Maihar Sharda Mata Temple is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Sharda Mata, a form of Goddess Saraswati.
Maihar Mata temple is located at the top of a hill and offers panoramic views of the Vindhya Range. It is believed to be a site of immense spiritual significance and attracts thousands of devotees yearly.
In this blog, we will explore the history, significance, and best time to visit the Maihar Sharda Mata Temple.
About Maihar
Maihar is a small town located in the Satna district of Madhya Pradesh, India. This temple is one of the most popular and significant pilgrimage sites in India, attracting thousands of devotees and tourists every year. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Sharda, who is believed to be the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, and learning.
The temple is situated atop a hill and is surrounded by scenic views of the Vindhya Range, making it not only a place of worship but also a popular tourist destination.
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| Sharda Mata Temple in Maihar |
What is the history of Maihar Sharda Mata Temple?
The history of Maihar Sharda Mata Temple can be traced back to ancient times. According to Hindu mythology, the hill on which the temple is situated was once the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
It is said that Goddess Sharda appeared before the great sage Markandeya and granted him the boon of knowledge. Since then, the hill has been revered as a sacred site and has been visited by countless pilgrims.
The present temple was built in the 19th century by the ruling family of Maihar, the Bundelas. The temple's architecture is a blend of Rajput and Mughal styles, with intricate carvings and designs adorning the walls and ceilings.
The temple has undergone several renovations over the years, including the addition of a new hall and the installation of a gold-plated dome.
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| Goddess Sharda Mata in Maihar |
What is the Spiritual Significance of Maihar Sharda Mata Temple?
Maihar Sharda Mata Temple is considered to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, which are sacred sites dedicated to the worship of the Divine Feminine. According to Hindu mythology, when Lord Shiva's consort, Sati, died, he carried her body across the universe. The places where Sati's body parts fell became Shakti Peethas, and Maihar is believed to be the site where the Mata Sati necklace fell. In the local language, Mata means Mai and Necklace means Har which becomes Mai ka har = Maihar
The temple 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 endeavors.
The temple is also considered a place of spiritual healing, with many devotees reporting miraculous recoveries from illnesses and diseases.
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| Sharda Mata Temple located at the top of Trikuta Hill |
How to reach Maihar?
Maihar is well-connected to major cities in India by road and rail. Here are some ways to reach Maihar:
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.
By Train:
Maihar has its own railway station, which is well-connected to major cities in India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Varanasi. You can take a train to Maihar from any of these cities.
By Road:
Maihar is well-connected by road to major cities in Madhya Pradesh and other states. You can take a bus or taxi to reach Maihar from cities such as Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, and Allahabad. National Highway 27 and State Highway 11 pass through Maihar, making it easily accessible by road.
Local Transportation:
Once you reach Maihar, you can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple. 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.
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| On my way to Maihar via Road |
What is the best time to visit Maihar?
The best time to visit Maihar Sharda Mata Temple is during the winter season, which falls between October and March. The weather during this time is pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 10°C to 25°C. This is an ideal time to explore the temple and its surroundings as the weather is cool and comfortable.
The monsoon season, which falls between July and September, should be avoided as the region receives heavy rainfall which can make it difficult to navigate the steep roads leading to the temple. Additionally, the temple is also closed during the monsoon season due to safety concerns.
The summer season, which falls between April and June, should also be avoided as the temperatures can rise as high as 45°C, making it uncomfortable to explore the temple and its surroundings.
Therefore, it is best to plan your visit to Maihar Sharda Mata Temple during the winter season, which is not only comfortable but also provides an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the region.
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| View from the top of Sharda Mata Temple in the month of March |
Where to stay in Maihar?
There are several options available for accommodation, ranging from budget to luxury. Here are some popular places to stay in Maihar:
1. Hotel Sai Palace: This is a budget hotel located near the Maihar Railway Station. It offers clean and comfortable rooms, as well as basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, parking, and room service.
2. Hotel Sharda: This is a mid-range hotel located near the Sharda Mata Temple. It offers air-conditioned rooms, a restaurant, and 24-hour front desk service.
