What is the sthala katha — the legend — of Sharda Devi Temple, Maihar?

Ancient · Hindu · India

Sharda Devi Temple, Maihar

मैहर

Maihar, Madhya Pradesh · 24.2620°, 80.7610°

Goddess Sharda (Sharda Mai)Undetermined—Shakti Peetha

Sacred since

502 CE

first attestation / structure

Standing structure

c. 502 CE

Undetermined

History & significance

A hilltop temple on Trikut hill counted among the Shakti Pithas and one of the busiest goddess shrines of Madhya Pradesh, especially during Navaratri.

Sthala katha — the legend

Sati's necklace is said to have fallen here, giving Maihar its name, and the warriors Alha and Udal are remembered as the first to worship the goddess in the forest.

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