Nartiang Durga Temple is a 500-year-old temple and a  Shakti Peetha, located in West Jaintia Hills district, Meghalaya, India. A huge monolith deity of Durga Devi (Goddess Durga)  is the main deity at this temple. Ruins of a bygone era can be seen in and around the temple premises. This temple is also known as Jayanti Shaktipeeth Shri Nartiang Durga Temple.

Exterior view of the Nartiang Durga Shakti Peetha Temple

Nartiang Durga Shakti Peetha Temple is among the 52 Shakti peethas (or 108 Shakti peethas by another account).  Shakti peethas are situated in India and some of the other neighboring countries.  Shakti peethas are significant shrines and pilgrimage destinations, as per Shaktism, the goddess-focused Hindu tradition.

It is believed that Lord Shiva carried the dead body of Goddess Sati or Durga Devi (first consort of Lord Shiva). God Shiva roamed around the universe with his consort’s body in grief. Using Sudarshana Chakra, Lord Vishnu cut her body into 52 parts. (Sudarshana Chakra is a  flying wheel or discus-like weapon, seen on the right rear hand of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu has four hands.)

The places where the body of Sati Devi or Durga Devi fell are known as Shakti peethas. These Shakti Peetha sites are very sacred pilgrimage places for the Hindus.

A painting depicting how Shakti Peethas like Nartiang Durga Temple was established.

Goddess Sati was the first consort of Lord Shiva. The second consort of Lord Shiva is Goddess  Parvati, who is believed to be the reincarnation of Goddess Sati.

The temple complex is beautifully preserved and is a unique blend of Shakti Hinduism and Khasi-Jaintia (Assamese and Meghalaya traditions)  to revere Goddess Durga.

How Do I Go to Nartiang Durga Temple?

The nearest railway station is situated at Guwahati in the nearby state of Assam, at around 176 kilometers distance. The closest major airport is also at Guwahati.

It takes around two hours of traveling to reach Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya state, from Nartiang Durga Shakti Peetha Temple.

Imphal, the capital city of the nearby state of Manipur, is situated around 425 kilometers away from this ancient temple.

What are the Timings of NartiangDurga Shakti Peetha Temple?

NartiangDurga temple is open from 7 am to 8 pm, on all days.