Shakambhari Devi Temple, situated in the lap of Shivalik Hills in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, is considered to be the center of faith of the devotees. This ancient Shaktipeeth, dedicated to Goddess Shakambhari, who is considered to be the presiding deity of food and vegetables, is famous far and wide for its unique traditions and centuries-old beliefs. It is believed that during the severe famine, the goddess had showered fruits, vegetables and grains on the earth, due to which she got the name ‘Shakambhari’ and the temple became a major pilgrimage of Annapurna tradition.

According to historians, this temple is about a thousand years old and there are many evidences of it from the exile of Pandavas till the Mughal period. Every year lakhs of devotees reach here during Chaitra and Shardiya Navratri, where the unique tradition of offering special offerings of vegetables and grains to the Goddess is still alive.

Features of the temple

Goddess Shakambhari is the ‘Goddess of Vegetables and Food’

Shakambhari is believed to be the form of Goddess who showered vegetables, fruits and grains on the earth during a severe famine. For this reason, she is called the ‘nourishing goddess’ like Annapurna.

Special Prasad – Vegetables and grains

Unlike other temples, not only sweets, but also vegetables and grains are offered in this temple, which is their special identity.

natural environment

This temple is situated amidst dense forests and hills, due to which it is considered a center of attraction both spiritually and naturally.

belief to temple

Goddess saved the earth from famine

It is believed that once upon a time there was a severe famine on earth. Then Mother Goddess created vegetables, fruits and herbs and provided food to the people. For this reason the goddess was named Shakambhari.

Goddess has been worshiped since Satyayuga

According to local legends, this place of Goddess Shakambhari is a Siddha Peetha from Satyayuga and the wishes of the devotees are fulfilled here.

The killing of the demon Durgamasura

According to the popular story, Durgamasura had taken away all the Vedas, rendering the gods powerless. Then Goddess Shakambhari incarnated and destroyed the demon and brought welfare to the world.

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History of the temple

Believed to be approximately 1000–1200 years old

According to historical records and local documents, this temple is believed to be about 1000 years old.

It is also considered to be to the Pandava period.

In some beliefs, it is said that during the exile of Pandavas, they worshiped here.

Patronage during the Mughal period

It is said that even during the Mughal period, the local people worshiped the Mother Goddess with utmost devotion and the temple remained safe.

path to reach the temple

place:

In the Shivalik hills near Behat town of Saharanpur district.

How to reach?

by the road:

The distance of the temple from Saharanpur city is about 40–45 km. The temple can be reached from Saharanpur via Behat. The road is completely paved and easily accessible by personal car, taxi, bus.

By Rail:

• Nearest railway station is Saharanpur Junction,


• Taxis, buses, autos are available from here.

Nearest Airport:

• Dehradun Jollygrant Airport (about 90–95 km)


• From there one can reach Saharanpur by road.

gentle climbing

There are some stairs to the main complex of the temple but the climb is not very difficult.