Alopi Devi Temple

Alopi Devi Temple is a unique temple among the numerous temples of Prayagraj. The uniqueness is attributed to the absence of a visible Deity in the temple. Located in the Alopi bagh locality of Prayagraj, the temple is quite popular and well visited by the locals and outsiders alike for the darshan and blessings of Alopi Devi. It is also placed close to the Triveni Sangam and the likes of Veni Madhav temple, Nagvasuki temple, etc.

The very word ‘Alopi’ implies disappearing. The temple is said to be built on the very spot where Sati Devi’s right hand fell and disappeared. Since the right hand was the last body part to fall and disappear, the Goddess here came to be called ‘Alopi Devi’. You can witness a cradle hanging above the spot where a Deity would have been installed usually. This cradle is worshipped as the representation of Alopi Devi.

Also called Alopi Shankari Shaktipeetha, the current Alopi Devi temple is said to be dating back to the 11^th century. It has a modest structure in the ‘Nagara’ style of architecture. Devotees throng the temple seeking the blessings of Alopi Devi who fulfils all the desires of those praying to her sincerely. The hanging cradle has been reported to swing mysteriously when the temple remains closed. This indicates the very presence of Alopi Devi in the sanctum sanctorum.

Establishment of the Alopi Devi Temple: The Lila

Lord Shiva’s consort Sati Devi was the daughter of Daksha Prajapati who wasn’t on good terms with Lord Shiva due to a previous unfavourable situation. Daksha Prajapati used to conduct many grand sacrifices in which all the eminent denizens of the universe such as Lord Brahma, Lord Indra, etc., used to participate. But Lord Shiva was never invited to these sacrifices.

During one of these sacrifices, Sati Devi was afflicted with feelings of intense separation from her relatives, especially after seeing all the denizens of the universe traveling to the sacrificial arena of Daksha Prajapati. Even though Lord Shiva advised her against going to the sacrificial arena, Sati Devi couldn’t restrain herself. She went to the sacrificial venue accompanied by the associates of Lord Shiva headed by Nandishvara, the chief associate.

Upon reaching the venue, she saw that her husband Lord Shiva did not have any seat reserved for him. Neither did her father Daksha Prajapati welcome her or talk to her; with the exception of her mother and sisters. This enraged Sati Devi who decided to end her life due to Lord Shiva’s insult. She sat down in yogic meditation at the venue and generated an internal fire which consumed her fully.

Upon hearing about the incidents at the sacrificial arena of Daksha Prajapati, Lord Shiva arrived at the arena and lifted Sati Devi’s dead body. He started wandering around the universe in great grief holding the body of Sati Devi. This started affecting the regular functioning of the universe.

Hence, Lord Vishnu sent His Sudarshana Chakra to cut Sati Devi’s body into various parts. It is said that Sati Devi’s dead body was cut into 51 parts by the Sudarshana Chakra. Among them, the right hand of Sati Devi had fallen and disappeared at the site of the Alopi Devi Temple in Prayagraj.

The Deity of Alopi Devi

The temple has no Deity of Alopi Devi. She is represented by a hanging cradle at the spot which is believed to be the place where Sati Devi’s right hand had fallen. Devotees worship the cradle and the spot profusely with flowers, incense, sindoor, etc. The strings of the cradle are covered with red cloth always.

As per the temple pujari, there is a small well (kunda) inside a raised platform beneath the cradle spot. A Sri Yantra has been installed in the well and is worshipped regularly. The well remains filled with water always. And this water has been found to possess medicinal properties especially in curing skin diseases. A unique method of worship indeed!

Alopi Devi Temple timings and festivals

The temple is open from 6 AM to 10 PM. Tuesdays and Fridays are the most important days of the week when the devotees visit in huge numbers. Do plan well in advance to avoid getting stuck in the crowd and to not miss the complete experience.

Navaratri is the main and most important festival celebrated in the temple. Being a Maha-Shaktipeetha, the festival is celebrated grandly with thousands of devotees attending on the occasion.

Choose your travel mode to Alopi Devi Temple

Being located in Prayagraj dham, you will have to travel to Prayagraj to be able to relish the divine darshan and presence of Alopi Devi. The visit to this temple is no ordinary one, being one of the Shaktipeethas.

Traveling with Tirtha Yatra on their Ayodhya-Kashi Yatra or the Kashi Yatra is highly recommended to relish the finest aspects of the temple. Else, you can choose to travel using the following modes of transportation:

1. By Air – There are direct flights to Prayagraj from major cities in India. The airport is located at Bamrauli on the outskirts of Prayagraj city.
2. By Train – The ‘Prayagraj Junction’ station is well connected by trains from major cities in India and other small cites in Uttar Pradesh. It is the headquarters of North Central railway.
3. By Road – National highways and State highways connect the city to other parts of the country. Inter-state bus services are available from the three bus stations of Prayagraj.

Well, you can now decide the best mode with all the options in front of you.

Alopi Devi Temple – the last Maha-Shaktipeetha

There are 18 Maha-Shaktipeethas and Alopi Devi temple happens to be the last one as per the Devi-Bhagavatam. The temple is already unique in the manner in which Alopi Devi is worshipped. Being one of the Maha-Shaktipeethas and that too the last one, makes it more special. The uniqueness of worship itself will transport you to a different plane once you enter the divine premises of Alopi Devi.

Knowing and feeling the presence of Alopi Devi even when your senses are limited by time and space to do so is something which you will never forget in your entire lifetime. This is a feeling beyond the gratitude of your desires being fulfilled by Alopi Devi.