Nartiang Durga Temple, Jowai

Meghalaya, Nartiang, Shillong

Located in the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, Nartiang Durga Temple is a 500-year-old temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. It is one of the 52 Shakti Peethas.

Legend

Nartiang Devi temple is one of the 52 Shakti Peethas. It is believed that Sati Devi's left thigh has fallen here. According to the legends, once Goddess appeared in King Dhan Manik's dream and informed him about the significance of the place and asked him to build a temple in Her honour. After that,the King established a temple here.

Architecture

The temple is situated on top of a hill. In the basement, the temple houses the "Boli Garbha" or the ritual sacrificial pier. This place is connected to the river by a tunnel.The temple overlooks the monoliths. Originally the temple resembled a thatched roof house, which is similar to most of the houses of the Khasi people. Later on Ramkrishna mission took over the redevelopment of this temple at it got a tin roof and a more permanent structure.

Darsan Info

Temple timings : 6:00 AM To 9:00 PM

Darsan Dresscode

Clean and conservative clothing is preferred.

Famous Festival

Durga Puja

Culture

The people of Meghalaya have a rich tribal cultural heritage. One of the distinct features of the culture of the people is their tradition of matrilineal system where lineage and inheritance are traced through women. Dance is an indispensible part of the culture of the people Meghalaya especially among the Khasi community. These dance forms depict the history or the life cycle of an individual or a village or a conglomeration of villages. These dance forms vary according to their regional taste but still portray a universal culture. The people of this community celebrate various festivals like Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem, Ka Pom-Blang Nongkrem, Ka-Shad Shyngwiang-Thangiap, Ka-Shad-Kynjoh Khaskain, Ka Bam Khana Shnong, Umsan Nongkharai, and Shad Beh Sier. According to the Jaintias culture festivals are celebrated mainly to bring a balance between man, his culture and his natural environment or eco-system. The people also believe that the celebration of festivals brings unity and good spirit among the population and the surroundings.