Shree Saptshrungi Devi

Saptashringa Garh is a significant pious pilgrim of Devi as it enshrines the renowned Shree Saptshrungi Devi temple, which is considered as one of the 4 shakti peeths of Devi in Maharashtra. It is also one of the 51 shakti peeth of India.

The Devi is carved on a single rock face holding a weapon in each of her eighteen arms at an altitude and hence can be viewed from a distance. The carving is 8 feet tall. Shree Saptshrungi Devi encompasses her name from her abode the legendary seven peaked Saptashringa Mountain, a habitat to a variety of medicinal trees. Legend states that it was from this very hill that Hanuman carried the sanjeevani – the herbal medicine for the wounded Laxmana. The hill also conserves 108 water reservoirs traditionally known as the Kundas.

Vani Devi, Durga Devi, Goddess Bhagawati and Goddess of Khandesh are few names to be reckoned with Shree Saptshrungi Devi. Devi is also known as Mahishasur Mardini as she slayed the demon Mahishasur who was creating nuisance for Rishi Markendaya. To eradicate him the sage prepared a holy fire out of which the goddess emerged with eighteen arms clasping different weapons and eliminated the demon. As a tribute to the Devi Rishi Markandeya composed the Devi Mahatmaya or Durga Saptashati after doing penance on the top of a peak, which face the cliff that enshrines the temple.

Vani Devi finds her reference in the holy book Shri Sai Satcharita. Many propitiate her as their Kuldevi. The shrine is located at Vani a place around 55 – 60 kms away from Nasik and is well connected with state transport buses. At the base of the Saptashringa Garh is Nanduri village. There is a zig-zag road to the temple which goes up to 11kms till it reaches the top and from here one takes a flight of 470 stairs leading right up to the shrine.

Shree Saptshrungi Devi