Maa Varahi Temple, Gonda

In India, various forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped, and the Shakti Peethas hold a special significance. Located in the Belsar region of Gonda district, Uttar Pradesh, Maa Varahi Temple is one of these 51 Shakti Peethas and a major center of devotion for believers. It is believed that the jaw or the two back teeth of Maa Sati fell at this place, making it the 34th Shaktipeeth. This temple is not only spiritually significant but is also filled with mysteries and miracles.

The legend associated with Maa Varahi Temple is ancient and mysterious. According to mythology, when Maa Sati immolated herself at her father Daksha Prajapati’s yajna after being insulted, Lord Shiva became enraged and wandered across the universe carrying her body. For the welfare of the world, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to separate Sati’s body, and wherever the parts fell, Shaktipeethas were established. It is believed that Maa Sati’s jaw or two back teeth fell in the Belsar region of Gonda, making it a sacred Shaktipeeth. Even today, two mysterious holes are present in the temple premises, which are believed to be associated with Maa Sati’s teeth. Their depth has never been measured. It is said that anyone who attempts to measure them loses their eyesight. Once, someone tied a stone to a 4000-meter-long thread and lowered it into the hole, but no end was found.

Origin of Maa Varahi According to another legend, after Lord Vishnu took the Varaha (boar) avatar to kill the demon Hiranyaksha, he meditated upon Maa Varahi at this very place. Maa Varahi is considered a fierce form of Goddess Durga, who incarnated to destroy demons and restore righteousness. The goddess is worshipped here in the form of a pindi, which is believed to be highly miraculous.

The structure of Maa Varahi Temple follows traditional Hindu temple architecture. The temple is peaceful and spiritually uplifting. In the sanctum, the pindi of the goddess is installed, and a circumambulatory path is built around it for devotees. Within the premises stands an ancient banyan tree from which milk is said to flow. Devotees believe that applying this milk to the eyes cures eye-related ailments. Many small temples dedicated to various deities are also built around the main shrine.

Maa Varahi Temple is open daily from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. During festivals and Navratri, the timings are extended, and darshan is allowed even at night.

The offerings at the temple are considered extremely sacred. Devotees offer fruits, coconuts, sweets, chunri, and bangles. The prasad is taken home and shared among family members. It is believed that consuming Maa’s prasad removes illness, grief, and obstacles. However, recently the administration has restricted offering prasad at the temple.

Hundreds of devotees visit the temple daily, and during Navratri the number reaches into the lakhs. Many devotees travel long distances by performing a full-body prostration journey known as "Sashtang Yatra". It is strongly believed that Maa Varahi fulfills every sincere wish—whether it is related to childbirth, employment, or healing.

By Train Gonda Railway Station is well-connected with major cities like Lucknow, Faizabad, Basti, and Gorakhpur. The temple is about 20 km from the station, and taxis, autos, and local buses are easily available. By Bus Gonda Bus Stand is well-connected through UPSRTC bus services. Direct buses run from cities like Lucknow, Balrampur, Bahraich, Faizabad, and Shravasti. From the bus stand, private taxis and jeeps are available to reach Belsar. By Air The nearest airport is Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow, located about 140 km from the temple. From Lucknow, one can travel to Gonda by train or bus, and then use local transportation to reach the temple.