Saptashrungi

Legend says that Devi Sati's (first wife of Lord Shiva) father was disapproving of her husband, Lord Shiva because he considered him to be a mere mendicant. Hence, when he was performing a yagna, he invited every distant friend and relative but did not invite Devi Sati and Lord Shiva. Devi Sati went to the yagna uninvited and was extremely humiliated when her father didn't acknowledge her presence and started defaming Lord Shiva, who she married had married out of deep love and respect. Infuriated and humiliated, Devi Sati jumped into the fire of the yagna and gave up her life.

When this news reached Lord Shiva, he reached the site boiling with rage and filled with sadness. He picked up Devi Sati's dead body and started circling the universe. Lord Shiva was in a state of trance and sorrow, he lost control over himself. Seeing the graveness of the situation, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu decided to take it upon themselves to bring him back to his usual self. Lord Vishnu cut Devi Sati's body into 51 pieces as Lord Shivatravelledd around the world, and these 51 body parts fell at different locations in the subcontinent of India, and all these locations are called 'Shakhti Peethas'. Devi Sati's right arm and limbs fell on the Saptashringi hills, and a Shakti Peeth was created.

The goddess Saptashrungi Nivasini is said to have been created from the very kamandalu (water pot) of the creator of the universe, Lord Brahma.

Another Legend of Saptashrungi: The mighty goddess had taken the form of Devi Durga to destroy the evil demon, Mahishasura at the Saptashrungi when the demon was reigning havoc in the universe. Mahishasura was also referred to as the buffalo demon. After slewing the buffalo demon, Devi Saptashrungi Nivasini is said to have settled in the Saptashrungi. In this honour, the entrance of the temple has a big statue of the head of a buffalo. The front yard of the temple also has a Trishul decorated with bells and lamps.

Ramayana Connection: When Laxman was lying unconscious and could only be awakened by the 'sanjeevani' herb, Lord Hanuman flew to these hills in search of the herb. It is also believed that Lord Ram along with Seeta and Laxman had come to these hills themselves to seek the great goddess' blessings.

In the two levelled shrine, the Devi is said to be 'swayambhu', that is, self-manifested. The 8 feet tall idol is covered in sindoor and hence is a burning orange in colour. The mighty goddess is eighteen armed and holds in each hand, weapons of insurmountable strength. These weapons were gifted to her to combat and bring down the evil demon Mahishasura.

As for the goddess, the Devi is decorated with a high and elegant crown and a silver nose-ring. Necklaces also form part of her daily attire. A robe and a blouse flow graciously on the statue and are changed every day with brand new dresses which are picked out for the Devi. Before she is dressed for worship, she is given a formal Abhishek, that is a bath with warm water. The deity is decorated with exclusive and costly ornaments on festivals, which otherwise lie in the safe custody of the temple. The courtyard of the Saptashrungi temple has a trident or Trishula decorated with bells and lamps.

The nearest railway station to Saptashrungi is the Nashik Railway Station. The Maharashtra State Transport Corporation (MSTC) runs regular bus service to the temple, which in effect also gives access to the Saptashrungi hills. Most buses terminate at Nashik CBS Bus Station.