Saptashrungi Devi Temple, Vani
Nashik, Maharashtra · temple
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Rising on a ridge of seven forest-cloaked peaks in the Sahyadri hills, the Saptashrungi Devi Temple at Vani is one of the most revered goddess shrines in Maharashtra and a major day-trip from Nashik, roughly 60 kilometres to the northeast. The name means "goddess of the seven peaks", and the temple sits high on Saptashrungi Gad near Nanduri village in Kalwan taluka, well over a thousand metres above sea level, where post-monsoon mist and hillside waterfalls wrap the slopes in green. By tradition the site is counted among the three-and-a-half Shakti Peethas of Maharashtra — the "half" peeth alongside the full peeths at Kolhapur, Tuljapur and Mahur — and pilgrims also revere it as one of the Shakti Peethas where, in myth, a part of the goddess Sati is believed to have fallen.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Saptashrungi Nivasini Devi Trust bhojanalay / mahaprasad hall — pure-veg thali at the Gad
- ✦Pure-veg snack stalls near the funicular base (poha, sabudana khichdi, misal — ask for the pure-veg option)
- ✦Small pure-veg restaurants in Vani town en route
- ✦Roadside veg dhabas along the Nashik–Vani road (confirm pure-veg before ordering)
About
Rising on a ridge of seven forest-cloaked peaks in the Sahyadri hills, the Saptashrungi Devi Temple at Vani is one of the most revered goddess shrines in Maharashtra and a major day-trip from Nashik, roughly 60 kilometres to the northeast.
- The name means "goddess of the seven peaks", and the temple sits high on Saptashrungi Gad near Nanduri village in Kalwan taluka, well over a thousand metres above sea level, where post-monsoon mist and hillside waterfalls wrap the slopes in green.
- By tradition the site is counted among the three-and-a-half Shakti Peethas of Maharashtra — the "half" peeth alongside the full peeths at Kolhapur, Tuljapur and Mahur — and pilgrims also revere it as one of the Shakti Peethas where, in myth, a part of the goddess Sati is believed to have fallen.
- The presiding deity is Saptashrungi Nivasini, worshipped as a self-manifest (swayambhu) image emerging from the rock face and depicted with eighteen arms, each bearing a weapon or emblem said to have been gifted by the gods.
- Standing several metres tall and glowing under vermilion and gold ornament, the goddess is revered as a fierce yet benevolent form of Durga-Bhagavati.
- Devotees regard her as a living, wish-granting presence, and the shrine draws a steady stream of families, trekkers and pilgrims year-round.
- Reaching the sanctum once meant climbing around five hundred stone steps up the cliff, and many pilgrims still make the ascent on foot for merit.
- A modern funicular railway now carries visitors close to the temple, easing the climb for elders and children.
- The shrine is busiest during Navaratri and the Chaitra festival, when the hill fills with colour, bhajans and ceremonial flag-hoisting; early mornings reward visitors with cool air, sweeping valley views and golden sunrise light across the peaks.
- Food at the Gad is simple and strictly vegetarian.
- The Saptashrungi Nivasini Devi Trust runs a pure-veg bhojanalay and mahaprasad hall serving a modest thali of dal, rice, bhaji and chapati, while stalls near the funicular base offer poha, sabudana khichdi and misal — ask for the pure-veg or Jain option to be sure.
- On the drive up, Vani town and the Nashik–Vani road have small pure-veg restaurants and dhabas for a chai-and-snack halt.
- As with all food across the site, keep to vegetarian fare and confirm before you order.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Saptashrungi Gad, Nanduri, Vani, Tal. Kalwan, Dist. Nashik, Maharashtra, Nashik, Maharashtra, 423501
How to Reach: About 60 km northeast of Nashik (roughly a 2-hour drive) via Vani and Nanduri in Kalwan taluka. State transport (MSRTC) buses run from Nashik's CBS/Mahamarga stands toward Vani/Saptashrungi Gad; taxis and shared cabs are widely available. From the base at the Gad, a funicular railway or the traditional flight of stone steps leads up to the temple; parking is available near the base station.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Saptashrungi Devi Temple and how far is it from Nashik?
It stands on Saptashrungi Gad near Nanduri and Vani village in Kalwan taluka, Nashik district — about 60 km northeast of Nashik city, roughly a 2-hour drive. It is one of the most popular day-trips from Nashik.
Is there a ropeway or funicular to reach the temple?
Yes. A funicular railway carries visitors from the base station up close to the shrine, making it accessible for elders and children. Pilgrims who prefer to walk can still climb the traditional flight of around five hundred stone steps.
What makes the Saptashrungi goddess special?
The deity, Saptashrungi Nivasini, is a self-manifest (swayambhu) image depicted with eighteen arms, revered as a form of Durga-Bhagavati. By tradition the shrine is one of the three-and-a-half Shakti Peethas of Maharashtra and is counted among the Shakti Peethas of goddess worship.
When is the best time to visit and are there major festivals?
October to February offers the coolest, clearest weather, and the hillside is lush just after the monsoon. The shrine is at its most vibrant during Navaratri and the Chaitra festival, with flag-hoisting, bhajans and large gatherings of pilgrims.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near Saptashrungi Devi Temple?
Food at the Gad is simple and vegetarian. The temple trust runs a pure-veg bhojanalay and mahaprasad hall serving a basic thali, and stalls near the funicular base offer poha, sabudana khichdi and misal — ask for the pure-veg or Jain option. Vani town and the Nashik–Vani road also have small pure-veg eateries; confirm pure-veg before ordering.