Among the 18 Ashtadasa Shakthipeethas, which celebrates the divinity of Goddess Shakti, the Alopi devi mandir in the holy city of Allahabad is the most sacred. It is here, the devotees believe, that the last part of the Sati devi's body fell and she disappeared from the earthly realms. People throng in huge numbers to worship a wooden 'doli' that depicts the Goddess. The temple is believed to have built by the local devotees.

Location Uttar Pradesh, Allahabad, Lucknow

Legend

Mythology believes the Mangala Gauri temple as one of the Shaktipeethas. When Lord Shiva's wrath at the death of his wife Sati manifested as the Tandava which would destroy the Universe, Lord Vishnu's Sudarshan chakra cut her corpse into pieces which scattered around the subcontinent. It is here, at Allahabad that the fingers of the Devi is believed to have fallen. It is considered the spot where the last part of the Goddess fell and she disappeared. Hence the name of the deity, Alopi.                                                                  

There is also local legend that a newly wed bride disappeared when her wedding procession was attacked by robbers. The locals worship her as Alopi devi.

This Temple is part of  Shaktipeethas and Maha Kumbh Mela.

Architecture

The shrine is a simple but aesthetically built structure. The conical roof is similar with the temple architecture of the region. The uniqueness of the temple lies in the fact that there is no deity inside the sanctum here. A wooden doli placed on a marble stand is worshipped by the devotees. Flowers and garlands adorn the area.

Culture

Allahabad is the second oldest city in India and plays an important role in the historical as well as spiritual aspect of the country. It is also known for its literary and artistic traditions. Earlier known as Prayag, it is the place of confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Sarswathi. Allahabad is one of the four holy sites of Kumbh mela.

Darsan Info

Alopi devi temple timings: 4.00 AM - 10.00 PM .

Many locals consider Alopi devi as their guardian deity

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to wear clean and conservative attire.

Famous Festival

October - Navrathri

Temple Rituals

The temple doesn't have any idol of the Devi. Instead a 'doli'  is worshipped

Special Rituals

Devotees can touch the doli and give the offerings directly

Additional Info

 

Nidhi restaurant

Baba restaurant

Sagar ratna

 

 Supermarket : Available