Chandika Devi Temple: Naigaon

It is in human nature to seek happiness outside and not within. Similarly we travel faraway to escape daily chaos but often forget to explore our own backyard. 

I am living in Mumbai from past 10 years and whenever I come to decide that I have seen it all, I come across people telling me about a place which I did not even know ever existed.

One fine evening my friend asked me if I have been to Chandika Devi temple in Naigaon? I wasn't aware about this temple. I was in fact surprised to know that it is a very old temple with deity sitting on top of the hill and as believed by many, the temple is in existence since Dwapar Yuga, the time of Pandavas and Kauravas. I had to go and visit.

The next morning we started pretty early morning and took a train to Virar (Western line). We got down at Naigaon station. It is a small station and one has to walk a little to get a public transport. The way to roadway is taken by many hawkers who sit on both sides of the boulevard selling colorful plastic toys, items of worship, flowers and garlands, local food, etc. 

How to Reach

Getting an auto to Chandika devi is easy, people mostly come to Naigaon to pay a visit to Chandika devi and as I was told, the area becomes very crowded during festivals and even host mela "fair". After crossing the narrow boulevard on Naigaon East side, you will find shared autos to the temple. They accommodate 6 to 7 person per auto at Rs.10 each. The way to temple is little dusty, you will get a feeling that you have escaped from the city, Mumbai. It has an aura of village, so much land all around mostly farms, mud and small concrete houses, kids running around after school hours. 

After a tumultuous ride of 20 min, we reached the base of the temple.



Experience

The building on top is a new construction which has been done with the help of donations cum trust money.

It is 300 steps to top and believe me, the view from top is amazingly beautiful. I loved every moment I spent there. 



It was karma that Goddess called me to her durbar. The figure of Chandika devi and other deities were so captivating. It is a beautiful setting and so cool up there that you can spend hours sitting on its steps. 




Want to escape from daily chaos of Mumbai, need some peace and not the usual sightseeing, you must visit this temple. 

Comments

  1. Interesting place, I did not know this place even staying in Mumbai for last 40 years! ty for sharing!

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  2. Isn't it awesome how we can keep discovering places to visit close to our home? It's like the world is telling us that we're never really done exploring. What a fun way to get out of Mumbai!

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    1. You are right, It is so much fun to explore our own backyard. Thank you.

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  3. Interesting read. Photos are very impressive as well. And a fascinating place to visit. Thanks for sharing The traveller.

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  4. What a special place. I so agree with you about often forgetting to explore our own backyard. I wish this temple was in my own backyard - I'd love to experience that view from the top.

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  5. Wow.. even I never knew about this temple in spite of living in Mumbai for so long. But now whenever I go back to Mumbai I shall definitely visit this temple, I can sense the calmness and peace of the place and picture myself sitting on the stairs for sometime in solace.

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  6. I sometimes find myself feeling the same - I have traveled outside my own country so much, but still have things that I haven't seen at home :) Your photos are great! That view was worth the steps you needed to take up :) :) Keep exploring! I am sure that you will find a lot more stuff at your door step :)

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    1. Yes. Thank you Lulia. Hope you also get to explore your backyard more. 😊

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  7. Mumbai has so much to see. I stayed for 7 years, explored Mumbai every weekend, still there is so much unexplored. I had no idea about Chandika Devi temple in Naigaon until I read this blog. It is quite easy to each. I will make sure I pay a visit when I am in Mumbai next!

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    1. So true ..Sometimes I come to know about places in my own backyard from people not living in mumbai. No matter how much you see, it's because everything you can cover

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  8. I usually take a day trip or two at the weekend to discover the surrounding area. It's always charming to know about our "backyard" and what it offers. Although it took 300 steps to get to the top, the view is really beautiful so it's worth it. Hope you will have more great trips in the future.

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  9. What a beautiful place! Its is unique and with lots of greens :)
    I think this is a good place for soul searching as well.

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  10. These unexplored places near a city makes the place even more beautiful. Chandika Temple looks such a serene place. It is great that the people are maintaining such ancient temples. And kudos to you Stuti for exploring these lesser known beauties near Mumbai!

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