Shakumbharidevi Devi

Shakumbhari Devi Temple is a popular Hindu pilgrimage site in the city of Saharanpur in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Shakumbhari, who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga.

The legend behind the temple's origin states that once upon a time, a terrible drought hit the region, and all crops and vegetation died due to lack of water. The area's people, primarily farmers, were left with no source of livelihood. To alleviate their suffering, they prayed to Goddess Durga, who appeared before them as Shakumbhari Devi.

The goddess is believed to have transformed the entire region into fertile land with abundant crops and vegetation, hence the name "Shakumbhari," which means "the provider of vegetables." The temple was built in honour of the goddess, and worshipping her is believed to bring prosperity and abundance.

The temple is in the midst of a dense forest, and the serene surroundings add to the spiritual aura of the place. The temple's architecture is a blend of Mughal and Hindu styles, and the main idol of the goddess is made of black stone and stands at a height of six feet.

The temple is especially popular among devotees during the Navratri festival, celebrated twice yearly. During this time, thousands of devotees from across the country thronged to the temple to seek the blessings of the goddess.

Apart from its spiritual significance, Shakumbhari Devi Temple is also known for its historical and archaeological importance. The temple complex houses several ancient ruins, including the remains of a fort and a palace that date back to the Gupta period.

In recent years, the Uttar Pradesh government has undertaken several measures to develop the temple and promote it as a major tourist destination. The temple is easily accessible by road and rail, and several accommodation options are available in the vicinity for visitors.

Places To Visit Near Shakumbharidevi Devi In Uttar Pradesh:

Roorkee:

Located around 30 kilometres from Saharanpur, Roorkee is a historic town known for its engineering and technical institutions. It is also home to several ancient temples and monuments, including the famous Roorkee Cantonment Church Tower.

Haridwar:

Haridwar is one of the seven holy cities in India and is located around 80 kilometres from Saharanpur. It is known for its numerous temples and ghats on the banks of the River Ganges, where pilgrims come to take a dip in the holy waters.

Dehradun:

Dehradun is the capital city of Uttarakhand and is located around 80 kilometres from Saharanpur. It is known for its scenic beauty, pleasant weather, and numerous tourist attractions, including the Robber's Cave, Tapkeshwar Temple, and Rajaji National Park.

Mussoorie:

Mussoorie is a popular hill station around 100 kilometres from Saharanpur. It is known for its scenic beauty, pleasant weather, and numerous tourist attractions, including Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, and Mall Road.

Yamunotri:

Yamunotri is one of the four sacred sites in Hinduism collectively known as Char Dham. It is located around 150 kilometres from Saharanpur and is known for its ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and its scenic beauty and trekking routes.

Other popular tourist attractions near Shakumbhari Devi Temple include the Chandi Devi Temple in Haridwar, the Dakpathar Barrage in Dehradun, and the Jwalaji Temple in Mussoorie.

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