Saptashrungi Temple a Shakti Peeth, is located in the Sahyadri hills of Nanduri, in Nashik district, Maharashtra and is dedicated to Goddess Saptashrungi who is an incarnation of Durga. It is located on an elevated platform of 1,230 meters above the sea level and attracts millions of worshipers per year mostly during Navratri. The temple’s name, derived from “Saptashringa” (seven peaks), reflects the seven surrounding hills, believed to resemble the goddess’s seven arms.
The god represented by an 8-foot-high self-created idol with 18 arms is a symbol of Godly strength. The temple is associated with legends that connect it with Ramayana where Sita practised worship to goddess. Pilgrims have to climb 510 steps or they can travel by ropeway to sanctum and pray to the God to give them strength and prosperity. Cultural fairs, rituals, and festivals such as Chaitra Navratri are colourful events in the temple and therefore pilgrims all over the country come to the temple.
The temple is flanked by green nature and caves, which provide spiritual satisfaction and quiet places. Facilities like guest houses and eateries cater to visitors. Saptashrungi as an important Shakti Peeth is the place of faith, mythology, nature and belief, not to mention that it is a must-see pilgrimage place in Maharashtra state.
Saptashrungi Temple Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Nanduri, Nashik, Maharashtra, India |
| Altitude | 1,230 meters (4,035 feet) |
| Deity | Goddess Saptashrungi (Incarnation of Durga) |
| Significance | One of the 51 Shakti Peeths; revered Hindu pilgrimage site |
| Idol Description | 8-foot-tall, self-manifested, 18-armed goddess with various weapons |
| Mythological Connection | Linked to Ramayana; Sita worshipped here |
| Access | 510 steps or ropeway to reach the temple |
| Main Festivals | Chaitra Navratri, Ashwin Navratri; vibrant fairs and rituals |
| Surroundings | Seven Sahyadri hills, lush greenery, caves, scenic views |
| Facilities | Guest houses, eateries, ropeway for pilgrims |
| Visitor Appeal | Spiritual solace, cultural events, natural beauty |
How to Book Darshan Tickets Saptashrungi
In order to book darshan tickets of Saptashrungi Temple, it is easy to follow following steps:Physical Booking Process:
- Visit Official Website: Open your web browser and search for “Saptashrungi Temple official website.” It is the best site that one has to book darshan.
- Select Darshan Option: On the home page, look for options like “Darshan Booking” or “Book Tickets”. Click on it to begin the booking process.
- Darshan Type: In this case, you normally have a choice of either choosing General Darshan, which is free or Special Darshan which are charged. Special Darshan is normally ₹50 per head. Choose between them as per your preference.
- Your Details: In this section, the app will give the details of your name, age, contact number as well as email. This is a significant part of making sure that you have booked and can also get a confirmation on the same to you.
- Reservation: Next it requires entering the date of visit after which a time slot of either 10-11 am, 11-12,12-1,1-2, 2-3 or 3-4 pm is selected to attend darshan. This would facilitate in controlling the traffic of devotees at a time and in maintaining smooth process of darshan.
- Pay: Once the option of Special Darshan is selected, payment may be made online using debit cards, credit cards or net banking.
- Book Your Flight: Once you have filled up the details and paid the money you have to book your flight. You will be confirmed by a message through mail or SMS. Keep this confirmation handy.
Bring the Confirmation: Do bring the printout of the booking confirmation or also bring the confirmation message on your phone on the day that you are going to visit the temple.
Booking Tickets at Temple Counter:
- Visit to Temple: Saptashrungi Temple On darshan day visit the temple.
- Ticket Counter: Just at the entrance to the temple there is the ticket counter. Normally, ticket counters are indicated by signs and directions.
- Kind of Darshan: Signal the staff as to whether you want General Darshan or Special Darshan.
- Your Details: Provide (your phone number and name when necessary). This is intended for crowd management and record-keeping purposes.
