Salkanpur Temple - The Sacred Hill of Maa Vijayasana

Crowning an 800-foot-high hill in Sehore district, the revered Salkanpur Temple is a place where devotion is measured not just in prayers but in every step that leads upwards. Pilgrims, young and old, barefoot and chanting "Jai Mata Di," climb around thousand stone steps with hearts full of faith, while the temple's shikhara rises like a promise visible from afar.

Adding to this spiritual aura, the Grand Devi Lok is now taking shape at Salkanpur. Inspired by Mahakal Lok, it will feature large temple structures and modern facilities, offering devotees a comfortable and memorable spiritual experience once completed.

A Goddess Who Revealed Herself

The presiding deity here, Maa Vindhyavasini Beejasan Devi, a fierce yet compassionate form of Goddess Durga sits in her self-manifested form within the sanctum. Her idol, facing south, has stood here for centuries, drawing seekers from across the land. Legends whisper that two sacred flames one fuelled by coconut oil, the other by ghee have been burning for nearly 400 years. Beside them, a holy fire lit by saints continues to glow, its ash treasured by devotees as Mahaprasad.

Echoes of Legends

Long ago, a group of Banjaras was wandering through the dense forest when their cattle mysteriously went missing. Desperate and searching, they stumbled upon a divine young girl. She spoke gently, guiding them to a nearby sacred spot dedicated to the goddess, and asked them to offer their prayers. To their amazement, their cattle returned unharmed. Overcome with gratitude and awe, the Banjaras decided to build a shrine at that very spot. The humble beginning of the temple we know today.

Another legend links the site to Goddess Mahishasuramardini, the slayer of demons. It is believed that Maa Durga killed Raktabeej (a demon) at this very hilltop. Raktbeej was a powerful asura (demon) mentioned in Hindu mythology, known for the boon he received that every drop of his blood falling on the ground would create another demon like him. After the fierce battle, she rested here in a victorious meditative pose, Vijayasana. Since then, the shrine has been known as Vijayasana Dham, the seat of triumph.

A Temple That Grew With Devotion

Unlike grand temples adorned with ornamentation, Salkanpur stands in quiet dignity. The sanctum has been preserved in its purest form, so that every eye rests only on the goddess. Around it, smaller shrines honour Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswati, and Lord Bhairava. Over time, the temple trust added facilities for pilgrims, yet the heart of the temple remains unaltered. A space where centuries of worship are still alive in silence.

The Journey Upwards

The climb to the temple is both physical and spiritual. Devotees often take the steps as an offering of devotion, each footfall echoing with chants. For those who cannot climb, there are other options, a road that goes up the hill and a ropeway that takes passengers quickly for a small fare. Still, for many, walking up makes reaching the shrine a more meaningful experience.

Ceremonies of Faith

Salkanpur is not just a temple, it is a stage where faith takes many forms. Families bring their children for tonsure ceremony (Mundan). Others perform Tulabhara (Tuladan), weighing themselves or their loved ones, against grains, jaggery, or coins offered to the goddess.

During Navratri, the temple transforms into a sea of devotion, as numerous pilgrims gather for nine nights of worship and celebration. The Magh Mela, held in February, is another spectacle to witness, a blend of spiritual rituals and a bustling cattle fair, where traditions as old as time are renewed under the goddess's divine grace.

Times to Seek Goddess Blessings

The temple welcomes devotees all year, from the first light of dawn to dusk around 6:00 P.M., with its warm and lively spirit felt throughout the day. For those who like peace and less crowd, the months between March and October are the best. In the monsoon, the temple reveals a different kind of magic, mist curling around the hill, rain-washed steps glistening, and an endless carpet of lush greenery stretching out in every direction. From the summit, the view is nothing short of breathtaking, as the landscape below transforms into a living painting of emerald hues.

Finding the Way

Reaching Salkanpur is a journey in itself.

By Road: Salkanpur is located about 70 km from Bhopal. Regular buses operate from Bhopal to Obedullaganj, a key transit point. From Obedullaganj, pilgrims can take connecting buses or hire autos and taxis to reach Salkanpur, which is the nearest town to the temple base.

By Rail: Sehore station, 91 km away, is the closest railway link.

By Air: Bhopal's Raja Bhoj Airport, 89 km from the temple, connects the site to major Indian cities.

The Salkanpur Temple of Maa Vijayasana Devi is one of the most important places of worship in Madhya Pradesh. It is a blend of history, faith, and tradition. Either you climb the long flight of steps or take the ropeway, reaching the top will fill your heart with peace and devotion.

Visit Salkanpur Temple for a peaceful spiritual experience.