India. She is also known as Mata Sheetla or Masani Maa. The goddess is believed to protect her devotees from diseases, particularly smallpox, and chickenpox.
(Image Credit: Gurugram)
The temple of Sheetla Devi is located in Gurgaon, Haryana, and is an important pilgrimage site for the people of the surrounding areas. Devotees visit the temple to seek the blessings of the goddess and to offer prayers and offerings. The temple is usually crowded during the Sheetla Mata Fair, which is held in the months of March and April every year.
How to Reach Sheetla Devi Temple from Delhi
- 12414 | JAT AII EXPRESS – Old Delhi (DLI) to Gurgaon (GGN)
- 12015 | AJMER SHATABDI – New Delhi (NDLS) to Gurgaon (GGN)
- 22421 | DEE JU SF EXP – Delhi Sarai Rohilla (DEE) to Gurgaon (GGN)
Chamunda Devi Temple: Himachal Pradesh
Chamunda Devi is a Hindu goddess worshiped mainly in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. She is also known as Chamunda Mata or Chamunda Nandikeshwari. The temple of Chamunda Devi is located near the town of Palampur in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.
(Image Credit: TripAdvisor)
The legend associated with Chamunda Devi goes that the goddess is believed to have appeared from the forehead of the Hindu goddess Durga to defeat the demons, Chanda and Munda. The temple of Chamunda Devi is considered to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas.
How to Reach Chamunda Devi Temple
- 14553 | HIMACHAL EXP – Old Delhi (DLI) to Una Himachal (UHL)
- 22447 | AADR VANDEBHARAT – New Delhi (NDLS) to Una Himachal (UHL)
Chintpurni Devi Temple: Himachal Pradesh
Chintpurni Devi is a Hindu goddess worshiped mainly in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. She is also known as Chhinnamastika Devi or Chhinnamasta Devi. The temple of Chintpurni Devi is located in the Una district of Himachal Pradesh.
(Image Credit: AstroVed)
The legend associated with Chintpurni Devi goes that the goddess is believed to have appeared to help Lord Indra defeat the demon Jalandhara. The goddess is depicted as a self-decapitated deity, holding her own head in her hands, with streams of blood spouting from her neck. The temple of Chintpurni Devi is considered to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, which are places of worship where body parts of the Hindu goddess Sati are believed to have fallen.
How to Reach Chintpurni Devi Temple from Delhi
- 14553 | HIMACHAL EXP – Old Delhi (DLI) to Una Himachal (UHL)
- 22447 | AADR VANDEBHARAT – New Delhi (NDLS) to Una Himachal (UHL)
Brajeshwari Devi Temple: Himachal Pradesh
Brajeshwari Devi, also known as Vajreshwari Devi, is a Hindu goddess worshiped mainly in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The temple of Brajeshwari Devi is located in the town of Kangra in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.
(Image Credit: Jagran)
According to the legend, the goddess was enraged by the demon's atrocities, and she appeared in the form of a fierce deity to defeat him. The temple of Brajeshwari Devi is considered to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, which are places of worship where body parts of the Hindu goddess Sati are believed to have fallen.
How to Reach Brajeshwari Devi Temple from Delhi
- 14553 | HIMACHAL EXP – Old Delhi (DLI) to Una Himachal (UHL)
- 22447 | AADR VANDEBHARAT – New Delhi (NDLS) to Una Himachal (UHL)
Mansa Devi Temple: Uttarakhand
Mansa Devi is a Hindu goddess worshiped mainly in the northern regions of India, particularly in the state of Uttarakhand. She is believed to be a form of the goddess Shakti and is also known as Mansa Mata, which means "the mother who fulfills wishes."
(Image Credit: Thrillophillia)
The temple of Mansa Devi is an important symbol of the deep-rooted faith and devotion of the people of Uttarakhand, and it continues to attract devotees from all over the country. The temple is usually crowded during the Navratri festival, when devotees throng to the temple to worship the goddess and seek her blessings.
How to Reach Mansa Devi Temple from Delhi
- 19019 | BDTS HW EXP – Delhi H Nizamuddin (NZM) to Haridwar Jn (HW)
- 19031 | YOGA EXPRESS – Old Delhi to Haridwar Jn (HW)
- 12017 | DDN SHTBDI EXP – New Delhi (NDLS) to Dehradun (DDN)
Get ready to embark on a vibrant journey filled with dazzling lights, rhythmic beats, with colorful attire, and be a part of the divine celebrations as we dive into the joyous festivities of Navratri! If you are planning to visit any of these places during this time, we have an offer especially for you, use code NAVRATRI while booking your tickets, and get up to Rs. 200 off on your train tickets. Also, It is advised to check the train schedules and book tickets in advance, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons.
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