Vindhyachal – Significant places that are integral to the religious and cultural tapestry of the region

VINDHYACHAL

Eternal seat of power endowed with three goddesses

Vindhyachal, with its captivating history and natural beauty, offers a unique blend of spiritual significance and natural attractions. The circumambulation of the town, a sacred ritual for many pilgrims, encompasses various temples and revered sites. This practice is known as the “Trikona Yatra” or “Triangular Circumambulation,” reflecting the traditional journey taken by devotees to honor and worship the mother goddesses.

The temple of Mother Vindhyawasini is central to the pilgrimage, drawing worshippers from all over India. The other significant stops in the pilgrimage route include the temples of Mother Kali-khoh and Mother Asthabhuja, each with their own stories and religious significance. Kali-khoh, dedicated to Goddess Kali, is set amidst a picturesque gorge, while Asthabhuja Temple, dedicated to the eight-armed goddess, is located on a hilltop offering a panoramic view of the area.

Beyond the spiritual aspect, Vindhyachal is surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Vindhya mountain range. The area is rich in natural beauty, with flowing rivers, lush forests, and abundant wildlife. It’s a place where history, spirituality, and nature converge, creating an environment that is both calming and invigorating.

Visitors to the region can also explore the nearby historical forts, mansions, and caves. These sites, with their intricate wall paintings and stone carvings, reflect the long-standing artistic traditions of the area. The presence of ancient fossils adds to the historical allure, offering glimpses into the distant past.

Overall, the Vindhya region, particularly Vindhyachal, is a destination that resonates with spiritual seekers, history buffs, and nature enthusiasts alike. Its rich heritage and serene landscapes make it a unique and cherished part of India’s cultural and religious landscape.

Maa Vindhyawasini Devi Temple

Maa Vindhyawasini Devi temple is the main attraction of Vindhyachal town. Because of its specific glory it has been a centre of reverence and inspiration for loyal and steadfast devotees from ancient period. A large number of spectators across the native places visit here during Navratra festivals in Chaitra (March-April) and Aashwin (September- October). The temple premises houses different idols and these are not only filled with chanting of devotional songs and buzzing sound of drums- bells and blowing of conch but also provide a unique sense of atmosphere with fume of oblation offered to fire-god. In the temple premises the devotees consider themselves to be blessed by worshiping and having a glimpse of Maa Vindhyawashini, Mahakali, Maha Sarsawati, Panchmukhi (having five faces) Mahadev, Dakhinmukhi (south-facing) Hanuman and hall of religious sacrifice and oblation et cetera.

Organising of kindled lamp on daily basis at the premises of Maa Vindhyawasini temple too has its own importance and attraction. Kindled lamp (Aarti) are held in four phases. :-

Mangla-Aarti: at 4.00-5.00 A.M.

Madhyan-Aarti: at 12.00-1.30 P.M.

Sandhya-Aarti : at 7.15-8.15 P.M.

Shayan-Aarti: at 9.00-10.30 P.M.

Vindhya-region is also famous for singing kajli(a typical folk song), whose emergence is associated with Maa Kajla Devi. Kajla devi is the second name of Maa Vindhyawasini Devi. By having a glimpse through a small window of Maa Vindhyawasini temple the tradition of affixing Kajli-tika (a mark put on the forehead) is still in vogue. In every year famous kajli-singers assemble at the temple of Maa Vindhyswasini temple at Akadashi (eleventh day of either half of a lunar month) of Krishna paksh(dark half of a lunar month) in Jyestha mas( third month of a Hindu calendar) and begin their worship through kajli-singing, which continue up to the end of the rainy season.

Maa Kalikhoh Temple

This place is situated at vindhya-mountain. Here lies the grand temple of Mother Kali. As the saying goes that when deities were being terrified by the demons they eulogised Bhagwati Parvati. By hearing the pathetic tale she got enraged very much. As a result the colour of mother turned black. For this very reason Bhagwati Maa became renowned as Maa Kali, Chandi, Chamunda and Chandika etc. In the temple premises one can view other deities along with Mother Kali. While wandering in the premises tourists are seen feeding the monkeys with gram and parched grain.

