A memorable journey to Saptashrungi Devi Temple

A journey to any famous, historic or unseen temple is always a fascinating
one. You always get to know more about the deity, history of the temple, people residing near the temple, the local food and travel. I always like to visit such temples, capture photos and write about the journey experience.

Recently, I along with my family visited two famous temples of Nashik located in two different regions. The first one was the Shree Saptashrungi Devi Temple and second one was the Shree Saibaba Temple of Shirdi. This post talks about our different experience of using local transport to reach Saptashrugi Devi Temple.

The Saptashrungi Temple is located in the hilly region of Nanduri village in Nashik. The village is in the foothills of Saptashrungi Gad. According to the Hindu scriptures, the goddess Saptashrungi dwells within the seven mountain peaks, also known as Gads. Sapta means seven and Shrung means Peaks.
This temple is one of the Three and a half Shakti Peethas of the Hindu Goddesses situated in Maharashtra.

We started our journey to Nashik by Pushpak Express from Kalyan. At Igatpuri Station halt, we had a quick bite of famous vadapav and kanda bhaji pav of Igatpuri. After getting down at Nashik Road Station, we reached Hotel New Holiday Plaza at around 12.30 pm. We rested for sometime, had a quick lunch and started our further journey to Saptashrungi Temple, which was 62 Kms from Dindori Naka of Nashik.

As we had not booked any private vehicle, we decide to explore travelling by Kaali-Peeli Taxi (Mahindra Maxx). One driver approached me and offered dedicated seats for the family. We happily agreed and took our seats. As soon we entered, we saw that the front seat was occupied by three ladies apart from the driver seat and back seats were reserved for loading some vegetables sacks.

The taxi driver took us to the nearby vegetable market and loaded 10-12 big vegetables sacks and finally our journey started in a packed taxi. But I knew that I’m going to get blasted by my better half and kids for this stupid idea of taxi journey. In a jovial tone, I informed them to enjoy the different experience of travelling by public transport.

While on the way, we saw other taxis loaded with people coming along with us to visit the temple. I told my family members, see so many people travel by these taxis on daily basis. So relax and enjoy the drive or just take a nap. The road was empty and weather was cool due to winter season.

I and my better half were enjoying the drive and the cool weather, while the kids were sleeping. The ladies in the front seat were talkative. It was interesting to hear their continuous funny chit-chat with the driver. They had a typical marathi accent of Nashik which was more interesting.

As soon as, we entered the hilly region, the scenic beauty of the Sahyadri mountains was eye catching. I clicked few photos of this region while on the drive. The next interesting part was the twists and turns in the mountains/ ghats road. The driver dropped us at the plateau region from where you have to climb 500 steps to reach the temple.

The Saptashrungi temple is built on a cliff of the mountain with steps starting from the plateau region. Recently, a Funicular Trolley service has been started for devotees to reach the temple entrance in a minutes time. The charges are reasonable for this service.

We tried to get the tickets of the trolley service, but we dropped the idea as there was long queue and the operator also told us that the waiting time is two hours. It was almost 5.30 pm, so we decided to climb up the steps. We took almost 1 hour 30 mins to reach the entrance of the temple. There was huge crowd at the entrance in a queue upto two floors.

Finally, we saw the orange idol of Saptashrungi Mata carved on the rock which was approx 8 feet tall with eighteen hands, holding different weapons. Her big, bright and lively eyes makes you feel her presence. The chanting of “Saptashrungi Mata Ki Jai” by the devotees was making us feel the divine atmosphere.

After taking darshan, we came back at the plateau base at around 8.00 pm and headed towards the Saptashrungi Prasadalay. The prasad served was a proper veg thali with two subzis, dal, rotis, rice, papad, achar and dahi. It was a delicious prasad.

Around 9.00 pm, we headed back to Nashik with similar type of taxi. But this time, we got the back seats. It was complete blackout on the road and very cold weather too. Going through the mountain/ghat roads during night was a different experience. But sometimes scary during turns in the ghat.

Almost after one and hour half journey, we reached the hotel at around 10.30 pm. Although we were physically tired, but after taking darshan of Saptashrungi Mata by climbing the steps, enjoying the prasad, meeting different people, the cool weather and travel through the local transport made this journey memorable.

Here are some photos captured by me during this journey.

How to reach:
1) By Train:
Closest railway station is the Nashik Road Station.
2) By Road:
a) From Dindori Naka, Nashik – Kaali Peeli Jeep/Cab or Private vehicles are
available. These vehicles can take you directly to the plateau region.
b) MSRTC Regular bus service is available from Nashik to Nanduri Village.
Mini-buses from Nanduri village are also available. available.
3) By Air:
Nashik Airport is the nearest airport.

Travel Tips:
1) Start your journey early in the morning so that you get enough
time for shopping or relaxing at Saptrashrungi Gad after taking darshan.
2) If you want to explore the option of travelling by Kaali-Peeli taxi then request for middle seats.
3) Request the driver to stop at 2-3 scenic spots on the ghat to take snaps. Keep your camera handy.
4) Carry sweaters or shawls during winter.
5) If you are taking elder family members along with you then go by trolley, climbing 500 steps would be difficult for them.
6) Photography is not allowed within the temple.
7) Definitely visit the Saptrashrungi Prasadalay.

Wishing you and your family a very Happy & Prosperous New Year 🙂