21 Famous Devi Temples

Introduction: Devi Temples

Devi (देवी) is a Sanskrit term meaning ‘goddess’, with its male counterpart being deva. The concept of the goddess in Vedic traditions of Hinduism finds its roots in the Vedas, dating back to around the 3rd century BC. Goddesses such as Lakshmi, Parvati, Durga, Saraswati, Sita, Radha, and Kali have been revered throughout history, with their prominence significantly increasing during the medieval period through texts like the Devi Mahatmya. These goddesses are central to Hindu traditions of Shaktism and Shaivism.

Devi in Vedic Literature

Devi and deva are Sanskrit terms found in Vedic texts around 3rd century BC, with deva meaning ‘celestial, divine, supernatural’ and devi being related to female equality. Monier-Williams translates devi as ‘celestial, divine, supernatural’. The etymology of the term is rooted in Greek (θεά) and Latin (deus), both meaning 'god'. Devi Maata refers to the mother goddess in Vedic traditions of Hinduism.

Famous Devi Temples

1. Becharaji

Overview

Becharaji or Bahucharaji is a significant temple city located in the Mesana region of Gujarat, India. The temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Bahuchara Mata attracts numerous pilgrims.

Historical Context and Legends

• Name Origin: The name Becharaji is derived from Bahuchar Mata, the Hindu goddess.
• Geographical Details: The district around Becharaji is known as Chunwal. Nearby villages include Bechar village (1 km south) and Sankhalpur village (2 km north).
• Development: A modern village developed around the temple between these two cities.

Legends

• According to Tantra Chudamani, the left hand of the Goddess fell at Boruvan while Shiva performed the Tandava dance. The temple was built on this site.
• Another legend states that Bahuchar Mata saved saints tormented by Bhundasur or the demon of Dandhasur.
• Alexander Kinloch Forbes recounts a traditional story: Charan women traveling from Sankhalpur to a neighboring village were attacked by Kolis, and Bahuchara cut off her breasts to save them. She was reborn as a goddess.

2. Other Notable Devi Temples

2. Jagannath Temple (Puri)

• Deity: Goddess Durga
• Location: Puri, Odisha
• Significance: One of the most famous temples dedicated to Durga in India.
• Legend: The temple is believed to have been built by King Indradyumna during the 12th century.

3. Kamakhya Temple (Guwahati)

• Deity: Goddess Kamakhya
• Location: Guwahati, Assam
• Significance: A major pilgrimage site for Shakti devotees.
• Legend: The temple is said to be the seat of the goddess and a place where she resides.

4. Kalighat Temple (Kolkata)

• Deity: Goddess Kali
• Location: Kolkata, West Bengal
• Significance: A popular pilgrimage site for devotees.
• Legend: The temple is believed to have been built by King Shashanka in the 7th century.

5. Durga Mandir (Jaipur)

• Deity: Goddess Durga
• Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan
• Significance: A significant temple dedicated to Durga.
• Legend: The temple is believed to have been built by King Sawai Jai Singh II in the 18th century.

6. Meenakshi Temple (Madurai)

• Deity: Goddess Meenakshi
• Location: Madurai, Tamil Nadu
• Significance: A major pilgrimage site and one of the most visited temples in India.
• Legend: The temple is believed to have been built by King Kulasekhara Pandya in the 13th century.

7. Kali Temple (Kolkata)

• Deity: Goddess Kali
• Location: Kolkata, West Bengal
• Significance: A popular pilgrimage site for devotees.
• Legend: The temple is believed to have been built by King Shashanka in the 7th century.

8. Durga Temple (Mysuru)

• Deity: Goddess Durga
• Location: Mysuru, Karnataka
• Significance: A significant temple dedicated to Durga.
• Legend: The temple is believed to have been built by King Chamaraja Wodeyar in the 17th century.

9. Kali Temple (Kanpur)

• Deity: Goddess Kali
• Location: Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
• Significance: A popular pilgrimage site for devotees.
• Legend: The temple is believed to have been built by King Shashanka in the 7th century.

10. Durga Temple (Varanasi)

• Deity: Goddess Durga
• Location: holy city of Banaras / Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
• Significance: A significant temple dedicated to Durga.
• Legend: The temple is believed to have been built by King Shashanka in the 7th century.

11. Kali Temple (Delhi)

• Deity: Goddess Kali
• Location: Delhi, India
• Significance: A popular pilgrimage site for devotees.
• Legend: The temple is believed to have been built by King Shashanka in the 7th century.

12. Durga Temple (Bengaluru)

• Deity: Goddess Durga
• Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka
• Significance: A significant temple dedicated to Durga.
• Legend: The temple is believed to have been built by King Chamaraja Wodeyar in the 17th century.

13. Kali Temple (Bhubaneswar)

• Deity: Goddess Kali
• Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha
• Significance: A popular pilgrimage site for devotees.
• Legend: The temple is believed to have been built by King Shashanka in the 7th century.

14. Durga Temple (Chennai)

• Deity: Goddess Durga
• Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• Significance: A significant temple dedicated to Durga.
• Legend: The temple is believed to have been built by King Chamaraja Wodeyar in the 17th century.

15. Kali Temple (Hyderabad)

• Deity: Goddess Kali
• Location: Hyderabad, Telangana
• Significance: A popular pilgrimage site for devotees.
• Legend: The temple is believed to have been built by King Shashanka in the 7th century.

16. Durga Temple (Ahmedabad)

• Deity: Goddess Durga
• Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
• Significance: A significant temple dedicated to Durga.
• Legend: The temple is believed to have been built by King Shashanka in the 7th century.

17. Kali Temple (Lucknow)

• Deity: Goddess Kali
• Location: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
• Significance: A popular pilgrimage site for devotees.
• Legend: The temple is believed to have been built by King Shashanka in the 7th century.

18. Durga Temple (Kochi)

• Deity: Goddess Durga
• Location: Kochi, Kerala
• Significance: A significant temple dedicated to Durga.
• Legend: The temple is believed to have been built by King Chamaraja Wodeyar in the 17th century.

19. Kali Temple (Mumbai)

• Deity: Goddess Kali
• Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Significance: A popular pilgrimage site for devotees.
• Legend: The temple is believed to have been built by King Shashanka in the 7th century.

20. Durga Temple (Kochi)

• Deity: Goddess Durga
• Location: Kochi, Kerala
• Significance: A significant temple dedicated to Durga.
• Legend: The temple is believed to have been built by King Chamaraja Wodeyar in the 17th century.

21. Kali Temple (Pune)

• Deity: Goddess Kali
• Location: Pune, Maharashtra
• Significance: A popular pilgrimage site for devotees.
• Legend: The temple is believed to have been built by King Shashanka in the 7th century.

Comparison Table: Devi Temples

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For more authentic Hindu temple guides, pilgrimage routes, mantras, and Vedic insights, visit Prabhukedwar.