Lalitha Devi Temple is one of the ancient shakti peethas situated at Meerapur, Harshvardhan Nagar, Katehra Dariyabad, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Famous sloka of the goddess is “Varanasyam Vishalakshi Naimeshe Linga Dharini” .
Usually, we find a goddess in the form of stone sculptures in many places, unlike other places goddess is in the form of Linga.
As part of the renovation of temples, along with Kashi, Rani Ahalya Bhai renovated Lalitha Devi Temple.
>
The significance of Tripura Sundari Temple:
According to the Hindu mythology, Daksha yagna and Sati self-immolation, it is the holy place where maa “finger” fell down. Local people call the deity with the name Lalitha Devi and her concert, Bhairava form of Lord Shiva is worshiped with the name Bhawa.
Local people believe that devotees who visit this temple will be free from chronic fevers, also Lalitha Devi temple is famous to attain tantric powers so people also call goddess as Tantric Devi.
Sri Chakra embedded in this temple is considered to be very powerful. This temple is built with 41 feet high entrance with 103 feet tall high. During the festive season of Navratri, this temple is crowded with devotees from various places.
“Sakumkana Vilepanam Alikachumbi Kasturikam Samandha Hasitekshanam Sasarachapa Pakansukam Asesha Jana Mohineem Arunamalya Bhushojwalam Japakusuma Basuram Japa Vidhowswarambikam”.
As per ancient texts, the goddess has killed three demons named Vishakrudu, Vishangudu, and Bhandasurudu and helped the universe run smooth.
Legend of Lalitha Devi Temple:
As per the ancient texts, once upon a time, a group of Rishis and Maharishis pledged Lord Brahma to show a place where there is no influence of Kali during kaliyuga. Lord created a chaturmukha chakra and dispensed by saying wherever it lands that will the perfect place. Chakra traveled all Lokas and landed near Gowmathi river bank at the forest. As Chakra’s naimi touched the land of the forest, it is called with the name Naimisharanyam. Chakra not just touched land but it started penetrating deep into the crust of the earth, which pulled underground water out. Looking at this situation Rishis again pleaded Lord Brahma to stop this furor then Lord Brahma appeared and suggested them to pledge goddess Lalitha Devi. As per the words of Lord Brahma, Maharshis started praying goddess Lalitha Devi then goddess appeared and stopped chakra with her almighty powers.
As the water came out with the speed of chakra, the place water spilled out is called with the name Chakra teertha. From this incident, this place has given shelter to many Rishis and Maharishis over a period of time.
Places to visit:
Chakratirth, Soot Gaddi, Vyaas Gaddi, Hanuman Garhi, Pandav Kila, Sita Kund, Puram Mandir and Ashram of Ma Anandmayi, Nardanand Saraswati Ashram, Misrikh Teerth or Dadhichi Kund and Dashashwamedha Ghat.
How to reach Lalitha Devi Temple:
Road: It is about 3 km. from Allahabad, so we have many local taxis and government buses floating to this place. Also, it is 130 km. from Varanasi.
Rail: The nearest railway station is at Allahabad which is about 6 km. you can visit https://indiarailinfo.com/arrivals/455 for more information.
Air: Allahabad airport is around 13 km. from the temple.
