Vindhyachal

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Vindhyachal is famous for housing one of the 51 Shaktipeeths in the country. Shaktipeeths are source of power or abode of Goddess Durga symbolizing the female part of power. Situated at the distance of 90 Km from Varanasi, Vindhyachal is a sacred pilgrimage destination for Hindus. Some famous temples located here include Vindhyavasini, Asthbhuja and Kalikhoh.

Several mythological incidences abound here, recounted by devotional locals numerous times and having supporting monuments and ancient structures as a testimony. One such legend associate the Vindhyavasini Temple with the incidence in which Goddess Durga after having killed the demon king Mahishasura had established herself here. Thus, Goddess Durga came to be known as Vindhyavasini in these regions.

Sitakund is another sacred site that traces its roots to the legend associated with Lord Rama, Lakshamana and Sita. As the story goes, while returning from their exile Sita felt thirsty and on realizing that there was no water bodies in the area, Lakshamana pierced an arrow into the ground. The result was a miraculous emergence of a fountain and a water body exists here till date along with the temple. Another famous temple Ashtabhuja exists at a low hillock nearby reachable after climbing 48 steps to the Sita Kund. Devotees may also visit the cave reachable through a narrow path which is so low that one has to bow down in order to get a glimpse of the subterranean Goddess Kali.

Apart from these and some other sacred temples, there also exists Brahmakund and Agastyakund, two water bodies a dip in which is believed to relieve one of his sins. Apart from its deep religious roots, Vindhyachal is also known for the scenic surroundings and picturesque settings all around, making the trip extremely fruitful. Indeed an important and interesting tourist spot not to be missed while visiting Varanasi.