Goddess Durga is considered the root cause of creation, preservation and annihilation. A pure form of Power ‘Shakti’, she is the manifested as the protector of the universe. An important and integral part of the Hindu faith, Goddess Durga is worshipped in her different forms across the country. The Goddess recognized as the supreme soul is prayed to in order to attain strength and fulfilment of wishes. From the northern states to the southern tip, her aura is extended in a manner that is incomprehensible. Across the country several temples of the Goddess can be seen and amongst them are some that have more value than the others. These temples are either in the form of Shaktipeethas or have an important legend attached to it. Here is a list of 15 most popular Durga Temples in India. http://www.pothik.co.in/best_tour_and_travel_agency_in_kolkata

Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu & Kashmir:
Vaishno Devi is the most popular Durga temple in India. It is nestled amidst the Trikuta Mountain, which is 61 kilometres north of Jammu at an altitude of 1584m above the sea level. As far as the legend goes Vaishno Devi was a devotee of Lord Vishnu, thus she practiced celibacy. However, Bhairo Nath, who was a tantric chased the Goddess and to the Trikuta Mountain. In order to save herself from Bhairo Nath, the Goddess took refuge in the cave and the Demon God could not find her for nearly 9 months. Vaishno Devi then taking the form of Kali cut off the head of Bhairo Nath. The cave where the Goddess hid is now a popular pilgrimage and is called as Garbha Joon. Vaishno Devi is accessible all through the year; however winter months are comparatively difficult for the visit.
The Yatra: The Yatra begins at Katra and pilgrims have to cover 13 km distance on foot to reach the Darbar. One kilometer away from Katra, is a place known as Banganga, where the Goddess quenched her thirst and at 6 km from here is the holy cave at Adhkawari, where it is believed the Goddess meditated for 9 months.

Mansa Devi Temple Haridwar:
Mansa devi temple is situated in Badi Lambore (Lambore Dham) village on Sadulpur-Malsisar-Jhunjhunu road near Haridwar. The temple got its name from the belief that the Goddess fulfils all the wishes of her devotees. The legend behind the temple is that the Goddess appeared in the dream of Seth Surajmalji, the head of Hamirwasiya family and asked him to build a temple. Surajmalji did as he was directed and gave the responsibility of the construction of the temple to his son. The temple was completed by 1975.
Temple Highlights: The temple is a complex with 41 rooms, yagnashala, Shri Lamboria Mahadevji temple, Shri Lamboria Balaji temple and a Singhdwar. The temple organizes various religious ceremonies throughout the year.

Chamunda Devi Temple, Himachal Pradesh:
Situated on the banks of the River Baner, Chamunda Devi Temple is yet another important Durga temple in India. The sacred shrine is located a few kilometres from Palampur and has the deity in the wrathful form. Devotees who have faith in the Goddess offer prayers here for their ancestors. It is said that in the olden days, people sacrificed themselves to the Goddess as well. One can also find a beautiful pond inside the temple, which is believed to have sacred water.
Temple Highlights: The highlight of the temple is the deity is covered in a red cloth as it is considered extremely sacred. On either side of the deity are the idols of Lord Hanuman and Demon God Bhairo. Here Lord Shiva can be seen in the form of death and destruction. One can also find paintings of other Gods and Goddesses inside the temple complex.

Kamakhya Temple, Assam:
One of the best known temples of Guwahati is Kamakhya, situated on Nilachal Hill at a distance of about 8kms west of the city. This temple honour Goddess Kamakhya, who is believed to be the essence of female energy. Kamakhya is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas of Goddess Durga. As far as the legend goes, Kamakhya came into existence when Lord Shiva was carrying the corpse of his wife Sati, and her Yoni (female genitalia) fell to the ground at the spot where the temple now stands. The temple is in the natural cave that houses a spring. Down the flight of stairs to the bowel of earth, a dark chamber is located in the temple. Here is where the Matra Yoni or the part of Sati is believed to be draped in a silk sari and covered with flowers is kept. Kamakhya is known as an important temple for the Tantric sect, the shrine comes to life during the Ambubachi Fair and the Durga Puja.

