Navratri is a festival that is celebrated across India. Though the celebration changes with the change in the region, one factor remains. The mother goddess is worshipped during this festival. Here are five famous temples in North India that should be on your bucket list.
Vaishno Devi in Katra (Jammu and Kashmir)
Thousands make a beeline to Katra to pay their worship at Vaishno Devi shrine. There is a long trek of about 13 km uphill to reach this temple and a visit during Navratri is considered most auspicious.
Reaching Vaishno Devi
Katra, 20 km away is the nearest railway station. While the devout walk the 13 km up, you do see elderly people and disabled people take a pony or ride the helicopter.
Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati (Assam)
One of the oldest of the Shakti peetas, this temple is a popular place of worship. The festival of Navratri is celebrated with much pomp and piety.
Reaching Kamakhya Temple
The temple is about six kilometers from Guwahati railway station and about 20 km away from the airport. Buses, cabs, and auto rickshaws are available.
Kalighat Temple in Kolkata (West Bengal)
The temple at Kalighat, as you see it now is just about 200 years old, but there are references to this temple in many ancient texts. The image of the mother goddess in this temple is unlike those in most temples across Bengal.
Kalighat is one of the most popular temples in West Bengal and is well connected to the other parts of the country.
Tripura Sundari Temple in Udaipur (Tripura)
Tripura Sundari temple in Udaipur, about 55 km from Agartala is also known as Matabari. It is said that goddess Sati's right foot fell here during Shiva's 'rudra thandava'. The goddess is worshiped as Soroshi. Navratri is observed here, but it is Deepavali or Diwali which turns into a major festival.
Reaching Tripura Sundari Temple
The temple is situated in the ancient city of Udaipur and it is well connected by air, rail, and road to the other parts of the country.
Mangala Gauri Temple in Gaya (Bihar)
The Mangala Gauri temple in Gaya dates back to the old times and finds mentions in many scriptures and ancient text. The temple as you see it today dates back to the 15th century. The celebration during Navratri is something you just should not miss.
Reaching Gaya
Gaya is well connected by air, rail, and road to most parts of the country.
Also read: This app will be your best guide to Kolkata during Durga Puja