Sita-Kund

There is one more water-spring near Maa Ashtbhuja temple, whose water is collected in a tank. The assumption is that Sitaji had bathed over here, as such it is known as Sita-kund. Statues of Lord Hanuman, Ram, Sitaji are placed near the tank. Bhairav-Bhairavi temple, Bhairav kund (tank), elaborated unique shriyantra (instrument of wealth and glory) engraved on the stone of Maa Kali temple, Shri Ram Charan Paduka (footwear) etc. are seen near Maa Ashtabhuja temple.

Bhairav temple

As per the belief to protect vindhyachal, vaman bhairav is located here. In the east Anand bhairav, in the west Siddhanath, in the south Kapal bhairav, and in the north Rudra bhairav are situated. Lal bhairav, Batuk bhairav (kal bhairav) temples are situated in different places of the city.

Budhenath temple

In the middle of the city at trimuhani bazaar area at budhenath locality this temple is situated. Shivling, the statues of Hanumanji and other deities are established near Maa Vindhyawasini Devi temple. As per mythological tales Shivling established in this temple is having symmetry with the Shivling of old temple of Baba Vishwanath of Varanasi.

Tarkeswarnaath temple

According to a legend, tarkeswarnath temple situated near kachahari (court), Mother Laxmi had gone into penance at this very place by hearing the greatness of Tarkeswarnath from Lord Vishnu. Even after prolonged penance Lord Shiva did not appear. Then Mahamaya dug a tank towards north of tarkeswar. This tank was later renowned as Laxmi-kund.

Narad ghat

The grand importance of this ghat has been mentioned in mythology. In the old days this was known as Karma Narayan ghat.

Rameshwara Mahadev temple

This temple is situated near Ram-Gaya ghat. As per tenets Lord Ram had offered oblation to his forefather at this Shivling which had been established by Bharat(yonger brother of Lord Ram)as per Legend.

Taradevi temple

This temple is situated in the burning ghat area of Ram-Gaya ghat of the city. This temple has wide recognition. The grand statue of Bhagwati Tara is established here. It is said that at Ram-Gaya ghat Lord Ram has offered oblation to his forefathers.

Vamandev temple

At the confluence of Ojhla and Ganga river near Vindhyachal at kantit gram (village)ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu in the rare form of Vaman statue are worth seeing.

Nag kund

This place is reckoned as the oldest places in the city. Here the pond with 12 ghats (banks) was got constructed by kings of Nag-dynasty. On ting Panchmi day (a Hindu festival) dipping in the pond is regarded to be specific importance.

Other worthy places to visit

Vindheswar temple, Kumud Hanuman, Kamakshya Devi Chhetrapal Chitwa-Khoh, pond of Lalbhatt, ek-dant Ganesh, Sapta-Sarowar, remains of Pratapbhanu fort, Shiv-Khoh, Bhraamari, Virodhini, Virbhadra, Sankatmochan Hanuman, penance site of Ravan, Sakhi Gopal temple, Sheshhsayi Vishnu, tomb of Bengali Baba, Sidhkali temple of Patalpurt, Akadas Rudra temple, Matsyendra-Kund, Goraksh-Kund, Mas Aanandmayi Aashram, Ram Janki temple, Akshomya temple, Sanktadevi temple, Shitla Devi temple et cetera.

• Gerua TalabThis place is situated at vindhya-mountain, which is 14 krov away from the city. The statue of Lord Shri Krishna is installes. here in an old temple. Clay of gerua(ochrous) colour is found near the temple. Here lies a nice water-pool too.MotiaTalabThis place is situated at Vindhya-mountain amidst charming atmosphere at a distance of 2 k.m. west of Gerua Talab. Water- pool divided in two parts, and old temples of Lord Shankar and Hanuman are centres of attraction.Akodhi temple-Kankal Kali templeThis temple is situated at 14 k.m. west of Vindhyachal in Akhori Gram (village). As per general assumption this temple had got constructed by Akrodh Muni.
  
