SHARDA DEVI MANDIR, MAIHAR

 SHARDA DEVI MANDIR, MAIHAR

Sharda Shakti Peeth Maihar: This Sarada Shakti Peeth is situated at a distance of 110 km. from Chitrakoot. To come here by bus from Chitrakoot to Satna or from Chitrakoot dham Karvi Railway Station by Chitrakoot Express or Mahakaushal Express (Qutub Express). This place is the main center of South Way worship. It is counted in 51 Peethas of "Shakti Sampradaya". According to the mythological description, after Sati gave his body of sacrifice in the Yajna of Daksha, Lord Shankarji became half-dead. Lord Shiva took the corpse of Sati and started touring the whole earth. Then, worried about this, Lord Vishnu thought that if Shankaraji continues to travel the earth in such a way, then his work will be blocked and the earth will be destroyed by his anger. Then Lord Vishnu cut 51 pieces of sati from his Sudarshan Chakra. The parts of Sati's body lie on the part of the earth where the Shakti Peeth was established. Sati's neck fell at this place, since then it is famous as Sharada Peeth Siddha Peetha. Another description is also that Alaha, a Chandel dynasty, comes here daily to worship the Archana of the Goddess. According to historical accounts, Alha is considered immortal. This Shakti Peet is situated atop a hill where one has to climb 500 stairs to climb. For those travelers who cannot climb on their own, there is a provision of horses etc. and for women children porter for small children and women for climbing assistance. There is a arrangement of Dharamshala and Lodge to rest here at night. There is a system of receiving offerings at the beginning of the stairs. A big fair is held here in Navratri of Chaitra and in Navratri of Quar. Travelers come from far and wide. Devotees pay obeisance to Sharada Mata.  Foreign tourists come here to visit.