Photo: Akashwk07 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
What is Maa Chamunda Tekri, Dewas known for?
The Tekri is the hill at the centre of Dewas, and on it the goddesses Maa Chamunda and Maa Tulja Bhavani are worshipped — known locally as Choti Mata and Badi Mata. The images are carved into the rock of the hill. The climb is by steps or by ropeway, and at the top there are smaller shrines as well as a wide view over the Malwa plateau.
Why is Maa Chamunda Tekri, Dewas significant?
The Tekri has been the religious centre of Dewas for as long as the town has existed, and the town's name is commonly traced to it — deva-vasini, the dwelling of the goddess. Tradition counts the shrine as a siddh sthan, and the two goddesses, Chamunda and Tulja Bhavani, are worshipped as the guardians of the town. Dewas was also the seat of two Maratha princely states, and their rulers were patrons of the hill.
Which rituals and festivals are held at Maa Chamunda Tekri, Dewas?
Red chunari, coconut, flowers and sindoor are the customary offerings. Aarti is held morning and evening.
Both Navratris are the principal occasions, when the hill is lit and worship continues through the nine nights.
How do you reach Maa Chamunda Tekri, Dewas?
The Tekri is in the centre of Dewas, which lies on the highway between Indore and Ujjain, about 35 kilometres from each. Dewas has a railway station on the Ujjain–Indore line; Indore airport is about 40 kilometres away.
The hill can be climbed by steps or by ropeway, and there is a road for vehicles to part of the way. It fits easily into a day between Ujjain and Indore.