  Badevranath Shiwdham

  Jigna is situated 35 k.m. away at Vindhyachal-Prayagraj route. A grand fair is organised at this famous seat of a deity on 13 day of paush (tenth month of Hindu calendar) and on Mahashivratri.

  Khaira Shiwdham

  This old Shiv temple is situated at Jigna which is 42k.m. away on Vindhyachal-Prayagraj route. On the eve of Maha Shivratri, Kartik Purnima and on every Monday a large number of devotees assemble here.

With the proximity of patit-pavani (one who uplifts the downtrodden) Ganga river and famous seat of power Vindhyachal, the city of Mirzapur is glorified with the junction of faith, craftsmanship and traditions. At the bank of Ganga River a decorated ghat constructed with stone, the attractive Clock Tower constructed in a very artistic way in the year 1891 in gothic style, old temples and other historical places are the testimony of glorious history of Mirzapur. Brass, china-clay, carpet and a kind of mat making handicrafts in an artistic way et cetera are the speciality of this region. It is the origin of famous folk song Kajri, which is famous in distant areas.

MIRZAPUR

Adalpura Sheetla Dham

This temple is situated 45k.m. away from Mirzapur on the bank of river Ganga in Adalpura. In the Navaratri, huge number of devotees come here for Darshan. People say the idol of Devi Sheetla was founded by Nishad from river Ganga.

Bhandari Devi Temple

This temple is situated on a mountain in Ahraura, which is around 60 km, away from Mirzapur district headquarters. People from nearby districts, come here for darshan. Near temple there is a stone carving of King Ashoka which is preserved by Archeological Survey of India.

Tarkeshvar Mahadev temple, Budhenath temple, Sankatmochan temple (Wasliganj), Lohdi Mahaveer temple (bridge of eleven planks), Ojhla bridge, Ghore Shahid baba Panchmukhi Shiv temple(Bariaghat), Hotel Jhanhwi Ghat, Choubey Ghat, Lalla Ghat, Naar Ghat, Pucca Ghat, Sundar Ghat, Kachhari Ghat, Church (mission compound), Balaji temple, Shahid Smarak Udyan et cetera.

Other Palaces to See Around

Gurudwara Ahraura and Chota Mirzapur

Ahraura is 52 km away from Mirzapur on Varanasi- Sonebhadra route and Chhota Mirzapur is 50 km away from Mirzapur on Chunar-Varanasi routier These places are situated under Narayanpur development block. Guru Teg Bahadur ji while going from Prayag to Varanasi had taken a glimpse of Man Vindhyawasini Devi in course of his entourage programme.

Gurudwara Bhuili Sahib

This place is situated 30k.m. away from Varanasi. Guru Teg Bahadur Ji had stayed at bhuili while going to Patna.
.Lower Khajuri Jalashaya (water-pool)- (10 k.m.)
Tanda waterfall (14k.m.)
Wyndham waterfall (1tik.m.)
Sirsi waterfall (45km.)
Devdari waterfall (120 km.)

Chunar                                  

It is 40k.m. away from Varanasi and 35 km. away from Mirzapur. It is situated at the bank of river Ganga. Chunar had its glorious history. This place is associated with mythological stories of Vaman-Vishnu and others. In old literature this place is known as Charanadri, Nainagarh et cetera. The specific attraction of this place is the grand fort erected on hill and situated at the bank of Ganga River.

