Exploring Vindhyachal, A Lesser-known Tourist Destination In Uttar Pradesh

1. Vindhyavasini Devi Temple

P.C: Nandhu Kumar

The Vindhyavasini Devi temple, as the name suggests, is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess, Maa Vindhyavasini, the incarnation of Goddess Durga. It is believed that Vindhyachal is the very place where the Goddess took refuge after killing the mythological figure, Mahishasura. The Vindhyavasini Devi temple is of immense spiritual significance and has stories and myths to tickle your fancy. The temple is nestled on the banks of the holy river Ganga and people who visit the temple, mostly prefer to take a dip in the river, as the myths have it, that this lets them wash away their sins and they can start a new life thereafter. The shrine boasts of the idol of the Goddess sitting on the back of a lion. The idol is carved in black stone. The temple complex also houses other shrines dedicated to many other Hindu deities. The temple is always busy with tourists and devotees from all around the world and makes for a popular tourist destination in Vindhyachal.

2. Kali Khoh Temple

P.C: frank mckenna

Vindhyachal has temples by the dozens, and the Kali Khoh temple makes one of the most important pilgrimage and tourist destinations in the town. Thousands of tourists flock around the shrine to marvel at its architectural beauty. Craddled in a cave, among the Vindhya mountain ranges, perched atop a hillock, the Kali Khoh temple is near about 2 km from the Vindhyavasini Devi temple. This ancient shrine is devoted to the Hindu Goddess Kali and houses its idol. The temple is set against the backdrop of the mighty mountains of the Vindhya range punctuated with lush green thickets and sparkling rivulets. The very peaceful atmosphere of the place makes this spiritual sanctum a must-visit spot for the travellers. The temple is also home to a number of tantriks, who usually perform several rituals for the fulfillment of the desires of the devotees and to cure them of diseases.

3. Ashtabhuja Temple

P.C: Animesh Basnet

Vindhyachal is home to several magnificent edifices dedicated to the Hindu deities, and one such is the Ashtabhuja temple. The Ashtabhuja temple, as per the name suggests, is dedicated to the Goddess Ashtabhuja. Legends have it that the Goddess Ashtabhuja, Lord Krishna's sister, fled from the heinous trap of Kansa, and took shelter at a hilltop amidst the Vindhyachal mountains, the very place where the Ashtabhuja temple now stands. The majestic temple is nestled atop the Vindhyachal mountain, with one of the most picturesque and scenic views, serving as the backdrop.

The three temples, the Vindhyavasini Devi temple, the Kali Khoh Temple and the Ashtabhuja temple, together constitute a 'triloka', which translates into 'three worlds', and the devotees consider it an act of great religious merit to walk around them. This auspicious ritual is called Triloka Parikrama.

4. Sita Kund

P.C: Anupriya gupta14

Sita Kund, which is a small spring, located on a hillock in Vindhyachal, has an interesting history behind its name. Myth has it, that the origin of this spring dates back to the time when the mythological figures of Sita, Ram and Laksman were returning after their victory in Lanka. Sita got thirsty and due to the dearth of water close by, Lakshman shot an arrow into the earth and a stream of water gushed out of the spot, hence forming the Sita Kund. The Sita Kund is a perennial spring and makes for a tourist hotspot for all the scenic splendour it is enveloped by and, of course, for the myths and stories. The kund is flanked by three other temples of the Hindu deities of Hanuman, Ram Janki and Durga Devi.