Char Dham Yatra

Vriddha Badri – Sapta Badri

August 29, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples Tagged With: Sapta Badri, Vishnu Temples

Vriddha Badri Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is situated at Animath in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. It is the third temple complex among the ‘Sapta Badri’ temples. It is a part of the famous ‘Sapta Badri‘ pilgrimage circuit. It is a part of the Char Dham Yatra Package within Uttarakhand.

Know more about – Sapta Badri

Vriddha Badri – Facts

Deity	Lord Vishnu
Location	Auli Rd, Joshimath Army Area, Joshimath, Uttarakhand 246443
Best Time to Visit	May to June and September to October
Darshan Timings	5 AM to 12 PM 2 PM to 9 PM
Entry Fees	Free
Dress Code	Traditional Wear
Festivals	Krishna Janmashtmi, Makar Sankranti

It extends from Satapanth to Nandaprayag in the Alaknanda river valley. In ancient times, the path to the temple went through the Badri van (Forest of berries). Hence, the suffix ‘Badri‘ is added to the seven holy shrines of Lord Vishnu.

Lord Vishnu appeared here as an old man before Narad who was performing penance at this place. This is why Vriddha Badri gets its name where the word Vriddha means ‘old‘ and Badri is the name of Lord Vishnu in Badrikshetra. It is a part of the Char Dham Yatra Package within Uttarakhand.

The temple is 1,380 meters above the sea level and 7 km from Joshimath in Joshimath-Badrinath road. Vriddha Badri lies on the way to Kalpeshwar Mahadev Temple and can be reached before Helang.

Vriddha Badri Temple is the destination of Char Dham Yatra that is open or reachable throughout the year for the worshiping Lord Vishnu.

What are the timings of Vriddha Badri?

The timings of the temple are:-

Timings	From	To
Morning	5 AM	12 PM
Evening	2 PM	9 PM

What is the significance of Vriddha Badri?

The significance of Vriddha Badri is-

The temple is open for devotees and pilgrims throughout the year.
The temple has been built in the North Indian style of architecture and has a sanctum that contains representations of Lord Vishnu.
Moreover, the chief priests of the temple are from Southern India.

What is the history of Vriddha Badri?

According to a legend associated with the history of Vriddha Badri, Sage Narada performed penance in this region to appease Lord Vishnu. Later, Vishnu appeared in front of Narada in the form of an old man and answered to Narada’s prayer. Hence, the idol installed in this temple has the form of an old man.

Vriddha Badri History 1 — Sage Narada performed penance in this region to appease Lord Vishnu.

Moreover, beliefs say that Vishwakarma carved the image of Badrinath and worshipped it. Years later, Shri Adi Shankaracharya found that image in this place and reinstalled it in the temple premises. Devotees also believed that Adi Shankaracharya worshipped Badrinath here before enshrining Him in the main Badrinath temple.

Vriddha Badri History 2 — Vishwakarma carved the image of Badrinath and worshipped it.

Festivals celebrated at Vriddha Badri

Some of the festivals celebrated at Vriddha Badri are:

Krishna Janmashtmi: It is a popular Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It occurs according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar and is a very important festival for the followers of Lord Vishnu.
Makar Sankranti: This festival is celebrated each year in January and is to appease the Sun God. It is the first day when Sun enters Capricorn and marks the lengthening of daytime in the forthcoming days. This day also includes colorful decorations, preparation of sweets with sesame seeds and children asking for treats and pocket money.

Vridha Badri Festivals — Makar Sankranti and Krishna Janmashtmi are celebrated at the Temple.

How to reach Vriddha Badri?

Here’s how to reach Vriddha Badri:

Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport about 269.2 km from Joshimath
Train: Rishikesh is the nearest railway station 251.8 km from Joshimath.
Road: Buses are available to Rishikesh from ISBT Kashmere Gate. One can use state transport to reach Joshimath. From there, one has to trek to Vriddha Badri.

Where to stay near Vriddha Badri?