This fort was constructed by King Vikramaditya for his brother King Bhartihari. In the very premises of this fort the tomb of king Bhartihari is also situated. In respect of Sonwa- Mandap housed in the fort there is a public saying that in the year 1029 king of Kannauj State Raja Sahdev had made a public announcement regarding her daughter Sonwa that whosoever would defeat her in the warfare, he would get her daughter married to him. In the warfare 52 kings conceded their defeat and were imprisoned in the fort. To commemorate this event king got constructed an umbrella with 52 pillars supporting it near the tank in the fort. At last the brave youth of Mahoba ‘UDAL’ defeated Sonwa and married her. After marriage ‘UDAL’ along with his brother AALHA went to Mahoba. Residence of Warren Hastings and a sun-dial is also situated in the fort.

Durga-Khoh

Merely one kilometre from Chunar Railway station and in the south-west direction this charming place is situated at the bank of a tiny spring named Jhirna Nala. Here in the natural cave an old temple of goddess Durgaji lies. Because of this fact this place is renowned as Durga-khoh. Reputed archaeologist A. Cunninghan had discovered this place in the year 1883-84. He introduced the rock-painting drawn at the wall of the cave of Gupta period along with small records.

Makbara of Ifthikhar Khan

emple of Goddess Durga

Sidhhnath ki dari

This charming place is situated at a distance of 20k.m. from Chunar. Waterfall descends from the height of 300 feet. On the other side of the waterfall lies the tomb of Saint Sidhhnath. Nearby lies the fort of Shakteshgarh, which was constructed by Shaktesh Singh in 16″ century. This is a charming place to enjoy the leisure moments.

Bada Gaon

This place has been famous as an excavation-point of stone for the last 2300 years. This place is situated at a distance of about 2 k.m. from Chunar railway station. It is said that sandy rocks of this place were used for the pillars of Ashokan-period. Some of the stone pieces are important as they depict the rare stone-painting belonging to third century B.C.. This is an important place for the people interested in archaeology.

Sonbhadra

This place is situated at a distance of 89 km. from Mirzapur. This region is very rich in attractive tourist spots. The sub regional area of this vast territory comprises of multi-faceted items at different places. These items are archaeological, historical, spiritual and full of unsurpassed natural beauty spots consisting of rivers, falls and wild-life. Rivers like Sone, Karmnasa, Chandraprabha, Rihand, Kanhar, Renu, Ghaghar, Belan with mineral resources and folk-dance like karma are the heritages of this region.

Places worth visiting

Baraila (shiv temple), prasi(shahid udyan), Gauri Shankar (shiv-temple) Mahuria(wild life sanctuary), Shivdwar (historical statue of lasya style of uma Maheswar belonging to eleventh century), Mukhha (water fall, cave painting), Panchmukhi (cave painting, Soneghati, Shiv temple), Mau (museum, Buddha temple, Akmukhi and Sahashra Shivling), Vijaygarh (fort, the tomb of Miran Shah, Ram Sagar talab), Markundi, (Lorik stone pillar, sone view), Salkhan (very old fossils scattered in vast area), Chopan (Shivalay of Gothani, Kudaridevi, Agori fort), Ghorawal (statue of lord Vishnu), Shaktinagar (N.T.P.C- Singrauli, Jwaladevi), Renukut (Hindalco, Lotus temple, Renukeshwar Mahadev, Shri Ram Mandir, Radha- Krishan Mandir), Pipri (Rihand dam, natural scene of Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar), Obra (Electrical project) et cetera. Fort of Vijaygarh

Sitamarhi

This is a charming place situated at a distance of about 45 k.m. from Vindhyachal (via-Gopiganj- Jangiganj). In the main temple dedicated to mother Sita, a grand statue of Sita ji has been installed and the story of her merging into the land has been depicted in an attractive manner. In addition the gigantic statue of pawansut (son of Lord of air) Lord Hanuman, Valmiki temple, Shiv temple situated in caves has been attractively constructed. Lake with the facility of boating and guest house are some of the attraction of this place.

How to reach there

By AIR nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Babatpur

By RAIL and ROAD -well-connected with all the prominent roads and railways of the country Important fairs and festivals

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