10 Most Famous Maa Durga Temples To Visit In India

Goddess Durga is revered as the primal force behind creation, preservation, and destruction. She embodies the purest form of divine energy, Shakti, and is worshipped as the eternal protector of the universe. A central figure in the Hindu faith, she is venerated in countless forms across the country. Recognized as the supreme soul, devotees pray to her for strength, guidance, and the fulfillment of wishes.

Her divine aura stretches from the northern states to the southern coasts of India, and her presence is celebrated in numerous temples, many of which hold special significance. Some of these sacred shrines are Shakti Peethas—sites sanctified by mythology—while others are linked to legends that enhance their spiritual importance.

# Ratangarh Mata Temple, Madhya Pradesh

Tucked away in the dense forests of Seondha in Datia district, the Ratangarh Mata Temple is one of India’s most revered Durga shrines. Built by Ratan Sen, a Rajput king of the erstwhile Pawaya kingdom, during the late 11th to early 12th century, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga in her form as Devi Ratangarh. Thousands of devotees visit every year to seek her blessings, along with the divine grace of Kunwar Maharaj.

# Biraja Temple, Odisha

Also called Viraja Kshetra, the Biraja Temple is a prominent Shakti Peetha where the navel of Goddess Sati is believed to have fallen. Here, Durga is worshipped as Goddess Girija, depicted with two hands—one gripping the chest of Mahishasura and the other pulling his tail. According to the Skanda Purana, this temple has the power to cleanse pilgrims of impurities.

The temple comes alive during Sharadiya Durga Puja, celebrated with grandeur each year. Its walls adorned with intricate carvings from different eras mesmerize visitors.

# Danteshwari Temple, Bastar (Chhattisgarh)

Among the major Shakti Peethas of India, the Danteshwari Temple in Bastar is where the tooth of Goddess Sati is believed to have fallen. Built in the 14th century by the Kakatiya rulers, it is dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari, a manifestation of Shakti.

The black stone idol of the Goddess is carried out in procession during the famous Bastar Dussehra, which attracts tribal communities from far and wide. Devi Danteshwari is also worshipped as the kuldevi (clan deity) of Bastar.

# Bhramaramba Devi Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Situated in Srisailam, the Bhramaramba Temple is one of the most celebrated shrines of Goddess Durga. Here, she is worshipped as Bhramaramba, a form of Parvati. The sanctum houses a Shri Yantra symbolizing all nine forms of Durga, and also honors Lopamudra, wife of Saint Agastya.

The temple is also a Shakti Peetha, as it is believed that Sati’s neck fell here. Its magnificence has attracted devotees for centuries.

# Harsiddhi Durga Temple, Ujjain

In the holy city of Ujjain stands the Harsiddhi Maa Temple, another of the 51 sacred Shakti Peethas. According to Shiva Purana, Sati’s elbow fell here, sanctifying the site.

The temple houses a Sri Yantra, a symbol of Durga’s nine forms, and two tall lamp pillars that burn ceaselessly—an exquisite example of Maratha craftsmanship. The dark vermillion idol of Devi Harsiddhi is flanked by idols of Saraswati and Lakshmi, and the temple glows with splendor during Navratri.

# Banashankari Temple, Karnataka

Located in Cholachagudda near Badami, the Banashankari Temple venerates Goddess Parvati in her form as Banashankari or Shakambari. Set amidst Tilaka Aranya forest, her name translates to “the Goddess of the forest.”

Originally built by the Chalukyas of Kalyan, the present structure dates back to the 17th century and follows Dravidian architecture. As per the Skanda Purana, this is where the Goddess slew the demon Durgamasur.

# Durga Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Just 2 km from Varanasi, this 18th-century temple is one of the most renowned Durga shrines. Said to have been commissioned by a Bengal queen, the temple stands by the Durga Kund, a large rectangular tank.

Built in the Nagara style, the temple is painted in ochre red and features multi-tiered spires. Known as the “Monkey Temple” due to its resident monkeys, it is believed that the image of Durga here is self-manifested. Devotees regard her as the fierce guardian of Varanasi.

# Shree Durga Parameshwari Temple, Kateel, Karnataka

Situated 29 km from Mangalore, this temple lies in the midst of a sacred river, surrounded by serene landscapes. Dedicated to Goddess Durga Parameshwari, it is one of Karnataka’s most important shrines.

On Sankramana, devotees offer coconuts to the Goddess, while the temple also serves free meals daily. Since the Goddess is believed to delight in music and dance, Yakshagana folk performances are an integral part of worship here.

# Kanaka Durga Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Perched atop the Indrakiladri hill in Vijayawada, the Kanaka Durga Temple honors the Goddess as the embodiment of power, wealth, and compassion. She is considered Swayambhu (self-manifested) and is also worshipped as Chandi, the slayer of the demon Durgama.

It is said that Adi Shankara consecrated the Sri Chakra here, enhancing the temple’s spiritual significance. The site is frequently mentioned in scriptures detailing various divine acts.

# Devi Patan Temple, Uttar Pradesh

Located about 70 km from Gonda in the Himalayan Terai, the Devi Patan Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, where Sati’s right shoulder is believed to have fallen.

The shrine, originally built by King Vikramaditya, was renovated in the 11th century by King Suheldeo of Sravasti. During Navratri, a grand fair is organized, and on Chaitra Panchami, the deity Pir Ratan Nath is ceremonially brought from Nepal to be worshipped alongside the Goddess.