- Special Darshan Pay: To have Special Darshan the visitor must pay some advance amount which is 50 rupees per head. No payment is required for General Darshan.
- Take a Ticket: After giving payment, take a ticket of darshan. This is to be kept safely, as this would be the ticket, which they would seek on entering the temple.
- Darshan: Make your way in the direction as indicated by the temple staff and make your way to the queue spot. In case it is necessary, display the security personnel the concerned ticket.
Darshan tickets to Saptashrungi Temple can be secured in easy steps mentioned above and this process will make you experience a calm-ordered visit to one of the pilgrim sites to worship goddess Saptashrungi Nivasini.
Saptashrungi Temple Timings
| Activity | Timings |
|---|---|
| Temple Opening Hours | 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Regular Days) |
| Festival Hours | 24 Hours (During Navratri and Chaitra Purnima) |
| Morning Aarti | 5:30 AM – 6:00 AM |
| Sanj Aarti (Evening) | 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM (Includes Pancharati Aarti with milk offering) |
| Mahaprasad Timings | 11:00 AM – 2:50 PM and 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Rs. 15 per devotee on regular days; free during Navratri and Purnima) |
| Ropeway Timings | Festivals: 5:00 AM – 1:00 AM; Non-Festival Days: Mon-Thu: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Fri-Sat: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Special Darshan | Available with VIP pass (Rs. 100) at ticket counters or online, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Saptashrungi Ticket Prices for Darshan
Saptashrungi Temple offers free entry for all devotees in the general darshan queue. However, for those who wish to have a quicker darshan, there is an option for Special Darshan tickets. Here are the ticket prices:
- General Darshan: Free
- Special Darshan: ₹50 per person
Special Darshan tickets can be booked online or purchased at the ticket counters near the temple entrance. These tickets allow devotees to have a closer view of the goddess and save time by avoiding the regular queues.
Saptashrungi Dress Code for Visiting the Temple
Saptashrungi Temple encourages all devotees to dress modestly and respectfully. Men are advised to wear traditional attire like dhoti-kurta or simple trousers and shirts. Women should wear sarees, salwar kameez, or other traditional Indian outfits. It is best to avoid wearing short dresses, shorts, or sleeveless tops, as it is a place of worship and modest dressing is a way of showing respect.
Although there is no strict enforcement of the dress code, wearing clean and simple clothes helps maintain the sanctity of the temple and shows reverence to the deity. Following these guidelines will enhance your spiritual experience at the temple.
6. Dos and Don’ts in the Temple
To ensure a peaceful and respectful environment at Saptashrungi Temple, it’s important to follow some guidelines:
- Dos:
- Maintain silence inside the temple premises to respect the spiritual atmosphere.
- Follow the instructions given by the temple priests and security staff.
- Stand patiently in the queue and wait for your turn for darshan.
- Switch off or keep your mobile phones on silent mode.
- Don’ts:
- Do not wear shoes inside the temple. Leave them in the designated shoe rack areas.
- Do not take photos or videos inside the temple, as it is not allowed.
- Avoid littering in the temple premises. Use the dustbins provided for waste disposal.
- Do not consume food or chew gum inside the temple.
Saptashrungi Important Timings and Dates
Here is a table of important timings and dates for Saptashrungi Temple in 2024:
| Occasion | Date | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Navratri Festival | October 2024 | All Day |
| Chaitra Pournima | April 2024 | All Day |
| Daily Morning Aarti | 6:30 AM | Morning |
| Daily Evening Aarti | 7:00 PM | Evening |
Important Timings and Dates for the Saptashrungi Temple:
| Event/Activity | Timings | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Temple Opening Time | 5:30 AM | The temple opens early for devotees. |
| Morning Aarti | 6:00 AM | Morning ritual worship of the goddess. |
| General Darshan | 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM | Available for all visitors. |
| Special Darshan | 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Paid darshan for a quicker visit. |
| Afternoon Aarti | 12:00 PM | Midday prayer session. |
| Evening Aarti | 7:30 PM | Evening worship and prayers. |
| Temple Closing Time | 8:00 PM | Temple gates close for the day. |
| Navratri Festival | September – October (dates vary annually) | Major celebration lasting nine days with special events and rituals. |
| Vasant Panchami | February (date varies) | Celebrates the arrival of spring with special pujas. |
| Chaitra Purnima | April (date varies) | Full moon celebration with special offerings to the goddess. |
| Diwali | October – November (date varies) | Festival of lights with special evening aarti. |
Saptashrungi Facilities Available for Devotees
In Saptashrungi Temple, different facilities are available for a comfortable visit. The facilities provided within the temple premises include clean drinking water, toilets, and cloakrooms to store one’s personal belongings. A special queue system is facilitated at the temple for elderly people, differently-abled persons, and pregnant women to ensure easy and comfortable darshan.
