Nartiang Durga Temple

Getting there

• By air

  The main gateway is Guwahati airport in Assam, about 100 km (3 hours) from Shillong.

• By train

  Guwahati Railway Station is the nearest railhead, and it is well connected across India.

• By road

  Jowai is 24 km away, about 40 minutes by taxi or shared vehicle. Shillong is about 65 km away, 2 to 2.5 hours via NH6.

Why devotees come here

Nartiang Durga Temple stands in Nartiang village in West Jaintia Hills district, Meghalaya. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, and a place of pilgrimage for devotees of Shaktism. The temple is perched on a hillock in the village.

Legend says Sati Devi's left thigh fell at Nartiang, and devotees believe it is among the holiest sites for Shaktism. As the legend goes, Devi appeared to king Jaso Manik in a dream, told him of the place's significance, and asked him to build a temple in her honour. The tribal people of Nartiang still believe their hamlet is the permanent abode of Durga.

Jaintia king Dhan Manik, who ruled from 1596 to 1612, made Nartiang the summer capital of the Jaintia Kingdom. The Durga Bari was built by Jaintia kings in the 16th or 17th century.

The temple is a simple house of stone and wood, with tin roofing, perched on a hillock. The image of Durga is a plantain trunk decked with marigold flowers, and pilgrims come from all over the country on the occasion of Durga Puja. Durga Puja is held every autumn.

Festivals

• Every autumnDurga Puja

  A four-day festival that blends the culture of Bengal with that of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills.

Tips for your visit

• It is best to start early, because public transport becomes limited by late afternoon.
• Pack for rain with a waterproof bag and jacket, an umbrella, anti-slip shoes and quick-drying clothes.

Questions people ask