About Sharda Devi Temple
The Sharda Devi Temple stands on top of Trikuta hill at Maihar in Madhya Pradesh, about 40 km from Satna. Maa Sharda, a form of the goddess as giver of wisdom and strength, is one of the most popular deities of central India, and the shrine is visited by large crowds through the year, especially during the two Navratris. From the hilltop there are wide views over Maihar town and the surrounding countryside.
Maihar is popularly counted among the Shakti Peethas. Tradition explains the town's name as 'Mai ka haar', the necklace of the Mother, saying that Sati's necklace fell here; however, the site does not appear in every classical list of the peethas, and accounts differ. The temple is closely linked in legend with Alha and Udal, the heroic brothers of medieval Bundelkhand ballads; it is widely believed that Alha still comes to worship the goddess in the early hours, before the temple opens. Old inscriptions and sculptures found on the hill suggest that the site has been sacred for many centuries.
Pilgrims reach the shrine by a long stairway of more than a thousand steps, by a road for vehicles, or by a ropeway that runs up the hill. The temple at the summit has a white shikhara and a crowded sanctum where the goddess is worshipped with a large silver-adorned image, alongside smaller shrines. At the foot of the hill are the Alha talab, a pond, and an area associated with Alha's wrestling ground. Maihar is also known as the home of the musician Ustad Allauddin Khan and the Maihar gharana of music.
Sharda Devi Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning (about 5:00 AM) to night, with a short closure in the afternoon. The ropeway runs during the day. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Sharda Devi Temple
By air
Jabalpur Airport is about 160 km away; Khajuraho Airport is about 140 km away.
By train
Maihar railway station is about 5 km from the foot of the hill and is served by many trains on the Katni–Satna line.
By road
Maihar is on the national highway between Katni and Satna. Autos run from the station to the foot of the hill.
Festivals at Sharda Devi Temple
- Chaitra NavratriMar/Apr
- Sharad NavratriSep/Oct
- Basant PanchamiJan/Feb
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing is recommended. Wear comfortable footwear up to the temple steps.
- Entry
- Free darshan. The ropeway is ticketed separately.
- Use the ropeway or road if you have elderly family members; the full stair climb is long.
- Start early on Navratri days, when queues for the ropeway and darshan are very long.
- Carry water and a cap if climbing the steps in warm weather.
- Keep footwear at the stands near the foot of the stairway or the ropeway station.
Places to visit near Sharda Devi Temple
- Alha Talab and AkharaPond and wrestling ground linked with the hero Alha, about 2 km away
- Ustad Allauddin Khan memorialHome and memorial of the great musician in Maihar town, about 5 km away
- BharhutSite of an ancient Buddhist stupa famous for its carvings, about 25 km away
- SatnaDistrict town and railway junction, about 40 km away
Frequently asked questions
Is Maihar Sharda Devi a Shakti Peetha?
It is popularly counted as a Shakti Peetha, with tradition saying Sati's necklace (haar) fell here, giving Maihar its name. It does not appear in every classical list of the peethas.
How many steps are there at Maihar temple?
There are a little over a thousand steps to the top. A ropeway and a road are also available.
What is the legend of Alha at Maihar?
Alha, the hero of Bundelkhand ballads, was a great devotee of Maa Sharda, and many believe he still comes to worship her before the temple opens.
How to reach Maihar?
Maihar has its own railway station on the Katni–Satna line, about 5 km from the temple. Jabalpur Airport is about 160 km away.
What is the aarti time at Sharda Devi Temple?
Morning aarti: Early morning (approx.); Evening aarti: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
What are the Sharda Devi Temple timings?
Usually open from early morning (about 5:00 AM) to night, with a short closure in the afternoon. The ropeway runs during the day. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Sharda Devi Temple?
Modest traditional clothing is recommended. Wear comfortable footwear up to the temple steps.
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