Some of the places where one can stay near Vriddha Badri while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra are:

Hotel Sudarshan Palace: Hotel Sudarshan Palace has facilities such as 24-hour front desk, garden area and parking facility within its premises. Amenities such as bed, bottled drinking water, access to the common balcony and attached bathroom are available.
Hotel Kuber Annex: The facilities offered here are front desk, room service, power backup, STD PCO facility, doctor on call. Massage service is also available here so that guests can relax after trekking. A helicopter booking facility is also available at the hotel.
Hotel Heaven: The hotel offers facilities suchlike parking and telephone. With a team of skilled professionals, the property ensures the fulfillment of all needs of the guest. Moreover, in case of medical emergencies, one can avail the doctor on call facility at the hotel.

Please carry valid ID proof such as Aadhar Card. It is needed at the time of booking of the hotel rooms.

What are the other Sapta Badri destinations?

The other Sapta Badri destinations are:

Adi Badri: It is the second among the ‘Sapta Badri’ temples. When Badrinath temple remains closed due to extremities in weather, devotees worship Lord Vishnu in Adi Badri temple. Moreover, the sanctum of the temple has an image of Lord Vishnu which is 1 meter high and has been carved out of black stone.
Bhavishya Badri: It is the fourth among the ‘Sapta Badri’ temples. According to beliefs, Lord Badri will take abode in Bhavishya Badri at the end of Kaliyuga. Even the name of the place literally translates to ‘Future Badri’, implying that it will be the future residence of Lord Badri.
Yogadhyan Badri: It is the fifth among the ‘Sapta Badri’ temples. As per mythology, the Pandavas were born here, and Pandu attained salvation and died here. Yogadhyan Badri has a bronze image of Lord Vishnu. Devotees believe that Pandu installed this image, which depicts Vishnu to be meditating (Dhyan). Hence, the name of the shrine comes from the posture of the image, and it is popular as ‘yoga-Dhyan’ Badri.
Dhyan Badri: It is the sixth among the ‘Sapta Badri’ temples. It has an image of Lord Vishnu which was established by Urvarishi. This image of Vishnu is four-armed, made of black stone and in a meditative posture. Also, Brahmins from Southern India serve as head priests in the temple.
Ardha Badri: It is the seventh among the ‘Sapta Badri’ temples. In comparison to other temples, the idol of Lord Vishnu here is smaller. Hence, the name of the temple roughly means ‘the little Badri‘.

These temples are also a part of the Char Dham Yatra within Uttarakhand.

Panch Prayag – Five Sacred Confluences in Uttarakhand

June 28, 2022, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples Tagged With: Panch Prayag

Panch Prayag is a manifestation in the spirit of the Hindu religion. The expression is used to signify the five holy river confluences in the Garhwal district of Uttarakhand.

The word ‘Prayag’ breaks down to the confluence of two or more rivers. Moreover, Panch Prayag goes by the name ‘Panch Pentad’ in Sanskrit. Nevertheless, five confluences in the descending order of their existence are Vishnuprayag, Nandaprayag, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag and Devprayag.

Holy Pathways of Panch Prayag

Alaknanda originates from the triangular lake called Satopanth. It is present 4402 metres above sea level. Moreover, Satopanth gets its name from Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and Bhagirath Kharak Glaciers lying near Nanda Devi peak in Uttarakhand.

Holy trail of Panch Prayag — Satopanth is the origin of the Holy Alaknanda river.

In the course of 229 km from its origin Alaknanda crosses all the five Prayags. Moreover, it finally unifies with Bhagirathi and gives rise to the Holy Ganges or Ganga. Nevertheless, it continues to flow down further to Rishikesh and Haridwar that share the banks of Ganges in Uttarakhand.

Each Sangam or confluence has developed religious towns near them due to the inflow of pilgrims visiting Panch Kedar and Sapta Badri temples. Also, devotees take bath at these holy Sangam while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand.

The town names inspired by these confluences are titled as Nandaprayag, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag and Devprayag. However, Vishnuprayag does not have a town at its bank yet it is 12 km from Joshimath.