Besides, there are provision shops selling prasad, souvenirs, and religious items. Alongside these are small eating places and food stalls selling traditional Maharashtrian fare for devotees who want to take a meal after their darshan.
Saptashrungi How to Reach Saptashrungi Temple
A number of modes of transport such as road, rail and air can be availed to get to the Saptashrungi Temple. How to Reach the Holy Temple The instructions are in detail as below.
By Road:
- Buses and Taxis: Saptashrungi Temple is well-connected by road. You may take a taxi or travel by a bus to the state transport board whose buses ply to nearby cities such as Nashik (approximately 60 km). The route between Nashik, Mumbai and Pune to Saptashrungi Garh is also well served by regular buses and thus, access to the temple is convenient.
- Drive: In the case you are driving, you will access the temple through state highways that lead to it. The roads are not bad that it causes problems.
By Train:
Nashik road Railway station is the closest Railway station to the Saptashrungi Temple, which is around 55 km away. The city of Nashik is well connected to other important localities such as Mumbai, Pune and Delhi by train. You can board a local bus or call a taxi to drive you to the temple, all the way initiating at Nashik Road Railway Station.
By Air:
- Nashik Airport or Ozar Airport is the nearest airport to Saptashrungi Temple which is located at a distance of 80 km. Once you get to Nashik Airport, you can get a taxi and reach the temple privately or you have other means of transport available.
- Or, we can travel in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport of Mumbai. The train, bus and cabs available in Mumbai can be used to reach Nashik and later the temple.
Local Transport:
After arriving to Saptashrungi Garh, you can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw right through the temple entrance. The temple is located on top of a hillock, so you may need to climb stairs or use a ropeway (if available) for a good view of the main temple complex.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is there an entry fee for Saptashrungi Temple?
No, there is no entry fee for general darshan at Saptashrungi Temple. It is free for all devotees.
Q2. How can I book a Special Darshan ticket?
You can book Special Darshan tickets online through the temple’s official website or at the ticket counters near the temple entrance.
Q3. What is the best time to visit Saptashrungi Temple?
The best time to visit is during the winter months (November to February) when the weather is pleasant. Visiting during festivals like Navratri also offers a special experience.
Q4. Are mobile phones allowed inside the temple?
Yes, mobile phones are allowed but should be kept on silent mode. Photography and videography inside the temple are not allowed.
Q5. Is there a dress code for Saptashrungi Temple?
There is no strict dress code, but devotees are encouraged to wear modest and traditional attire.
Q6. Are there facilities for senior citizens and differently-abled people?
Yes, there are special queues and facilities for senior citizens, differently-abled individuals, and pregnant women to make their darshan comfortable.
Q7. Can I carry prasad from the temple?
Yes, prasad is available at the temple premises, and devotees can purchase it to take back home.
Q8. What are the temple opening hours?
The temple is open daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with a break from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.
Q9. Is there a place to store footwear?
Yes, there are designated areas near the temple entrance to store footwear.
Q10. How can I reach Saptashrungi Temple?
The temple is easily accessible by road, rail, and air. It is about 60 km from Nashik, and transportation options are available.
