Vindhyachal - VaranasiTourismTravels

Vindhyachal by VaranasiTourismTravels

Location of Vindhyachal

Vindhyachal is a town in Mirzapur District of Uttar Pradesh state in North India and is situated at a distance of 65 kms from Varanasi. Vindhyavasini Devi Temple is about 8 kms from Mirzapur, on the banks of the holy River Ganga. Nearest airport is in Varanasi at a distance of 73 kms.

How to Reach Vindhyachal

Vindhyachal is well connected by road and train. You may reach there by bus, train or by taxi. If you are travelling by train then you may also get down at Mirzapur (8 kms) and take a bus, taxi or auto to reach Vindhyachal because most of the express trains do not have stoppage at Vindhyachal. Vindhyachal also has regular bus services to the nearby cities.

Best Time to Visit Vindhyachal

From October to March to avoid hot summers. For Navratri it is advisable to travel in the months of April and October, for Kajali festival you have to visit in the month of June, for Maha Shivratri February and months of July-August for Shravan Mela.

Highlights of Vindhyachal

Vindhyachal, an ancient pilgrim centre is considered as one of the most important Shaktipeeths in Hindu religion as it is believed that Goddess Durga, also known as Vindhyavasini Devi, had established herself in Vindhyachal after killing demon king Mahishasura according to Markandeya Purana. As per mythology goddess Vindhyavasini is believed to be the instant benefit provider. Thousands of worshippers throng the Temple during Navratri in the months of April (Chaitra) and October (Ashwin) to obtain the blessings of Goddess. Tantriks also visit Vindhyachal for Tantra sadhana (Meditation). Kajali (local folk music) competitions are held in the month of June (Jyeshta). Kajali is dedicated to Goddess Vindhyavasini and all Kajali singers from north India gather in Vindhyachal to celebrate Kajali Festival.

Trikon Parikrama (circumambulation of the divine triangle) in Vindhyachal is considered very auspicious by Hindus and covers famous temple such as Ashtabhuja Devi and Kalikhoh Temple in its route which is at a distance of 3 kms and 2 kms respectively from Vindhyachal. Ashtabhuja Temple is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati; as per mythology Ashtabhuja was sister of Krishna, who came to Vindhyachal after relieving herself from the grip of demon Kansa, who wanted to kill her after her birth. Kalikhoh Temple is in the form of ancient cave dedicated to Goddess Maha Kali; the deity represents to incarnation of Hindu Goddess Durga for killing demon Raktabeeja. Three Temples on the three corners of Vindhyachal namely Vindhyavasini, Kali Khoh and Ashtabhuja are known as “Trikon” (triangle) and pilgrimage is completed only after visiting all three which is known as “Trikon Parikrama”. As per mythology, completing Trikon Parikrama brings in good fortune to the pilgrims. Pilgrims are also required to take holy dip in Kali kund during Parikrama and it is considered complete after visiting kund of saint Karngiri.

There are many other sacred places in Vindhyachal such as Budeh Nath Temple, Lal Bhairav Temple, Kal Bhairav Temple, Sakshi Gopal Temple, Tarkeshwar Nath Temple, Kankali Devi Temple, Ekdant Ganesh, Sita Kund (has mythological importance), Narad Ghat, Gerua talab (pond), Motiya talab, Sapta Sarovar, Goraksha kund (pond), Bramha kund, Agastya kund, Matsyendra kund, Shivashiv Samooh Awadhoot Ashram, Anandamayee Ma Ashram and Bhairav kund. Bhairav Temples are located around Vindhyachal to ward off evil effects; Anand Bhairav is in the east, Sidhanath in the west, Kapal Bhairav in the south and Rudra Bhairav in the north side. Apart from being famous as important Hindu pilgrimage centre, Vindhyachal is also known for its beautiful natural surroundings having panoramic scenery of lovely mountain ranges enclosing the pictorial countryside, River Ganga flowing through this city and passing of Indian Standard Time (IST) line.