Jayanthi Nartiang Durga Temple

Nartiang Durga Temple or Jayanthi Shakti Peeth (goddess of victory) located at Nartiang Village, Jaintia Hills district, Meghalaya is one of the ancient 51 Shakti Peethas. According to the temple legend, it is older than 500 years. Nartiang is also called a garden of Monoliths as you can find stone pillars scattered. Once this was the summer capital of king Jaintia and under his regime (16th century) this temple was built. 

Legend:

According to the mythology Daksha yagna and Sati self-immolation, it is the holy place where Sati Devi’s “Chin” left thigh. Here the goddess is also worshipped with the name Jainteshwari with her consort Lord Shiva as Kramadishwar.

Another story states that one of the kings of Jaintia family named Jaso Manik married the daughter of Hindu Koch king Nara Narayana and this lead the king to accept Hinduism. And in this context goddess appeared in the dreams of king Jaso Manik and ordered him to erect a temple on the hills.

As the temple is built on the top of the hill, temple architecture is planned in such a way that one can see river Myundu from below. We have a ritual sacrificial pier named Boli Garbha at the basement of the temple and it’s connected by a tunnel to river. This temple uses a blend of Khasi and Hindu religious traditions.

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Significance:

• One can find ancient guns used by kings.
• Sill 19th-century human sacrifice was more prevalent. According to texts, a human head was beheaded and rolled into the river through the tunnel. (Now sacrifices are done by wearing a human mask to goats).
• The priesthood is passed over generations from a single family.
• During the festival of Durga, the entire temple is decorated with marigold flowers and deity is presented with new clothes.
• Taking forward Khasi tradition, Utsav Murthy is made with banana trunk and worshiped, then immersed (Visarjan) in Myundi river

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Places to visit near Nartiang Durga Temple:

Nartiang Monoliths: The Nartiang Monoliths are a collection of ancient megalithic stones that are located near the Durga Temple. These monoliths are believed to have been erected by the Jaintia people in the memory of their ancestors and are of great historical and cultural significance.

Jowai: Jowai is the largest town in the Jaintia Hills and serves as a great base for exploring the region. It’s known for its serene landscapes, the Tyrshi Falls, and a picturesque golf course. You can also explore the local markets and taste the traditional Jaintia cuisine.

Syntu Ksiar: This is a beautiful, secluded lake located about 20 kilometers from Nartiang. It’s a great place for a peaceful picnic or to simply enjoy the serene surroundings.

Krang Suri Waterfall: This stunning waterfall is located about 30 kilometers from Nartiang and is known for its crystal clear blue waters. It’s a perfect spot for nature lovers and those who enjoy trekking.

Thadlaskein Lake: Thadlaskein Lake, also known as Borghat Lake, is a lovely natural lake located around 40 kilometers from Nartiang. It’s a serene place for a leisurely walk, picnicking, or simply enjoying the natural beauty.

Umlawan Cave: About 20 kilometers away from Nartiang, Umlawan Cave is a natural limestone cave with impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations. It offers a unique and adventurous experience for those who enjoy cave exploration.

Nartiang Market: Explore the local market in Nartiang to get a taste of the region’s culture and purchase traditional crafts and products.

FAQ:

What is the Nartiang Durga Temple?

The Nartiang Durga Temple is a 600-year-old Hindu temple located in the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya in northeastern India. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, which are the holiest sites for devotees of the Shaktism sect of Hinduism. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Durga, and is believed to be the site where her left thigh fell after her self-immolation.

Why is the Nartiang Durga Temple so important?

The Nartiang Durga Temple is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus from all over India. It is also a significant cultural and historical site, as it was once the capital of the Jaintia kingdom. The temple is home to a number of important artifacts, including ancient cannons and monoliths.

What are the best times to visit the Nartiang Durga Temple?

The best time to visit the Nartiang Durga Temple is during the Durga Puja festival, which is held in September or October each year. During this time, the temple is decorated and there are special events and ceremonies held. However, the temple is open to visitors year-round.

What are the dress code and other rules for visiting the Nartiang Durga Temple?

Visitors to the Nartiang Durga Temple are expected to dress respectfully. This means wearing modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. Visitors are also expected to remove their shoes before entering the temple.

What are some of the things to see and do near the Nartiang Durga Temple?

In addition to the temple itself, there are a number of other things to see and do in the Nartiang area. These include:

• The Nartiang Monoliths: A collection of ancient stone monoliths that were erected by the Jaintia kings.
• The Myntang River: A beautiful river that flows through the Nartiang area. Visitors can go for a swim, take a boat ride, or simply enjoy the scenery.
• The Jowai War Cemetery: A cemetery that is the final resting place of British soldiers who died in World War II.

How do I get to the Nartiang Durga Temple?

The Nartiang Durga Temple is located about 65 kilometers from Jowai, the district headquarters of the West Jaintia Hills district. The best way to get to the temple is by taxi or bus. Taxis can be hired from Jowai or Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. Buses also run from Jowai to Nartiang on a regular basis.

How to reach Jayanthi Nartiang Temple:

1. Reach Shillong: Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya and the nearest major city. You can reach Shillong by road or by air. The nearest airport is Shillong Airport (Umroi Airport), and you can also reach Shillong by road from Guwahati, which is well connected to major cities in India.
2. Travel to Jowai: Nartiang is situated near Jowai, which is the district headquarters of West Jaintia Hills. From Shillong, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Jowai. The distance is approximately 66 kilometers, and the journey will take around 2-3 hours by road.
3. Reach Nartiang: Once you reach Jowai, you can hire a local taxi or use public transportation to reach Nartiang, which is about 11 kilometers away from Jowai. The journey from Jowai to Nartiang should take about 30 minutes by road.
4. Locate the Temple: Nartiang Durga Temple is a prominent temple in Nartiang. You can ask the locals for directions, or your transportation provider can guide you to the temple. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is known for its historical and architectural significance.

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