Vindhyachal is a Hindu pilgrimage centre located in Mirzapur District of Uttar Pradesh state in northern India. The town is regarded as an important Shakti Peethas and is 70 km. from Varanasi and almost 8 km from Mirzapur. It is well known among the devotees for the temple of Vindhyavasini. The Ganga River flows through this sacred city. The Indian Standard Time (IST) line passes through the Vindhyachal railway station. Vindhyachal is also known for its scenic beauty and greenery that surrounds the town.
Vindhyavasini Temple at Vindhyachal
The Temple of Vindhyavasini is located on the banks of Ganga River. The place is regarded as one of the most sacred and revered Shakti Peethas. The temple houses the deity Vindhyavasini. The deity is associated with many legends. According to mythology it is said that a part of Sati i.e. an incarnation of Durga was born as sister of Lord Krishna in Nand Yadav Family. According to another legend Goddess Durga had established herself in this pilgrimage site after she killed the demon Mahishasura. It is for this reason that the goddess is also know by the name of Vindhyavasini in this area. Much later she also had to defeat other two demons, Shumbha and Nishumbha. Devotees from different places throng the place to pay a visit to the temple and offer their offer their prayers at the feet of the Goddess and receive her blessings. The temple attracts devotees especially during the Navratris of Chaitra and Ashwin months which it organises on a grand scale and celebrated with much enthusiasm.
Sitakund at Vindhyachal
Sitakund is another popular attraction of Vindhyachal. According to a legend once Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana were returning back to Ayodhya after their exile. Sita felt very thirsty at this place. As water was not easily available, Lakshmana shot an arrow into the ground and immediately a fountain of water came out. A temple was later built here in their memory.
Other temples at Vindhyachal
There are many other sacred places to visit in Vindhyachal. Some of them are Budeh Nath temple, Gerua talab, Ashtbhuja temple, Narad Ghat, Kali Khoh, Goraksha kund, Matsyendra kund, Tarkeshwar Nath temple, Ekdant Ganesha, Sapta Sarovar, Bhairav kund, Sita Kund, Motiya talab, Sakshi Gopal temple, Kal Bhairav temples and Lal Bhairav. The nearest railhead of Vindhyachal is located at Mirzapur.
There is another temple located in the vicinity of Ashtabhuja Temple. It is dedicated to Goddess Kali. The roof of the temple is very low and one has to bow down to worship the deity. The Brahmakund and Agastyakund are also located here. Here the waters are regarded as very sacred and it is believed that by bathing here one can get rid of his sins. Besides, there is also an Ashram of Anandamayee Ma.
Vindhyachal has provisions for dharamshalas or guest houses for the pilgrims that are well equipped with all modern facilities. The kshetra is well connected to road as there are regular bus services to the nearby towns. The nearest railway station is at Mirzapur.
