The Lalita Devi Temple is devoted to Goddess Sati’s manifestation, Goddess Lalita Devi. It stands out amongst the 51 Shaktipeeths in India as well as the three located in Allahabad – it is thought that Lord Shiva had dropped Sati’s right-hand finger here whilst carrying her remains. Worshiped by Maharishi Bharadwaj and potentially Rama too, this particular temple has an esoteric importance among its counterparts. Legends even state that Pandavas visited and paid homage at this holy shrine!
Prayag Shaktipeeths is a renowned Sapta mokshapura and known as Theertharaj, or “king of all theerthas”. It’s said that the fingers of Mata Sati fell here – also referred to as Alopi Mata or Lalita. Lord Shiva reigns over Prayag by his name Bhav.
The revered Lalita Devi temple was built according to the Sri Yantra design, and has undergone several renovations since 1987. This divine site is home to three powerful forms of worship – Maa Lalitha, Ma Saraswati, and Mahakali. Inside you may find a tiny shrine containing an ethereal Shiva lingam crafted from mercury! On top of that there are idols Sankatmochan Hanuman, Shri Ram-Lakshman-Sita trio as well as Navagrahas too! It’s said that if one takes a bath in the pure confluence around this temple—the sacred Mahashaktipeeth—all their wishes will be granted after worshipping here with sincerity & devotion.
Navratri is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm in this temple, attracting a multitude of people to seek the Goddess’ blessings. However, it’s not only Navratri that draws in a large crowd; Magh Mela and Kumbh Mela are also met with an enormous influx of devotees.
Visiting the temple is an experience that can be enjoyed throughout the year, however wintertime (December to March) is especially pleasant due to its mild temperatures ranging from 10-20 degrees Celsius. With such a tranquil environment, it’s no wonder why this season has been deemed as “the best time” for travelers to visit!
To bring about the creation of the universe, Lord Brahma conducted a great yagna to gain Shakti’s favor. Grateful for his efforts, She separated from Shiva and agreed to help him. Still wanting to reunite Her with Him, Brahma arranged for Daksha (his son) through numerous yagnas to be blessed with Sati as daughter – who later became Shiva’s wife. Despite this happy union between them however; when Daksha held another ceremony without inviting Shiva, he yielded in acquiescence as Sati pleaded for her father’s blessing. Daksha’s disrespect towards Shiva was too much for Sati to bear, leading her to set herself ablaze. In response, Lord Shiva assumed the form of Veerabhadra and destroyed Daksha’s yagna before roaming Aryavartha in grief while carrying Sati’s body. His immense rage and sorrow were expressed through a powerful dance known as the Tandav – a celestial act of destruction. Lord Vishu, with the aim of stopping the Tandav, used his Sudarshana Chakra, which cut through the Sati’s corpse. The parts of Sati body fell at varroas spots all through the Indian and neighboring country and these Sacred sites came to be called Shakti Peethas.
By Air
The city airport, which is Allahabad Airport is just about 16 km from the temple.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is at Allahabad which is about 6 km.
By 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.