3. The Royal Residency Hotel: This is a luxury hotel located near the railway station. It offers spacious and well-appointed rooms, a restaurant, a spa, and other amenities like free Wi-Fi and parking.
4. Hotel Rajhans: This is a mid-range hotel located near the Sharda Mata Temple. It offers air-conditioned rooms, a restaurant, and basic amenities like free Wi-Fi and parking.
5. Maihar Palace: This is a luxury heritage hotel located near the Sharda Mata Temple. It offers elegant rooms, a restaurant, a swimming pool, and other amenities like free Wi-Fi and parking.
You can choose a place to stay based on your budget and preferences. It is advisable to book accommodation in advance, especially during peak seasons and festivals, to avoid any last-minute hassles.
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| Maihar main market area where many budget hotels are available |
What are the different modes to reach Sharda Mata Temple in Maihar?
Maihar Sharda Mata Temple is located on a hill in the town of Maihar in the Satna district of Madhya Pradesh, India. There are different modes of transportation available to reach the Sharda Mata Temple hill. Here are the different modes of transportation to reach the Sharda Mata Temple hill:
1. Stairs: If you prefer to walk, you can climb the stairs to reach the Sharda Mata Temple hill. There are about 1000 stairs to climb, and it takes about 30-40 minutes to reach the top. The stairs are well-maintained and have several resting places along the way.
2. Ropeway: Another popular mode of transportation to reach the Sharda Mata Temple hill is the ropeway. The ropeway ride is an exciting experience, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The cable car ride takes about 5-10 minutes to reach the top.
The Ropeway ticket price is 150 INR for adults and 100 INR for children.
3. Palki: Palki is a traditional mode of transportation in India, and it is still used to reach the Sharda Mata Temple hill. Palkis are available at the bottom of the hill, and they take you to the top of the hill.
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| Ropeway service in Maihar |
Where to eat in Maihar Sharda Mata Temple?
There are several options for food near the Sharda Mata Temple. Here are some places to eat in Sharda Mata Temple Maihar:
1. Bhandara: The temple has 2 Bhandara where food is provided to devotees at only 15 INR. The food is simple and nutritious, and it is prepared in a hygienic manner. The timing of the Bhandara's from 11AM to 3PM,
2. Local eateries: There are several local eateries near the temple that serves traditional Indian food. These eateries offer a variety of vegetarian dishes, such as dal, rice, chapatis, sabzi, and sweets.
3. Street food: There are several street food vendors near the temple that offer snacks such as chaat, samosas, kachoris, and jalebis.
4. Prasad stalls: Prasad stalls are also available near the temple, which offers a variety of sweets and other offerings that can be offered to the deity.
5. Restaurants: There are a few restaurants near the temple that serves Indian and Chinese cuisine. These restaurants offer a comfortable seating area and are ideal for families and large groups.
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| Bhandara in Maihar |
Important points to keep in mind while visiting Maihar Sharda Mata Temple?
If you are planning to visit Maihar Sharda Mata Temple, here are some important points to keep in mind:
1. Dress code: A temple is a sacred place, and it is important to dress modestly and appropriately. Visitors should avoid wearing revealing or tight-fitting clothes and should dress in traditional Indian attire or comfortable clothes that cover their legs and shoulders.
2. Footwear: Shoes and sandals are not allowed inside the temple premises. Visitors should leave their footwear at the designated shoe stands near the entrance of the temple.
3. Silence: A temple is a place of worship, and visitors should maintain silence and avoid talking loudly or making noise inside the temple premises.
4. Respect: Visitors should respect the customs and traditions of the temple and the local community. They should not touch or disturb any idols, sculptures, or offerings inside the temple.
5. Donation: Visitors can make a donation to the temple if they wish to support its maintenance and upkeep. However, visitors should be wary of touts and avoid giving money to beggars or unauthorized individuals.
6. Security: Visitors should keep their belongings safe and secure, and should not leave any valuables unattended. The temple has a designated area for luggage storage, and visitors can use it if needed.
By keeping these points in mind, You can ensure a safe and peaceful visit to Maihar Sharda Mata Temple.
