Saptashrungi Devi is Durga Devi. Saptashrungi Devi Temple has located at Vani a place near the city of Nashik in the state of Maharashtra, India. Devotees visit this place in large numbers every day.

This temple is one among the 51 Shakti peethas located on the Indian subcontinent. The Devi is said to be Swayambhu (self-manifested) on a rock on the sheer face of a mountain. She is surrounded by seven (sapta-in Sanskrit) peaks (shrunga-in Sanskrit). Hence the name- Sapta Shrungi Mata (mother of the seven peaks).

Saptashrungi Devi Idol 

The idol of the Devi is huge-about 10 feet tall with 18 hands, holding various weapons. The idol is always coated with Sindoor, which is considered auspicious in this region. She is also known as Mahishasur Mardini, the slayer of the demon Mahishasur, who took the form of a buffalo. At the foot of the hill, from where one starts climbing the steps, there is the head of a buffalo, made in stone which is believed to be a demon.

It is believed that the Devi Mahatmya, a sacred book which extols the greatness of Devi and her exploits was composed at this place by the sage Markandeya, who performed rigorous penance on a hill opposite the one on which the Devi resides, which is now named after him.

The Devi Mahatmaya is to be read during the Chaitra (Vernal Equinoxes) and Navratri (Autumnal Equinoxes), it is hymn which includes a number of mantras and describes the battle which takes place between Durga Devi and the asuras (devils).

You will notice that most of the Hindu scriptures are written in such a way that it strikes a chord with the common people. It was done by dramatizing the basic essence of the thought, which was required to be communicated. So also with this hymn, what it conveys is that by praying to the Devi with devotion. She assists in quenching one’s malefic thought process. Thus uplifting oneself spiritually.

Architecture of Temple

The temple, which sort of sticks to the cliff, is 1230 meters above sea level. There is an old path with steps cut out of the mountain, which starts right at the foothills, at Vani and goes all the way to the mountain.

However, now, a motorable road has been built, which goes up to an altitude of 1150 meters. From this place, one has to climb around 500 steps to reach the shrine, which only takes about forty-five minutes.

Also, for those who cannot climb even this, there are “dolis” (chairs carried by 4 people) available at Rs.200/- for the two-way trip.

How to Reach Saptashrungi Devi

Saptashrungi Devi Temple is located at kalwan Tehsil in Nashik District in the Maharashtra State of India. The temple is well connected with the city of Nashik with state transport buses. Also, the closest and highly connected city from Saptashrungi Devi temple is the Nashik city.

By Road	Nearest RailWay Station	Nearest Airport	Google Map
Distance between Nashik – Vani 60 km.	Nasik Road-60 km	Nasik	Click Here