About Nartiang Durga Temple
The Nartiang Durga Temple stands in the village of Nartiang in the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, about 65 km from Shillong. Nartiang was once a summer capital of the Jaintia kings, and the temple was their royal shrine to Goddess Durga, worshipped here as Jainteshwari. Some traditions count it as the Jayanti Shakti Peetha, where the left thigh of Sati is said to have fallen. Other traditions place the Jayanti Peetha at Jaintiapur in present-day Bangladesh, so the claim is not universal.
Tradition says the temple was founded by the Jaintia rulers several centuries ago, after the goddess appeared to a king in a dream; the exact date is not certain. The Jaintia royal house adopted Hindu worship alongside its own customs, and the temple reflects this blend. Old accounts speak of human sacrifice being performed here in earlier times; this ended in the colonial period, and today's rituals are symbolic, with offerings including goats and other items. Priests continue the old rites, especially during Durga Puja, when the goddess is worshipped with great devotion by the local people.
The temple does not look like a typical North Indian shrine. It is built in the style of a traditional Jaintia house, with a sloping roof and plain walls, and has no tall spire. Inside, the goddess is worshipped in the old manner, with brass images and ritual objects. A short walk away lies the Nartiang monolith site, a large group of standing and flat stones raised by the Jaintia people, among the tallest such monoliths in the region. Together the shrine and the monoliths give a rare glimpse of Jaintia history.
Nartiang Durga Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning to evening, with a break in the afternoon at many times of the year. Check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Daily puja | Morning (approx.) |
| Evening puja | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Nartiang Durga Temple
By air
Shillong Airport at Umroi is about 90 km away; Guwahati International Airport is about 160 km away.
By train
Guwahati Railway Station is the nearest major railhead, about 160 km away.
By road
Nartiang is reached by road from Shillong (about 65 km) or from Jowai (about 25 km), turning off the Shillong–Jowai highway. Hire a taxi, as public transport is limited.
Festivals at Nartiang Durga Temple
- Durga PujaSep/Oct
- Chaitra NavratriMar/Apr
- Diwali and Kali PujaOct/Nov
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest clothing is recommended. Remove footwear before entering the shrine.
- Entry
- Free entry.
- Hire a taxi from Shillong or Jowai, as buses to Nartiang are infrequent.
- Visit the Nartiang monoliths next door; allow time to walk among the stones.
- Ask before photographing inside the shrine or during rituals.
- Carry a light jacket, as the Jaintia Hills can be cool even in daytime.
- Food options are few in the village; carry snacks and water.
Places to visit near Nartiang Durga Temple
- Nartiang MonolithsLarge group of Jaintia standing stones, about 1 km away
- JowaiDistrict town of the Jaintia Hills, about 25 km away
- Thadlaskein LakeHistoric lake on the Shillong–Jowai road, about 20 km away
- ShillongCapital of Meghalaya, about 65 km away
Frequently asked questions
Is Nartiang Durga Temple a Shakti Peetha?
Some traditions count it as the Jayanti Shakti Peetha, where Sati's left thigh is said to have fallen. Others place the Jayanti Peetha at Jaintiapur in Bangladesh, so traditions differ.
How to reach Nartiang Durga Temple?
Drive about 65 km from Shillong or about 25 km from Jowai. A hired taxi is the most practical option.
Why does the temple look like a house?
It is built in the traditional Jaintia style of architecture, with a sloping roof and no spire, reflecting the local culture of the Jaintia kings who founded it.
What are the Nartiang Durga Temple timings?
It is usually open from morning to evening. Hours are informal, so check locally, especially outside festival days.
What is the aarti time at Nartiang Durga Temple?
Daily puja: Morning (approx.); Evening puja: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Nartiang Durga Temple?
Modest clothing is recommended. Remove footwear before entering the shrine.
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