Amba Mata Temple, Gujarat:
A highly revered pilgrimage that attracts pilgrims from all over the country, Amba Mata Temple is situated in Junagadh, Gujarat. It is one of the most picturesque towns in India and is dotted with monuments and religious places. The town situated at the base of the holy Girnar mountain making it an interesting destination to visit in Gujarat.
Temple Highlights: Perched on the mountain is the temple of Amba Mata, which is dedicated to an incarnation of the mother Goddess. The temple is often visited by the nuptials that seek the blessing of the Goddess for eternal conjugal bliss. Amba Mata Temple dates back to the 12th century and it is believed that visiting this temple guarantees a happy married life. One can some great vie views from the top of the mountain as well.

Dakshineswar Kali Mandir, Kolkata:
Situated along the Vivekananda Bridge north of Kolkata, Dakshineswar Kali Temple is famous for its association with Ramkrishna who is believed to have achieved spiritual vision here. This temple is said to be built by Rani Rashmoni in the year 1847. Ramakrishna once served as the temple’s head priest here. It is believed that while worshiping in front of the statue of Kali, Ramakrishna would fall to the ground and immersed in spiritual trance, lose all consciousness of the external world. It is how he achieved the spiritual vision here. The 12- spired temple has an enormous courtyard and is surrounded by 12 other temples that are dedicated to Lord Shiva. http://www.pothik.co.in/popular_photographer_in_kolkata

Maa Jwala Ji Temple, Himachal Pradesh:
Jwalaji temple is amongst the most popular Durga Temples in India. Situated 30 km south of Kangra valley, it is dedicated to Goddess Jwalamukhi who is a form of the mother Goddess. There are natural flames in the temple that are worshipped as a manifestation of the nine Goddesses – Mahakali, Unpurna, Chandi, Hinglaj, Bindhya Basni, Maha Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ambika and Anji Devi. These flames burn continuously naturally, no fuel or assistance is required for it as it is seen erupting from a rock-side. According to a legend, when demons ruled over the Himalaya Mountains and harassed the gods, Lord Vishnu along with other gods decided to destroy them. They focused their strengths and huge flames rose from the ground and from that fire, a young girl took birth and she is regarded as Adishakti-the ‘First Power’, Jwalaji is said to be the same power and that is why is highly revered amongst the believers.

Karni Mata Temple, Rajasthan:
Dating back to 600 year, Karni Mata temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga in the form of Karni Mata. Legend has it, that she prophesied the victory of Rao Bika. The unique feature of Karni Mata Temple is the population of rats that inhabit inside the shrine. Owing to the belief that the souls of the devotees of the Goddess have transformed into rats and consequently, they must be looked after. The rats are also offered Prasadam and killing even one of them (even accidently) would make one illegible to repentance. Another highlight of the temple is its huge silver gates and the marble carvings that were donated by Maharaja Ganga Singh. The temple sees a massive crowd around the Navratri festival.

Chamundeshwari Temple, Karnataka:
The highly famed Sri Chamundeswari Temple in Mysore is located atop scenic Chamundi Hills. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chamundi, who is another incarnation of Goddess Durga. The shrine is believed to be built in 12th century while its tower is relatively new and dates around 300 years old. Pilgrims comes with a strong faith that the Goddess can help them to fulfill their needs.
Temple Highlights: The temple has seven storeys and has a 40 metre high ‘gopuram’ adorned with intricate carvings. Major attraction of the temple is the idol of the Chamunda Devi, which is said to be made of pure gold. The gates of the temple are of silver, the shrine also boasts of a jewel Nakshatra-Malike which has 30 Sanskrit shlokas inscribed on it. A 16-foot-high statue of the demon Mahishasura (the demon, the Goddess killed here to protect the area) near the temple is another important feature of Sri Chamundeswari Temple. .

Naina Devi Temple, Uttarakhand:
Naina Devi Temple in Nainital is situated on the lakeside. Overlooking the lake, Naina Devi is a popular attraction in Nainital. The legend has it that when Lord Shiva was carrying the burnt body of Sati, her eyes fell at the place where this temple is situated. Therefore, this temple got its name as Naina (eyes) Devi.
Temple Highlights: The temple has a courtyard where a big Peepal tree is situated on the left side. On the right side of the temple there are idols of Lord Hanuman and Ganesh. The main entrance of the temple has two statues of lions posted outside. Inside the temple, devotees can have darshan of three deities. On the extreme left is Kali Devi, the centre representing two Netras or eyes is Maa Naina Devi and to right side is idol of Lord Ganesh.

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