About Saptashrungi Devi Temple
The Saptashrungi Devi Temple is set high on the Saptashrung hill, near the village of Vani in Kalwan taluka, about 60 km north of Nashik in Maharashtra. The name means the goddess of seven peaks, after the ring of hills around her shrine. The goddess, worshipped as a form of Mahishasuramardini Durga, is the family deity of many Marathi households, and pilgrims climb to her in great numbers through the year, especially during Navratri.
Saptashrungi is counted as the 'half' peetha (ardha peetha) among Maharashtra's three and a half Shakti Peethas, the others being Mahalakshmi at Kolhapur, Tulja Bhavani at Tuljapur and Renuka at Mahur. Some devotees regard it as the original seat of the goddess. Tradition links the site with a part of Sati's body, but accounts differ on which, and it is not part of every list of the 51 peethas. Local legend says the goddess rested here after slaying the buffalo demon Mahishasura, and that the sage Markandeya, whose hill faces the temple, recited the praises of the Devi here.
The image of the goddess, about eight feet tall, is carved into the rock face under a natural overhang. She has eighteen arms holding weapons and has long been coated with layers of orange sindoor; conservation work in recent years removed many of these layers and revealed more of the original form. Pilgrims traditionally climb about 500 steps from the parking area to the shrine, and a funicular trolley now carries visitors most of the way. The views across the Sahyadri hills are striking, especially in the monsoon.
Saptashrungi Devi Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning (about 5:00 AM) to about 10:00 PM, with longer hours during Navratri. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Kakad aarti | Early morning (approx.) |
| Midday aarti | Around noon (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Saptashrungi Devi Temple
By air
Nashik (Ozar) Airport is about 60 km away; Mumbai is about 230 km away.
By train
Nashik Road railway station is about 70 km away.
By road
State buses and taxis run from Nashik to Vani and up the ghat road to the hill, where the steps and funicular begin.
Festivals at Saptashrungi Devi Temple
- Chaitra Navratri and Chaitra Purnima fairMar/Apr
- Sharad NavratriSep/Oct
- Kojagiri PurnimaOct
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing is recommended. Comfortable shoes are useful for the climb up to the temple steps.
- Entry
- Free darshan. The funicular trolley is ticketed separately.
- Use the funicular trolley if you have elderly family members; a short flight of steps remains after it.
- Watch for monkeys on the steps and keep food and bags closed.
- The hill road has hairpin bends; drive carefully, especially in the monsoon mist.
- Combine the visit with a trip to Nashik and Trimbakeshwar.
Places to visit near Saptashrungi Devi Temple
- Markandeya HillHill of the sage Markandeya, facing the temple across the valley
- Shivalaya TirthSacred tank on the Saptashrung hill, about 1 km away
- SaputaraHill station in Gujarat, about 50 km away
- Panchavati, NashikTemples and ghats linked with the Ramayana, about 60 km away
Frequently asked questions
Is Saptashrungi a Shakti Peetha?
Saptashrungi is counted as the 'half' peetha among Maharashtra's three and a half Shakti Peethas. It is not part of every list of the 51 peethas, and traditions about the body part of Sati differ.
How many steps are there at Saptashrungi?
There are about 500 steps to the shrine, and a funicular trolley now carries pilgrims most of the way.
How to reach Saptashrungi from Nashik?
The temple is about 60 km from Nashik by road via Vani. Buses and taxis run from Nashik.
What are the Saptashrungi temple timings?
The temple is usually open from early morning till late evening, with longer hours during Navratri.
What is the aarti time at Saptashrungi Devi Temple?
Kakad aarti: Early morning (approx.); Midday aarti: Around noon (approx.); Evening aarti: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Saptashrungi Devi Temple?
Modest traditional clothing is recommended. Comfortable shoes are useful for the climb up to the temple steps.
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