The Essence of the Five Prayags

According to Hindus, Prayag is the sacred Sangam of rivers where devotees take a dip before worship. Also, people arrive at these sacred sangams to perform the last rites for the dead. Moreover, the devotees worship holy confluences as God’s manifestation on Earth.

Essence of Panch Prayag — Dip in the holy waters of Prayag is believed to wash away ones sins.

However, the Prayag at Allahabad is considered to be the holiest. Nevertheless, the Panch Prayag of Uttarakhand is just next to them. Apart from numerous tales from the Puranas, these Prayags are home to the amazing scenic beauty.

Moreover, the religious texts state that Panch Prayag in Uttarakhand is the Svargarohana route that the Pandavas took to reach heaven.

How to get to these confluences?

Rishikesh is the point of start for your Panch Prayag journey. It is near to Haridwar that has train connectivity to all the major cities of India. Moreover, Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is at a distance of 18 km from Rishikesh.

Besides these, one can take a road trip to Rishikesh from different parts of the country. However, one can hire private taxis to Rishikesh as per their convenience.

From Rishikesh, the distance of the five Prayags are –

Name of the Prayag	Distance from Rishikesh
Vishnuprayag	263 km
Nandaprayag	193 km
Karnyaprayag	173 km
Rudraprayag	141 km
Devprayag	74 km

Portrayal of Panch Prayag

Vishnuprayag– After Alaknanda descends from Satopanth, Dhauliganga merges into it at this Sangam. Moreover, Ahlayabai, the queen of Indore constructed a Vishnu temple at this Prayag.
Nandaprayag– Here, Alaknanda meets Nandakini river and the two rivers unify. However, this confluence gets its name from King Nanda who performed yagna at this place in pursuit of a son.
Karnaprayag– This is the confluence of river Alaknanda and Pindar. Beliefs say that Krishna cremated Karna at this place only. Hence, there is a Karna temple by the banks of the confluence.
Rudraprayag– At this place, Mandakini river joins Alaknanda in its flow. Moreover, traditional tales suggest that Shiva appeared in its Rudra avatar at this place in front of Sage Narada. Hence, the place has Shiva temples in abundance.
Devprayag– This confluence gives birth to the mainstream Ganges as Alaknanda and Bhagirathi unify. Devprayag means ‘Godly confluence‘. Moreover, the inspiration of the confluence’s name is taken from sage Dev Sharma from Satyug, who got blessings from Lord Vishnu. Lord Ram also meditated here so it has many Ram temples too.

Frequently Asked Questions About Panch Prayag

Where is the Panch Prayag located?

Panch Prayag is present in the ‘God’s Land’ i.e. Uttarakhand.

Which river meets Alaknanda at Karna Prayag?

Pindar meets Alaknanda at Karna Prayag.

How many Prayags are there in Uttarakhand?

As the name, Panch Prayag suggests there are five Prayag in Uttarakhand.

When should one visit these Prayags?

The best time to visit these Prayags is from March to October.

Char Dham Yatra Age Limit

January 18, 2020, Sasidhar Darla 35 Comments Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra

There is no particular age limit for Char Dham Yatra. But, due to the high altitudes and breathing difficulties, it is recommended only for people between 7-65 years of age.

Char Dham Yatra Tour Package 2020

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Chardham 2020 Package

There are several factors to be considered before embarking on the Char Dham Yatra. One such important factor is the age restrictions which are advised primarily for health concerns.

Badrinath Age Limit

Badrinath Temple Age Limit — The journey to the Badrinath Temple can be covered by either trekking or riding a palki or a pony.

Badrinath Temple: No age limit that has been decided upon by the temple authorities, but, it is a suggestion, widely offered, that devotees aged 7 to 65 years only travel to the temple. For anyone apart from this age group, it is important to get a health check-up.

It is mandatory to show a medical certificate as proof. This is because the Badrinath Temple is located at a high altitude of 3300 meters. Traveling to the temple can cause breathing problems due to low oxygen levels at such a height. The distance to be covered is also another factor to consider before planning a visit. Cars are allowed to travel up to a certain point. After this point, the devotees must trek in order to get to the temple. Ponies and palkis are available for those who cannot continue the journey on foot.

Badrinath to Kedarnath Chopper — For those unable to trek to the temple, especially senior citizens, helicopter services are available.

Kedarnath Age Limit

Kedarnath Temple: It is advised that kids below 10 years and senior citizens above 65 years of age should avoid pilgrimage due to the high altitudes. However, if medical fitness is proven, a devotee of any age can join the holy yatra.

Like the Badrinath Temple, the Kedarnath Temple is also located at a very high altitude of 3583 meters. To cover the distance on foot would vary from 5 to 8 hours. Since the journey to the temple is long, there is a provision of palkis and mules for those unable to trek. The time it takes to travel on a mule or a palki is approximately 4-5 hours.

Gangotri Age Limit

Gangotri Temple: The temple does not impose age restrictions, and hence with medical approval, a person of any age group can travel to this temple. However, it is advised that devotees aged 7 to 65 years only travel to the temple.

This is because, the Gangotri is present atop the Great Himalayan Range at an altitude of 3100 meters, on the banks of the River Bhagirathi. Since the temple is located in the valley, snowfall, as well as rainfall, is common throughout the year. This increases the risk of traveling up the slope and takes at least 3 to 4 hours to cover the distance from the Uttarkashi base camp to the Gangotri.

Yamunotri Age Limit

Yamunotri Temple: Like all the other Char Dham Temples, the Yamunotri is also located at a high altitude. But since the route is comparatively better structured, it makes it convenient for pilgrims of all age groups to travel to this temple. However, medical proof of ‘fit to travel’ is still required to be shown at the base camp at Uttarkashi.

Please carry a valid medical certificate as it is required to be shown at the camps as proof.

All the Char Dham Camps provide first aid boxes & oxygen cylinders, but it is advised to carry your own first-aid kits. The Char Dham Yatra is divided into two treks – one is a 6 km one-way trek from Jankichatti to Yamunotri and the other is a 21 km one-way trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath. For those unable to walk the distance, such as senior citizens, ponies, pithus, and palkis are readily available.

If you have any questions about Char Dham Yatra, please leave a comment below, and we will get back to you within one hour.

Own car in Char Dham Yatra

January 28, 2020, Sasidhar Darla 11 Comments Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra

Can we take our own car in char dham?

Yes, you can take your own car in Char Dham Yatra. However, it is not recommended to do so. Many narrow roads connect the Char Dhams. Therefore, it is safer to hire one experienced travel company. They would provide you experienced drivers who have driven in these roads before.

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Char Dham Yatra Tour Package – Details

The Char Dhams are the Dhams of Yamunotri Temple, Gangotri Temple, Kedarnath Temple, and Badrinath Temple. These Dhams could be visited by trekking and driving. One has to drive through extremely narrow hilly areas. Therefore, one who is not experienced with driving through hilly areas should not take their car.

Here is the driving route if you are taking your own car in Char Dham Yatra:

Delhi to Haridwar: The distance is 210kms and time taken to cover the distance is 6hrs.
Haridwar to Barkot: The distance is 220kms and time taken to cover it is 7hrs.
Barkot to Yamunotri: The distance is 36km driving and 6kms trekking.
Barkot to Uttarkashi. The distance is 110kms and time taken to cover it is 4.5hrs.
Uttarkashi to Rudraprayag: The distance is 175kms and time taken is 6hrs.
Rudraprayag to Kedarnath: The distance is 75kms drive and 25kms trek.
Rudraprayag to Badrinath: The distance is 160kms and time taken to cover the distance is 8hrs.
Rishikesh to Delhi: The distance is 230kms and the time taken is 6hrs.

Myoksha Travels provides well-experienced drivers ensuring the safety of its customers in the risky roads.

Frequently asked questions about Char Dham Yatra

Maya Devi Temple Haridwar Guide – Timings, Poojas and History

August 3, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples Tagged With: Devi Temples

Maya Devi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Maya in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Goddess Maya is an incarnation of Goddess Shakti and is the Adhisthatri of the city. The temple is one among the three prominent Siddha Peetha in Haridwar. The Chandi Devi temple and the Mansa Devi temple being the other two of the trio.

