Shri Vindhyavasini Devi Mandir Dindori, Naasik

The temple of Vindhyavasini Devi is famous in Dindori Taluka of Nashik district. The original abode of this Goddess is on the Vindhyachal mountain near Mirzapur on the banks of the Ganges river in Uttar Pradesh. The seat of the Goddess on the Vindhyachal mountain is considered a Purna Peetha (complete seat), while the seat at Dindori is considered an Ardha Peetha (half seat). It is said that the seat of the Goddess at Dindori is three hundred and fifty to four hundred years old. The Goddess is renowned as one who rushes to the call of her devotees and fulfills their vows.

Regarding Vindhyavasini Devi, the legend goes that to save Krishna, who was born from the eighth womb of Devaki, from Kansa, Vasudeva crossed the Yamuna river and reached the house of Nanda and Yashoda in Gokul. At the same time, Adi Parashakti Yogamaya Devi, who was born as a girl from the womb of Yashoda, was secretly brought to the prison in Mathura. When Kansa learned about the birth of Devaki’s eighth child, a girl, he immediately reached the prison. When he tried to kill the newborn girl by dashing her against a stone, she slipped from his hands and reached the sky. She revealed her divine form in the sky, prophesied the death of Kansa, and returned to Vindhyachal. Therefore, this Goddess is also called the ‘Goddess of Nanda’s house’.

According to another legend, the creator Brahma first created Manu and Shatarupa. After marriage, Manu made an idol of the Goddess with his own hands and performed severe penance for many years. Pleased with his penance, Goddess Bhagwati blessed him with a trouble-free kingdom, the growth of his lineage, and the attainment of the supreme state. After bestowing the boon, the Goddess departed for the Vindhyachal mountain. Vindhyavasini Devi has been worshipped since the beginning of creation. It is also believed that the expansion of the universe took place with her blessings.

The Vindhyavasini Devi of Dindori is the family deity (Kuldaivat) of clans such as the Sonar, Teli, Brahmin, Mali, and Navhi communities here. This place is also recognized as the village deity (Gramdaivat) of Dindori. The temple is situated on a small hill near Dindori. This temple, which was small in the past, was renovated in 1997. Along with that, thousands of trees were planted in the temple premises by the Trust 25 years ago. As they have now grown large, dense greenery can be seen here. Therefore, the atmosphere here is somewhat cool and pleasant. Various birds and peacocks are seen roaming in the temple premises. The temple premises are spacious, and emphasis on cleanliness is evident.

The construction of the temple is modern. The main temple and the surrounding temples are entirely white. This entire complex spans two acres. To ensure that devotees do not suffer from the heat while walking from the entrance to the temple, a tin shed has been erected along the path. Paver blocks are seen everywhere in the temple courtyard.

The hall in the temple is made entirely of marble, and its carvings are distinctive. In the center of the hall, in front of the sanctum sanctorum, is a beautiful brass idol of a lion. On both sides of the entrance to the sanctum sanctorum are marble idols of the Navadurgas. These include Katyayani Devi, Kalaratri Devi, Mahagauri Devi, Siddhidatri Devi, Kushmanda Devi, Chandraghanta Devi, Brahmacharini Devi, and Shailputri Devi. The idol of Vindhyavasini Devi in the sanctum is made of black stone and is five and a quarter feet tall. This idol is similar to the one on the Vindhyachal mountain. Next to this idol, an old vermilion-smeared idol of the Goddess has been placed.

Festivals are held in the temple during Mahashivratri, Kalbhairav Jayanti, Dev Diwali, Aranyashasthi (the manifestation day of Vindhyavasini Devi), Chaitra Purnima, Kojagiri Purnima, and Navratri. A fair is held here during Navratri. During this time, food is offered to the devotees who arrive by the temple trust. Daily morning and evening, the routine worship and Aarti of the Goddess are performed. Beside the main temple are the temples of Kalbhairav and Mahadeva. Vindhyavasini is considered the Goddess of power, longevity, progeny, destruction of diseases, prosperity, and happiness. This Goddess is the family deity of many clans, and devotees come to this temple in large numbers for Darshan.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery