Located in the Antara village of the Shahdol district in Madhya Pradesh, the Maa Kankali Devi Temple is not only a major religious site but also holds great historical and archaeological significance. The temple is famous for its unique 18-armed Chamunda Mata idol, and the atmosphere here offers a divine experience for all who visit.
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The Glory of Maa Kankali
This temple is home to a remarkable and fierce form of Chamunda Mata with 18 arms. The idol is believed to be from the Kalchuri period and is considered extremely sacred and rare. Devotees flock to this temple as they believe that Maa Kankali fulfills all their wishes. The temple is always crowded, especially during Navratri when the atmosphere becomes even more vibrant. From early morning until late at night, the temple is filled with the sounds of chants and the celebration of Maa’s glory.
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Miracles and Extraordinary Events
Local legends and temple priests often talk about the miracles that occur in the temple. One such belief is that after the temple doors close at night, snakes guard the temple. These snakes can be seen circling the temple’s sanctum sanctorum, preventing anyone from entering. Interestingly, they are sometimes found even in the middle of the day, winding around the temple’s doors and the sanctum.
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Another fascinating belief is that during Navratri, the king of the forest, also known as the “Vanraj,” is said to visit the temple. While no one has ever seen him clearly inside the temple, footprints have been discovered on several occasions, confirming his presence during the Navratri Panchami.
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The Remarkable Idol of Maa Kankali
In the temple’s sanctum, along with the 18-armed Chamunda, there are other significant idols of Sharda and Ashtabhuji Singhvahan Durga. The Chamunda idol is unique and stands out with its features. She is adorned with a crown of matted hair, her eyes are wide open, and her mouth is open in a terrifying form. Her neck is elongated, and she wears a necklace made of skulls. The shape of her body resembles a skeleton, which is why she is known as Kankali.
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Her hands hold the demon Chand-Mund, an aura of light, and around her feet are the Yoginis. Each of her 18 arms holds a traditional weapon, with one hand raised in a blessing posture (Varada Mudra) and another holding a lotus flower. This idol is considered a symbol of strength, power, and protection.
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Archaeological Significance
The temple holds great archaeological importance due to the several Kalchuri-era idols and sculptures found in and around the temple. These sculptures are preserved on the temple walls and offer valuable insights into the region’s ancient culture and history, making the site important not only religiously but also historically.
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Timing of Maa Kankali Devi Mandir, Antara
8 am to 9 pm (All day)
How to Reach Maa Kankali Devi Mandir, Antara
Travel from Shahdol to Antara The Maa Kankali Devi Mandir is located in the Antara village, which is approximately 10 kilometers from the Shahdol district headquarters. There are several ways to reach the temple:
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- By Train: The nearest railway station is Shahdol, which is about 10 kilometers from the temple. From Shahdol, you can take a local taxi or bus to reach Antara.
- By Road: Local buses and taxis are available from Shahdol to Antara, making it a convenient route for travelers.
- By Air: The nearest airport to Antara is in Jabalpur, around 180 kilometers away. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Shahdol and then travel to Antara.
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Nearby Attractions If you’re planning to visit Antara, you can also explore other historical and cultural sites nearby, such as the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, which is known for its rich wildlife and the discovery of 26 temples, caves, Shaivite monasteries, stupas, and water structures in the area. These findings have been documented, further highlighting the region’s historical importance.
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Importance of the Temple and Devotee’s Reverence
The Maa Kankali Devi Temple is not just a place of worship but a center of faith and miracles. Devotees come from all over to seek blessings from Maa Kankali, believing that their prayers will be answered. The temple is especially busy during the Navratri festival when thousands gather to worship and celebrate. The constant chants of “Jai Maa Kankali” resonate through the temple complex, making it a spiritually uplifting experience for visitors.
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Not only does the temple have immense religious value, but its historical and archaeological significance makes it a unique destination for both devotees and history enthusiasts. Whether you are looking for spiritual solace or wish to explore the ancient heritage of the region, Maa Kankali Devi Temple in Antara is a place worth visiting.
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Address and Google map of Kankali Devi Mandir Antara
Address: 6972+CPG, Antara, Madhya Pradesh 484001
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Images of Kankali Devi Mandir Antara
Other places to visit are near Kankali Devi Mandir, Antara.
- Banganga Park, Shahdol
- Bansagar Dam, Shahdol
- Tagore Park, Shahdol
- Rastogi Tower
- Sharda mata temple Maihar
- Alha Udal Akhada
- Neelkanth Temple and Ashram
- Bada Akhada Mandir Maihar
- Panni Koh Waterfall Maihar
- Badi Kher Mai temple Maihar
- Oila Temple Maihar
- Lalitamba Shakti Peeth Maihar
- Ikshapurti Temple Maihar
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