It is a popular belief that the goddesses of the Siddha Peethas fulfil the desires of her sincere devotees. This temple is also among the Char Dham Yatra package within Uttarakhand.

Planning to visit this temple? Have a look at our Char Dham Yatra Tour Package.

Maya Devi Temple – Facts

Deity	Goddess Maya (Goddess Shakti)
Location	Haridwar, Uttrakhand
Significance	Siddha Peetha
Tours	Char Dham Yatra
Darshan Timings	6:00 AM to 12:00 PM; 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fee	Free
Best Time to Visit	September to April
Festivals	Navratri

Maya Devi Temple, Haridwar.

What are the timings of Maya Devi Temple?

The temple opens at 6:00 am and closes at 8:00 pm.

Timings	From	To
Morning	6 AM	12 PM
Evening	2 PM	8 PM

What is the significance of the Maya Devi Temple?

The significance of Maya Devi Temple relates to the main deity, Goddess Maya, who has three heads and four arms. The inner shrine of the temple consists of the idols of the three forms of Goddess Shakti. Goddess Maya commands attention in the centre, with Kali Mata on her left and Kamakhya on her right. A pradakshina path around the sanctum sanatorium of the temple has illustrations of the ten Dash Mahavidayas. This makes this shakti peetha an important pilgrimage destination in Shaktism.

What is the history of Maya Devi Temple?

Shiva Tandava — Shiva performed the cosmic dance of destruction after Sati’s death.

According to history, Haridwar was formerly called ‘Mayapuri,’ named after the city’s guardian deity, Goddess Maya. The Maya Devi Temple is one of the three ancient temples which dates back to the eleventh century. The Narayana-Shila and the Bhairav temple are among the other two undamaged temples of the same era.

Sati was an incarnation of Goddess Adishakti, born as a blessing to Prajapati Daksha and Queen Prasuti. Goddess Shakti took birth as human to reunite with her consort, Lord Shiva.

Coming of age, Sati was mesmerised by Lord Shiva and wished to marry him. Daksha, however, was enraged by Shiva as he cut off one of Lord Bramha‘s five heads. As a bid to avenge his father’s beheading, Daksha refused to give Sati’s hand to Shiva for marriage. Eventually giving in to wishes of the Gods, Sati and Shiva were wed.

A yajna, organized by Daksha, soon after the wedding saw him invite all the gods and goddesses with an exception of Sati and Shiva. Since Sati was Daksha’s daughter, she did not feel the need for seeking an invitation. She attended the yajna despite Shiva’s warnings.

The yajna saw Daksha’s insolence when he disrespected Lord Shiva. Humiliated and unable to hear impolite remarks against her husband, Sati immolated herself. Goddess Shakti left the body.

Shiva, anguished, carried Sati’s charred body in his arms and performed Tandava. Fearing destruction due to Shiva’s cosmic dance, the gods sought help from Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu sent his Sudharshan Chakra which cut Sati’s body into 52 parts which fell on earth.

The places where the goddess’s remains fell are called shakti peethas. The Maya Devi Temple is one of the 52 shakti peethas and it is believed to be the site where the goddess’s heart and navel fell.

What are the festivals celebrated at Maya Devi Temple?

A major festival celebrated in the temple is Navratri.

Navratri or Durga Puja: It is a famous festival, celebrated as a symbol of victory of good over evil. As per legend, Goddess Durga defeated the demon king Mahishasura to save the world and restore Dharma. Navratri is celebrated across India for nine days. Celebrations in the temple include stage decorations, recital of the legend, enacting of the story, and chanting of the scriptures of Hinduism.

How to reach Maya Devi Temple?

Here’s how to reach Maya Devi Temple Haridwar:

Air: The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, at a distance of 35 km from the temple.
Train: The nearest railway station is Haridwar, at a distance of 0.5 km from the temple.
Road: Buses for Haridwar are available from ISBT Kashmere Gate in Delhi.

