Why Saptashrungi Devi is called an Ardha Shaktipeeth and the belief behind her tilted idol

The Saptashrungi Devi temple holds special religious importance among the three and a half Shaktipeeths of Maharashtra. Set amid seven hills in the Vani area of Nashik district, it draws devotees through the year. It is believed that the goddess has 18 arms and blesses her devotees, with each hand holding a weapon given by the gods.

According to Maharashtra's tradition, Mahalakshmi of Kolhapur, Tuljabhavani of Tuljapur and Renuka Mata of Mahur are regarded as the three full Shaktipeeths. The Saptashrungi Devi of Nashik district is then given the status of Ardha Shaktipeeth, or half Shaktipeeth. Local religious belief holds that the goddess is enshrined here in the Kumarika form, that of a young girl, and so the place is called an Ardha Shaktipeeth. This classification rests on faith, belief and tradition.

According to a mythological tale, when Lord Shiva was insulted at the yajna organised by King Daksha, Goddess Sati gave up her life in the sacrificial fire. An enraged Shiva began the Tandava dance carrying her body. To protect creation, Lord Vishnu is said to have cut Sati's body into parts with the Sudarshan Chakra. It is believed that Sati's right hand fell on the Saptashrung mountain near Nashik, which is why the place gained great importance in the Shaktipeeth tradition.

Another religious tale says that after slaying Mahishasura, the goddess's fierce form calmed and she took up residence in the Saptashrung range of the Sahyadri. The form of Saptashrungi Devi is regarded as a symbol of power and compassion.

The idol appears slightly tilted to one side. According to popular belief, when Sage Markandeya was praising the goddess and reciting the Durgasaptashati, she bent in that direction to listen to him.

The idol is about 8 feet tall and appears saffron in colour because of the vermilion coating. The goddess is said to hold weapons such as a trident, the Sudarshan Chakra, a bow and arrow, and a sword. The temple stands at about 4,800 feet above sea level, and reaching it requires climbing about 472 steps.

Large numbers of devotees visit during Navratri. The goddess's lap is filled with coconuts, sarees, kumkum and flowers. Puran poli is a popular offering among devotees.

The Saptashrungi Devi temple is not only a centre of faith but an important part of Maharashtra's religious and cultural tradition. The Ardha Shaktipeeth belief, the legend of Sati's hand and the tale of the tilted idol keep devotees keenly curious about the place.