Shakti Peeth
Maa Sharda Devi Temple, Maihar
Maihar, Satna district, Madhya Pradesh
Enshrined atop Trikuta hill — a shrine linked to the musical legacy of Ustad Allauddin Khan
At a glance
- Location
- Maihar, Satna district, Madhya Pradesh
- Presiding deity
- Goddess Sharda (a combined form of Saraswati and Durga)
- Temple type
- Shakti Peeth
- Tradition
- Shakta
- Nearest railway station
- Maihar railway station (~5 km; more trains stop here during Navratri); Satna Junction (~36 km, all trains)
- Nearest airport
- Khajuraho Airport (~100 km); Jabalpur Airport (~150 km)
- Best time to visit
- October to February for comfort; Sharad and Vasant Navratri are the most crowded but most vibrant times to visit.
History
The Sharda Devi temple at Maihar sits atop Trikuta hill, reached by climbing roughly 1,063 steps or by ropeway. Legend holds that a piece of Sati's necklace fell here, giving the town its name — "Maihar" (Mai ka Haar, "the mother's necklace"). The site is also revered as the spiritual home of the legendary musician Ustad Allauddin Khan, who is said to have attained his musical mastery through devotion to the goddess here.
Spiritual significance
Maihar is counted among Madhya Pradesh's most prominent goddess shrines, with millions of devotees making the hill climb during Navratri.
Plan your visit
Darshan timings
5:00 AM to 9:00 PM (ropeway hours may vary).
Timings change on festivals and special occasions. Confirm with the temple's official source before you travel.
From Maihar or Satna station, a taxi reaches the base of the hill, from where the temple is accessible via steps or ropeway.
Continue your Durga bhakti
Devotional texts for this deity, already on the site.