Adhisthatri of Mayapuri — Goddess Maya is the presiding deity of the city of Haridwar.

Where to stay near Maya Devi Temple?

Some of the places where one can stay near Maya Devi Temple Haridwar while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra are:

Radisson Blu Haridwar: It is a five-star hotel for a luxurious stay. It provides spacious rooms, excellent food, high speed wireless internet, a steam room and a gym. It is at a distance of 13 km from Mansa Devi Temple.
Ganga Lahiri: It is a hotel that provides pick-up from the railway station by cycle rickshaw. It also provides a peaceful and aesthetically appeasing interior along with a great view of Ganga.
Golden Tulip Haridwar: It is a four-star hotel at a 7.6 km drive from Haridwar Railway Station. This hotel boasts off excellent service in food as well as cleanliness. Moreover, guests can also avail massage therapies at the in-house massage centre.

What are some temples near Maya Devi Temple?

Some of the temples near Maya Devi Temple Haridwar are:

Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar: Present atop the neel parvat in Haridwar, this temple is in the honour of Goddess Chandi. The temple is also one of the panch teerth present in Haridwar. The presiding deity, Chandi or Chandika is a form of Goddess Parvati and exists in close association with Mansa Devi.
Har ki pauri, Haridwar: Har ki pauri is a religious bathing ghat in Haridwar. Literally translating to ‘Steps of Shiva’, it is on the banks of Ganga, at the point where it leaves mountains and enters the plains. It is said that a dip in the Ganges at Har ki pauri absolves one of his/ her sins.
Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar: Mansa Devi Temple is a Hindu temple for goddess Mansa, on top of Bilwa Parvat in Haridwar. Also, popular as ‘Bilwa Teerth’, this temple is among the panch teerth within Haridwar. ‘Mansa’ means ‘wish’ and it is a popular belief among the devotees that the goddess fulfills their wishes.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. The main deity of the temple is ‘Neelkanth’ who is a form of Lord Shiva and has a blue throat due to effect of consuming poison. It also contains various scriptures depicting ‘Samudramanthan’ by Devas and Asuras, which is mythologically relevant to the temple.
Bharat Mata Mandir, Haridwar: It is a temple dedicated to ‘Bharat Mata’ or ‘Mother India’. The temple is present alongside Samanvay Ashram on the banks of Ganga. It is 8 storeys tall, with each storey depicting an era in Indian history, from the days of Ramayana until Indian Independence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Maya Devi Temple open throughout the year?

Yes, the Maya Devi Temple is open all 365 days of the year.

What is the entry fees?

The entry to the Maya Devi Temple is free.

When is the best time of the year to visit the Maya Devi Temple?

Although you can visit the temple any time of the year, ideally, February, March, August, September, and October are the best times to visit the Maya Devi Temple.

Is Mansa Devi Temple close to Maya Devi Temple?

Mansa Devi Temple is 2.4 km from the Maya Devi Temple and it takes approximately 11 minutes to travel via Haridwar Industrial Area.

Is Chandi Devi Temple close to Maya Devi Temple?

Chandi Devi Temple is 2.4 km from the Maya Devi Temple and it takes approximately 6 minutes to cover the said distance via NH34.

When is the Maya Devi Temple most crowded?

Maya Devi Temple is the most crowded during the Navratri season.

What is the weather like during summers?

The temperature during summers is mild and ranges from 35º C to 45º C. It is advisable to carry cotton clothing in summers.

What are winters like in Haridwar?

Weather in winter is very unpredictable. The temperature varies from 10º C to 30º C. It is therefore advised to carry warm, woolen clothing as winters can get very cold here.

Which is the nearest airport to Haridwar?

The Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport to Haridwar. It is 36 km away.

Which is the nearest railway station to Haridwar?

The Haridwar railway station is the closest to the main city. The railway station is just 600 meters away from the Maya Devi Temple and takes only 3 minutes to travel.

If you have any questions about the Maya Devi Temple, please leave a comment below, and we will get back to you within one hour.