![]() History of Nartiang Durga Temple The history of the temple dates back to the ancient times. The temple is associated with an interesting mythological legend according to which once during a sacrificial feast the father of Goddess Parvati, Daksha did not invite Lord Shiva, his son-in-law. Parvati felt very humiliated and depressed at the insult of her husband and hence immolated herself at the sacrificial fire at her parents' home. Lord Shiva when came to know about the incident he became furious and in rage carried the dead body of his wife on his shoulders and began performing the dance of destruction. Lord Vishnu in order to pacify him cut down Durga's dead body into 51 pieces with his flying discus or Chakra. These pieces fell in various parts of the world that later developed into temples and religious places. At Nartiang in the Jaintia Hills the left thigh of Goddess Durga fell. It is for this reason that the Goddess is known as 'Jainteshwari'. According to another story, the Jaintia king Jaso Manik (1606-1641) had married the daughter of the Hindu Koch king Nara Narayana, Lakshmi Narayana. She is said to have influenced the Jaintia Royalty to accept Hinduism. Almost 600 years ago King Dhan Manik had made Nartiang was the summer capital of the Jaintia Kingdom. It said that the Goddess had appeared in his dreams and told him about the importance of the place. She also instructed him to erect a temple here in her honour. Thus the king built the temple of Jainteshwari in Nartiang. It is believed that the temple was earlier a part of a fort of the Jaintia Kings. Worship of Nartiang Durga Temple ![]() Presently, the Central Puja Committee takes care of the temple. It is the official representative of the Hindu community in the state of Meghalaya. The trust is also entrusted with the repair and renovation of the temple. It also funds a handsome amount for the regular temple activities. The holy temple is visited by many devotees from different places who flock here to offer their worship at the feet of the goddess and receive her blessings. |
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