Navratri 2025: 8 Famous Maa Durga Temples to Visit Across India
Share this article:
India is home to countless sacred sites, but Maa Durga temples hold a special place in the hearts of devotees and travellers alike. With Navratri 2025 around the corner, pilgrims are gearing up to visit some of the most revered Durga temples across the country. These temples not only offer spiritual solace but also reflect India’s rich cultural heritage and timeless architecture.
From hilltop shrines to riverside marvels, each temple provides a unique spiritual experience, making them top destinations during the festive season. Here’s a curated list of eight must-visit Maa Durga temples for Navratri 2025.
1. Vaishno Devi Temple , Jammu & Kashmir
Perched amidst the breathtaking Trikuta Mountains, Vaishno Devi Temple is one of India’s most sacred pilgrimages. Devotees trek steep paths or ride ponies to reach the cave shrine, chanting “Jai Mata Di” along the way. The panoramic views from the hilltop enhance the spiritual aura, making it a must-visit during Navratri 2025.
2. Dakshineswar Kali Temple , West Bengal
Situated on the banks of the Hooghly River in Kolkata, Dakshineswar Kali Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, a fierce form of Maa Durga. Built in the 19th century by Rani Rashmoni, the temple is famous for its stunning architecture and spiritual legacy linked to Saint Ramakrishna Paramhansa. Its riverside location adds to the serene pilgrimage experience.
3. Kamakhya Temple , Assam
Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati is one of the most influential Shakti Peethas, symbolising the divine feminine power. The temple’s annual Ambubachi Mela attracts thousands of devotees, offering a mystical spiritual experience. Pilgrims flock here to seek blessings during Navratri and witness the vibrant celebrations that honour Maa Durga.
4. Jwala Devi Temple , Himachal Pradesh
Nestled in Kangra Valley, Jwala Devi Temple is unique as it venerates the goddess through eternal flames instead of a traditional idol. The temple’s mystique and sacredness have drawn devotees for centuries, making it a fascinating destination for pilgrims during Navratri 2025.
5. Chamundeshwari Temple , Karnataka
Sitting atop the historic Chamundi Hills in Mysuru, Chamundeshwari Temple boasts a legacy of over 1,000 years. Pilgrims climb 1,000 steps to reach the shrine, rewarded with stunning views of Mysuru and intricately carved temple entrances. Its blend of devotion and architectural grandeur makes it a popular Maa Durga temple for Navratri celebrations.
6. Kalighat Temple , West Bengal
Located in the bustling heart of Kolkata, Kalighat Temple is one of the revered Shakti Peethas. Believed to mark the spot where Goddess Sati’s right toe fell, the temple thrives with vibrant activity and devotion. It captures the essence of Kolkata’s spiritual and cultural landscape, attracting devotees year-round.
7. Mahalakshmi Temple , Maharashtra
Also known as Ambabai Temple, Mahalakshmi Temple in Kolhapur is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. Famous for its intricate carvings and historic significance, the temple draws pilgrims seeking blessings from Maa Durga. Navratri is a particularly auspicious time to visit and witness the temple’s spiritual energy firsthand.
8. Karni Mata Temple , Rajasthan
Located in Bikaner, Karni Mata Temple stands out for its thousands of sacred rats, which are revered by devotees. Spotting the rare white rat here is considered highly auspicious. This unique temple combines devotion, folklore, and curiosity, making it an extraordinary Navratri 2025 pilgrimage destination.
Why Visit Maa Durga Temples During Navratri 2025?
Each temple is a living testament to India’s deep-rooted traditions, architectural brilliance, and spiritual devotion. Visiting these sacred sites during Navratri 2025 allows devotees to immerse themselves in the divine aura of Maa Durga, witness unique rituals, and celebrate the festival with fervour. From serene hilltop shrines to vibrant city temples, the journey promises both spiritual fulfilment and cultural enrichment.
From hilltop shrines to riverside marvels, each temple provides a unique spiritual experience, making them top destinations during the festive season. Here’s a curated list of eight must-visit Maa Durga temples for Navratri 2025.
1. Vaishno Devi Temple , Jammu & Kashmir
Perched amidst the breathtaking Trikuta Mountains, Vaishno Devi Temple is one of India’s most sacred pilgrimages. Devotees trek steep paths or ride ponies to reach the cave shrine, chanting “Jai Mata Di” along the way. The panoramic views from the hilltop enhance the spiritual aura, making it a must-visit during Navratri 2025.
2. Dakshineswar Kali Temple , West Bengal
Situated on the banks of the Hooghly River in Kolkata, Dakshineswar Kali Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, a fierce form of Maa Durga. Built in the 19th century by Rani Rashmoni, the temple is famous for its stunning architecture and spiritual legacy linked to Saint Ramakrishna Paramhansa. Its riverside location adds to the serene pilgrimage experience.
3. Kamakhya Temple , Assam
Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati is one of the most influential Shakti Peethas, symbolising the divine feminine power. The temple’s annual Ambubachi Mela attracts thousands of devotees, offering a mystical spiritual experience. Pilgrims flock here to seek blessings during Navratri and witness the vibrant celebrations that honour Maa Durga.
4. Jwala Devi Temple , Himachal Pradesh
Nestled in Kangra Valley, Jwala Devi Temple is unique as it venerates the goddess through eternal flames instead of a traditional idol. The temple’s mystique and sacredness have drawn devotees for centuries, making it a fascinating destination for pilgrims during Navratri 2025.
5. Chamundeshwari Temple , Karnataka
Sitting atop the historic Chamundi Hills in Mysuru, Chamundeshwari Temple boasts a legacy of over 1,000 years. Pilgrims climb 1,000 steps to reach the shrine, rewarded with stunning views of Mysuru and intricately carved temple entrances. Its blend of devotion and architectural grandeur makes it a popular Maa Durga temple for Navratri celebrations.
6. Kalighat Temple , West Bengal
Located in the bustling heart of Kolkata, Kalighat Temple is one of the revered Shakti Peethas. Believed to mark the spot where Goddess Sati’s right toe fell, the temple thrives with vibrant activity and devotion. It captures the essence of Kolkata’s spiritual and cultural landscape, attracting devotees year-round.
7. Mahalakshmi Temple , Maharashtra
Also known as Ambabai Temple, Mahalakshmi Temple in Kolhapur is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. Famous for its intricate carvings and historic significance, the temple draws pilgrims seeking blessings from Maa Durga. Navratri is a particularly auspicious time to visit and witness the temple’s spiritual energy firsthand.
8. Karni Mata Temple , Rajasthan
Located in Bikaner, Karni Mata Temple stands out for its thousands of sacred rats, which are revered by devotees. Spotting the rare white rat here is considered highly auspicious. This unique temple combines devotion, folklore, and curiosity, making it an extraordinary Navratri 2025 pilgrimage destination.
Why Visit Maa Durga Temples During Navratri 2025?
Each temple is a living testament to India’s deep-rooted traditions, architectural brilliance, and spiritual devotion. Visiting these sacred sites during Navratri 2025 allows devotees to immerse themselves in the divine aura of Maa Durga, witness unique rituals, and celebrate the festival with fervour. From serene hilltop shrines to vibrant city temples, the journey promises both spiritual fulfilment and cultural enrichment.
Next Story