Vindhyavasini Devi Temple, Vindhyachal, Uttar Pradesh India

Vindhyavasini temple is one of the most important among fifty one Shaktipeetha's of the country. According to the Puranas and ancient mythological literature Devi Vindhyavasini is the presiding deity of this place. The temple has been a great centre of devotion & worship. The Goddess Vindhyavasini is also known as 'Kajala Devi'. It is generally believed that 'Kajali' - a local folk song style has its origin from the devotional songs sung by the devotees in the praise of Goddess Kajala (Vindhyavasini).
The temple has been constructed by stones in rectangular shape, having an interior sanctum and is surrounded all around by verandah. Architecture of the temple depicts coarse workmanship. In the sanctum (Garbh Grih), the image of the goddess has its head made up of black stone with large eyes. White portion of the sclera is made up of silver with the feet of the goddess resting on the silver lion.

Vindhyavasini Devi Temple is situated in Vindhyachal, 8 km from Mirzapur, on the banks of the holy river Ganges. It is one of the most revered Shaktipeeths of the presiding deity, Vindhyavasini Devi.

The temple is visited by large number of people daily. Big congregations are held during Navratras in Chaitra (April) and Ashwin (October) months. Kajali competitions are held in the month of Jyestha (June). The temple is situated just 2 km from the Kali Khoh, an ancient cave temple dedicated to Goddess Kali.

70 km. (one and a half hour drive) from Varanasi, Vindhyachal is a renowned religious city dedicated to Goddess Vindhyavasini. Mythologically goddess Vindhyavasini is believed to be the instant bestower of bendiction. There are several temples of other deities in the vicinity, the most famous ones being Ashtabhuja Devi Temple and kalikhoh Temple, which constitute the Trikona Parikrama (circumambulation). The Vindhyavasini Devi Temple, the Ashtabhuja temple, dedicated to Goddess Mahasaraswati (on a hollock, 3 km from Vindhyavasini temple) and the Kali khoh temple, dedicated to Goddess Kali (2 km from Vindhyavasini temple) form the Trikon Parikrama.

The temple can also be accessed through paved street of about three km from Devi Ghat the river front of the River Ganges with about 80 steps. A large number of stalls selling trinkets, various devotional items, & devotional music have come up here in the winding lanes leading to the temple.