Shakumbari
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Shakti Peeth Shakumbari , meaning the abode of Shakti Goddess Shakumbari, is situated in the Jasmour village area, at a distance of 40 km to the north of Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh state of northern India. It has two important temples of Hindu deities: one of the Goddess (Devi) Shakumbari herself and another one, Bhura-dev temple, located one kilometre away from it to the east, of the deity Bhairava , considered to be her guard.
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[edit] Mythology
It is said that, at this place, Mother Goddess Shakumbari killed the mighty demon king (Maha Daitya) Mahishasura. It is also believed that, here she performed worship and meditation (Tapas) for 100 years, having a vegetarian meal (shaka-ahar) only once at the end of every month. During this time the saints and seers (Rishis/Munis) who came for her worship (Darshan) were welcomed and honoured with vegetarian meals. Because of this the temple was named the Shakumbari Devi temple.
[edit] History of Temples
The temple is claimed to date back to ancient times. However, the sculpture of the idols of the Shakumbari temples does not seem to be of an ancient style. Some people believe that the famous Adi Sankracharya performed his meditation (Tapshaya) here and that these idols were installed by him, while others believe that the temple was constructed by the Marathas.
[edit] Shakumbari Mela (Festival)
Twice a year, in the Ashwin and Chetra months of the Hindu calendar (during the days of Navratra), the famous Shakumbari mela is organised. The devotees to Shakumbari first visit Bhura-dev temple and then proceed to the temple of the Goddess.
The popularity of this temple has been increasing day by day and many devotees from far and near visit this temple for "Darshan" these days.
Note: There is another ancient temple of Shakumbhri Devi near the famous Sambhar Lake, 90 kilometers west of Jaipur, in Udaipur-Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. This temple is believed to be more than 1300 years old; it is also visited by people from far and wide.
