Sharda Devi Maihar Shaktipeeth or Maihar Devi is located on Trikuta Hill in Satna, Madhya Pradesh, India. Maihar is known for the temple of the revered mother goddess Sharda situated on Trikuta hill. Maihar is a combination of the terms ‘Mai’ (Mother) and ‘Har’ (Necklace). According to Hindu textbooks, as Lord Shiva was travelling while carrying the body of the mother deity Sati, the necklace (har) of divinity Sati (Mai) fell in Maihar, and so people began calling it Maihar. It is also one of the 51 Shakti Peeths of Goddess Parvati.

Mother is reported to always sit in lofty locations. The route that devotees use to approach Vaishno Devi to see Maa Durga. Similarly, 1063 steps are made to visit the mother in Madhya Pradesh’s Satna district. This Mata temple is known as the Sharda Devi Maihar since it is located on the Trikut mountain in the Maihar tehsil of the Satna district.

Story Behind Sharda Devi Maihar Shaktipeeth

The goddess of Dakshayani, Sati, Parvati, or Durga—Hinduism’s most important woman and most powerful deity—is called Shakti. Durga Devi, Mahakali, and Gowri are the three main manifestations of Shakti, the power goddess. She is Adi Shakti’s avatar.

Sati was the Prajapati Daksha’s daughter, and she married Lord Shiva despite Her father’s wishes. Prajapati Daksha once put together a massive yagya, but he didn’t call his daughter and son-in-law. Sati was very saddened by Her father’s actions. When she got there, her father ignored the Sati and insulted her. She could not bear the insult of his husband (Lord Shiva) and she jumped into the fire of Yagya and committed suicide. She passed away, but her body didn’t burn. Lord Shiva had taken His Virabhadra Rupa out of rage. Daksha’s head was cut off by him, but in the end, He forgave him by bringing him back to life.

Lord Shiva, devastated, had taken Sati’s body and wandered the universe. Finally, Lord Vishnu used His Chakra to break Sati’s body into pieces. Each body part transformed into Shakti Pitha. The temple had emerged where the body part had fallen to the ground. To safeguard the Shakti Pitha, Lord Shiva created 51 Bhairava for each one.

It is said that while Lord Shiva was carrying the body of the deceased mother goddess (Mai in Hindi) Sati, her necklace (haar in Hindi) fell at this location, giving rise to the name “Maihar” (Maihar = Mai+Har, meaning the “necklace of the mother”). Maihar also has a connection to the renowned Warriors Alha and his brother Udal.

History of Sharda Devi Maihar Shaktipeeth

Alha and Udal, who fought alongside Prithviraj Chauhan, are said to be devoted devotees of Sharada Mata. Alha and Udal were the first to find this Sharada Devi shrine hidden in the woods. After that, Alha appeased the goddess by performing 12 years of austerities in this shrine. Mother had bestowed immortality upon him.

According to legend, Alha Mata was once known as Sharada Mai, and as a result, this shrine became known as the Sharda Mai shrine. Even today, it is claimed that Alha and Udal visit Mother Sharda daily. Alha Talab is a pond hidden beneath the mountains beyond the temple. Not only this but after going 2 kilometres further from the pond, an arena is found, about which it is said that Alha and Udal used to fight wrestling.

The architecture of Sharda Devi Maihar Shaktipeeth

Goddess Sharda is reported to have appeared before the great sage Markandeya and granted him the boon of wisdom. Since then, the hill has been recognised as a sacred spot, with innumerable pilgrims visiting it.

The current temple was established in the nineteenth century by Maihar’s royal dynasty, the Bundelas. The architecture of the temple is a fusion of Rajput and Mughal traditions, with elaborate carvings and decorations covering the walls and ceilings. Over the years, the temple has undergone various restorations, including the creation of a new hall and the installation of a gold-plated dome.

The temple features shrines for Lord Bala Ganapathi, Lord Muruga, and Acharya Sri Sankara at the appropriate locations, with a three-time puja performed by the protocols followed in Sringeri’s main Mutt, which preaches Advaita philosophy in the footsteps of Acharya Adi Sankara.

Facts about Sharda Devi Maihar Shaktipeeth

• Maihar is a city situated in Satna District of Madhya Pradesh State. The name Maihar is created from the mixture of 2 words ‘Mai'(Mother)+ ‘Har'(Necklace).
• There are 1063 steps to reach the top of the hill, currently, a ropeway facility is also available there.
• A huge number of devotees bring their children to commencing their education.
• During the Navarathri festival days, Jaganmatha Sharadambika appears in alluring alankaras as Brahmmi, Maheswari, Gaumari, Vaishnavi, Indrani, Chamundeeswari and Gajalakshmi.
• The idol of the presiding deity Mother Sharadambal is made of five metals – Aimpon in Tamil.
• It is believed that Alha and Udal who had fought with Prithviraj Chauhan were also great devotees of Sharada Mata.
• Alha and Udal were the first to discover the temple of Sharada Devi amidst the forests.
• Along with Mata, Shri Kaal Bhairavi, Lord, Hanuman ji, Goddess Kali, Durga, Shri Gauri Shankar, Shesh Nag, Phoolmati Mata, Brahma Dev and Jalapa Devi are also worshipped on this mountain top.
• Sharda Devi Maihar Shaktipeeth is visited by devotees who seek blessings and guidance from Goddess Sharda. Praying to the goddess is believed to grant wisdom, knowledge, and success in one’s endeavours.
• Sharda Devi Maihar Shaktipeeth is also considered a place of spiritual healing, with many devotees reporting miraculous recoveries from illnesses and diseases.

Festivals In Sharda Devi Maihar Shaktipeeth

• Durga Puja. (Winter) – Devotees celebrate Navaratri at this temple in the month of Ashwin (Sep-Oct).
• Navaratri. (Summer) – They celebrate other Navaratri in the fortnight of the Chaitra (March-April). Every nine days they worship Navadurga (nine Durgas).
• Diwali – Diwali is one of the most admired and auspicious festivals in the town.
• Mahashivratri– A grand fair is organized at the temple during the occasion of Maha Shivratri.

How To reach Sharda Devi Maihar Shaktipeeth

Sharda Devi Maihar Temple is located at Trikut hill, Maihar city, Madhya Pradesh. Maihar Mata Temple is dedicated to Mata Sharda.

By Air: The nearest airport to Maihar is Jabalpur Airport, which is approximately 170 km away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Maihar. Also, Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (babatpur) is 75 km from the temple.

By Railway:  The temple is located at a distance of about 1.5 km from Maihar Railway Station.

By Roadways:  National Highway 27 and State Highway 11 pass through Maihar, making it easily accessible by road.

Ropeway:  The temple is located on a hill, and you need to climb several steps to reach the temple. Alternatively, you can take a ropeway ride to the temple, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

Also Read – Devikoop Bhadrakali Shaktipeeth