The 'Saptashrungi Temple' situated at Vani in Nashik district of Maharashtra is a temple dedicated to Goddess Saptashrungi. Being a unique Shaktipeeth and a huge rock-cut temple, it is a site worth a visit. 

Districts/Region

KalwanTaluka, Nashik District, Maharashtra, India.

History

In Maharashtra, there are a total of 3 and a half Shaktipeeths (places of goddesses). These are places in mythology where the parts of the corps of Devi (sati - a form of Parvati, consort of Shiva) had fallen and out of which, Saptashrungi is the half or Ardha (half) Shaktipeeth. 
The rock-cut temple has a huge about 8-9 feet tall rock-cut image of the deity in sanctum. The name Saptashrungi translates into 'seven - mountain picks', which is indeed true as the temple itself is surrounded by seven mountains adding to its scenic beauty and amazing site. Thus the Goddess is known as the Goddess of 'Seven Mountains' in holy texts as well. The figure of the deity has eighteen hands, each grasping a different weapon. She is depicted here in her ferocious form. It is believed by devotees that when the demon Mahishasura created havoc in the forest's of Saptashrungi, Devi took the form of  Durga and killed the demon. Thus she is also revered as 'MahishasurMardini'  the slayer of demon Mahishasur. 
Saptashrungi temple is two-storied and is said to be self-manifested, Swayambhu. The Devi is highly ornamented with different types of jewellery like a high crown on her head, a nose-ring and necklaces, etc. She is always coated with vermilion. There are various kundas (water tanks) located around the temple such as Kalikund, Suryakund and Dattatreyakund. The temple is known as SaptashrungiGada i.e. the well-fortified enclosure. The deity is being worshipped by tribals also in the region.

Geography

The temple is located in Vani village in the KalwanTaluka and is around 60 KM from Nashik, in Maharashtra. The temple sits 1230m on a cliff top.

Weather/Climate

The average annual temperature is 24.1 degrees Celsius.
Winters are extreme in this region, and the temperature goes as low as 12 degrees Celsius. 
The sun is very harsh during summers. The region gets more rain during summer than winters. The temperature during summer goes above 30 degrees Celsius.
The average annual rainfall is around 1134 mm.

Things to do

After visiting the temple one can visit the Kunds around the temple, Hills surrounding the temple, and the local markets.

Nearest tourist places

After exploring the beautiful premise of the temple one can visit 
●    Anchala Fort (33.4 KM)
●    Ahivant Fort (19 KM)
●    Mohandari Fort (14.9 KM)
●    Kanhergad Fort (22.1 KM)
●    Jawlya Fort (26 KM)
●    Rawlya Fort (34.3 KM)

Special food speciality and hotel

Being very well known for its vineyard it's a heaven for wine lovers.

Accommodation facilities nearby & Hotel/ Hospital/Post Office/Police station

Affordable accommodation facilities, basic amenities are in easy reach. 
●    Abhona Police Station is the closest at a distance of 18.3 KM.
●    Rural Hospital Vani is the closest at a distance of 23.8 KM

Visiting Rule and Time, Best month to visit

●    Before going to visit the temple one must know that you have to climb 470 steps to reach the shrine.
●    A motorable road takes you more than half the way, then one has to climb. 
●    The timing of the temple is from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM. 
●    The best months to visit the temple are from around August to February.

Language spoken in area 

English, Hindi and Marathi.