Maihar or Meher is situated in Satana District of Madhya Pradesh, India, famous for the Maihar wali Maa Sharda Devi Shaktipeeth temple.
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Welcome to the world of divine readings at www.onindianpath.com. Let’s read on to know more about Maihar ki Sharda Devi aka goddess Sharda Shaktipeeth temple at Madhya Pradesh.
Introduction
Hinduism is a great religion accumulating love, bond and happiness. It is a way of living based on the righteousness, truth and morality as told in our great scriptures. Although there is no single founder of the religion. But, it has many gods and goddesses.
Apparently, trinity of gods (Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva) guides us to live in Hindu way. However, goddesses are different forms of Maa Shakti. Maa Sharda is one of them. Today, we are talking about the only Shaktipeeth temple of Goddess Sharda in India.
What is Maa Sharda Devi Temple?
Maa Sharda Devi Temple is one of the 51 shaktipeeths of Goddess Parwati. It is believed that at this place, necklace of Devi Sati fell down. Popularly known as Maihar wali mata, Maihar ki Sharda maiya, name Maihar is derived from the mixture of 2 words Mai or Maiya (Mother) and Haar (Necklace).
Moreover, a devotee needs to step up 1063 steps to have darshana of Goddess Sharda. It is situated at the top of Trikoot Mountain peak of Vindhyachal mountain range at MadhyaPradesh. However, this temple is visited by thousands of devotees every year to seek blessings and guidance from Goddess Sharda. Praying to the goddess is believed to grant wisdom, knowledge and success in one’s endeavors.
Origin and establishment of the temple
As per Shiv Purana and Devi Purana, once Devi Sati was invited by her father for Havana. She came and witnessed disrespect for her husband, Lord Shiva. She was disheartened and jumped into the sacrificial fire of Havana. On this, Lord Shiva enraged and carried the burnt body of Devi Sati and performed Tandava (Dance of death).
Infact, he was unwilling to leave her body. Thus, Lord Vishnu came into the scene and cut the body of Devi Sati with her Sudarshana Chakra (disc). So all these body parts felt at different locations of Indian sub Continent. Hence forth, these locations became Shaktipeeths. As per Devi bhagwad Purana, there are 108 Shaktipeeths. While, geographically, there are 51 shaktipeeths, Maa Sharda Shaktipeeth is one of them.
Key Highlights of Sharda Devi Shaktipeeth temple
a) Firstly, there is ropeway facility avaliable to reach the temple.
b) Although temple was established by the Rajputs in 18th century. Even, some ancient texts suggests, it was built in 502 AD.
c) Maihar is also famous for its classical music, Maihar Gharana was evolved here.
d) Also, it is 568 feets above the sea level.
e) Particularly, it attracts lots of devotees and tourists from around the world.
f) Goddess Sharda is form of Goddess Saraswati, believed to be goddess of wisdom, knowledge and learning.
g) As per local people, this mountain peak used to be the place of penance of sage Markendeya. Goddess Sharda appeared here and gave him boon of knowledge here.
h) Alha and Udal Kund is located 2 kms away from the temple premises. Also, there is an akhada, where the two warriors Alha and Udal used to practice wrestling.
i) Apart from the idol of maa Sharda Devi and Lord Narsimbha, temple also has idols of Lord Ganapati, Lord Muruga and Acharya Sri Adi Sankaracharya.
j) In addition to, one need to dress appropriately to show respect to the religious place. Additionally, one must also be careful of his belongings.
k) Besides, also known as Shardambika temple, it has profound significance for Hindu lovers. They believe that their children must take blessings of goddess Sharda for their bright future in education. Vidyarambha (start of education) ceremonies are performed here.
h) Navratri festival holds great relevance. During the festival, Chath Chandi Yajna and Vidyaramba Pujas are conducted at the premises. Not only this, goddess Sharda is adorned by priests in beautiful and mesmerising alankaras as Brahmmi, Maheswari, Gaumari, Vaishnavi, Indrani, Chamundeeswari and Gajalakshmi.
Appearance of Shardambika/ Maa Sharda
Here, the goddess is shown as kind and smiling idol. The idol is made of five metals. She is holding the honey pot in one hand, showing the Chin Mudra to the devotees and book in the left hand.
It is believed that whosoever come to visit the temple, the devotee will become learned at the very first glance at the deity.
Mysterious story of Maa Sharda Devi Shaktipeeth temple
As per common belief, there were two warriors named Alha and Udal. They were brothers.They were great devotees of Mata Sharda.
Also, Alha was chief commander in Buldekhand army of Rajputs. Once, during a war with king Prithvi Raj Chauhan, Udal died. Alha fought with the king and his army with full strength and force and made the king bend on his knees. He granted him life and continued his worship rituals to Maa Sharda for 12 years. On this, Goddess gave him boon of immortality (amaratva).
Consequently, the great King Jagnik of Jagner composed a poem named “Alha-Khand,” which narrates the stories of these heroes and their 52 battles.
It is believed that, Alha and Udal still comes to temple at Braham Muhurat to do Puja. No one is allowed to stay in the temple at night. Priests and local people have witness evidence of puja, flowers and burnt lamp at morning while opening the doors of the temple.
Timings of Maa Sharda Shaktipeeth temple
Darshana Timings : 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM
How to reach
Here is the simple guide to reach Maihar, Madhya Pradesh :
- By Air : The nearest airport to Maihar is Jabalpur Airport, 170 km away. From the airport, one can take a cab or a bus to reach Maihar.
- By Train : Maihar has its own railway station, which is well-connected to major cities. One can opt for a train to Maihar from any of the major city.
- By Road : Maihar is well-connected by road to major cities in other states. One can book a bus or taxi to reach Maihar from cities such as Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur and Allahabad. It is well connected via National Highway 27 and State Highway 11.
Conclusion
At the end, I would like to invite my readers to come to Maihar to explore the scenic beauty of this place. Also, do not forget to get ready to loose your senses in the spiritual arena of Maa Sharda Devi Shaktipeeth temple.
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