Exploring Global Temples of Goddess Durga During Chaitra Navratri 2026
Chaitra Navratri 2026: A Celebration of Goddess Durga
The Chaitra Navratri festival in 2026 is set to commence on March 19. This significant occasion is dedicated to honoring Goddess Durga. Across India, numerous temples dedicated to the Mother Goddess can be found in every locality, alongside the esteemed *Shakti Peethas*. Interestingly, there are also ancient and powerful shrines dedicated to the Mother Goddess located outside of India. These temples not only represent Indian culture but also serve as spiritual hubs for countless devotees worldwide.
The Role of Temples Abroad
The *Shakti Peethas* and temples situated internationally act as vital links for Hindus residing outside India, helping to preserve Indian traditions on a global scale. During the Navratri celebrations, these sites host special prayers, community feasts (*Bhandaras*), and various festivities. If you're considering traveling abroad and wish to visit temples, these shrines of the Mother Goddess are worth exploring. Let's take a closer look at some notable temples and *Shakti Peethas* located outside India, along with captivating photographs.
Nepal: Guhyeshwari Temple
**Nepal**
**Guhyeshwari Temple**
Situated in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, the Guhyeshwari Temple is recognized as one of the 51 *Shakti Peethas*. It is believed that a part of Goddess Sati's body fell at this location. Nestled along the banks of the Bagmati River, near the Pashupatinath Temple, this shrine is famous for its Tantric spiritual practices. According to legend, both of Goddess Sati's knees, referred to as *Janus*, are said to have fallen here.
Additional Shakti Peethas in Nepal
Nepal is home to two other significant *Shakti Peethas*. The *Adya Shakti Peetha*, located near the Gandak River, is believed to be where Goddess Sati's left cheek fell, and she is worshipped here as *Gandaki*. The second, the *Dantakali Shakti Peetha*, is situated in Bijayapur village, where it is said that Goddess Sati's teeth fell.
Pakistan: Hinglaj Mata Temple
**Pakistan**
**Hinglaj Mata Temple**
Found in the Balochistan region, the Hinglaj Mata Temple, also known as *Hingula Shakti Peetha*, is a highly revered site for Hindu worshippers. Set against a backdrop of deserts and mountains, this *Shakti Peetha* draws numerous devotees annually who come to offer their prayers. It is believed that Goddess Sati's head fell at this sacred site, which is also referred to as *Nani ka Mandir* (Grandmother's Temple) or *Nani ka Haj*.
Sri Lanka: Indrakshi Shakti Peeth
**Sri Lanka**
**Indrakshi Shakti Peeth**
Located in the Nallur region of Jaffna, the Indrakshi Shakti Peeth is where the Goddess is worshipped as Indrakshi. It is believed that Goddess Sati's anklet fell at this site. According to legend, both Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and Indra, the King of Gods, prayed at this Shakti Peeth.
Bangladesh: Dhakeshwari National Temple
**Bangladesh**
**Dhakeshwari National Temple**
The Dhakeshwari Temple is recognized as the largest center of Hindu faith in Bangladesh, believed to be the site where Goddess Sati's crown fell. Located in Dhaka, this temple is accompanied by several other *Shakti Peeths*, including the Jashoreshwari Mata Temple, where the Goddess's left palm is said to have fallen. Other notable sites include the Sugandha Shakti Peeth and Bhavani Shakti Peeth, with the Ugratara Shakti Peeth believed to be where Goddess Sati's nose fell.
Tibet: Dakshayani Shakti Peeth
**Tibet**
**Dakshayani Shakti Peeth**
Close to India, Tibet is home to the Dakshayani Shakti Peeth, located on the banks of the Manasarovar River, where it is believed that Goddess Sati's right palm fell. This site later became the location for the Mansa Devi Shakti Peeth.
Conclusion
PC Social Media