Photo: LRBurdak · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
What is Maa Sharda Temple, Maihar known for?
The temple of Maa Sharda stands on top of Trikut hill above the town of Maihar, and is reached either by a long flight of more than a thousand steps or by ropeway. Sharda is worshipped here as a form of the Goddess associated with knowledge, and the temple is one of the most visited Devi shrines in Madhya Pradesh.
Why is Maa Sharda Temple, Maihar significant?
The name Maihar is traditionally read as mai ka haar — the Mother's necklace — and local tradition connects the hill with the account of Sati. The temple is also bound up with the legend of Alha and Udal, the warrior brothers of the twelfth-century Bundelkhand ballads, who are held to have been devotees of Sharda; Alha in particular is remembered in a local tradition that he still comes to worship her. The ballad of Alha is sung across Bundelkhand to this day.
Which rituals and festivals are held at Maa Sharda Temple, Maihar?
Red chunari, coconut, flowers and sindoor are the customary offerings. Aarti is held morning and evening.
Both Navratris are when the temple is most visited, with a fair in the town below. The climb itself is treated by many devotees as part of the worship.
How do you reach Maa Sharda Temple, Maihar?
Maihar is in the Satna district, about 40 kilometres from Satna, and has its own railway station on the Katni–Satna line with direct trains from several cities. The nearest airports are at Jabalpur, about 150 kilometres away, and Khajuraho.
The climb by steps takes an hour or more; the ropeway takes a few minutes. There is also a road for vehicles to part of the hill. Start early in warm weather.