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
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