Vindhyavasini Devi Temple, Vindhyachal

Goddess Vindhyavasini Devi, as the name suggests, is the patron goddess of Vindhyachal, a town in Mirzapur district in Uttar Pradesh. According to scriptures, she is the incarnation of Goddess Durga. Her aasan or seat is regarded as one of the most revered Shakti Peethas amongst the Hindu devotees.

Vindhyavasini Devi is also popularly known as Kajala Devi amongst the locals and is regarded as an incarnation of love and compassion.

Vindhyavasini Devi Temple is a huge building and is located in the middle of the busy bazaar of Vindhyachal city. 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 Dhamdhwaja Devi, Bhuja Devi and Mahakali besides several Shivalingas. A canopy called Saptashsti Madip bears the inscriptions from Durga Saptashati, a sacred text that contains prayers to Goddess Durga.

The temple draws huge crowds of devotees during Navratri, Chaitra month in April and Ashwin month in October.