Navratri (22 September – 2 October, 2025) is one of the grandest Hindu festivals celebrating the victory of Goddess Durga over evil. While devotees perform daily puja and fasting at home, visiting powerful temples dedicated to Devi during these nine nights is considered especially auspicious. Each temple carries unique significance and certain rituals that bless devotees with health, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment.
Below is a comprehensive guide to the top 10 temples to visit during Navratri, with details about their importance, pujas, dosha relief, and how to reach them.
1. Vaishno Devi Temple – Jammu & Kashmir
One of the holiest Shakti Peethas, where Mata Vaishnavi resides in a sacred cave on Trikuta Hills. Navratri draws lakhs of pilgrims, as darshan here is believed to fulfill wishes and remove obstacles.
Special Rituals:
- Navratri Aarti and Shat Chandi Path.
- Kalash Sthapana in Bhawan.
- Devotees chant “Jai Mata Di” continuously during yatra.
Dosha Relief: Removes Shani and Rahu-Ketu doshas.
How to Go:
- Nearest airport: Jammu (50 km).
- Train: Katra Railway Station.
- Pilgrims trek 12 km uphill from Katra to reach the cave temple (ponies, palanquins, and helicopter services available).
2. Kamakhya Temple – Guwahati, Assam
One of the most revered tantric Shakti Peethas, representing the yoni of Goddess Sati. Associated with fertility, tantra sadhana, and divine feminine power.
Special Rituals:
- Devi puja with red hibiscus flowers.
- Tantric rituals and offerings of sindoor.
- During Navratri, special homas are performed.
Dosha Relief: Beneficial for Pitru Dosha and fertility-related issues.
How to Go:
- Nearest airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport (20 km).
- Train: Guwahati Railway Station (8 km).
- Road: Well connected with Assam state buses and taxis.
3. Dakshineswar Kali Temple – Kolkata, West Bengal
Dedicated to Goddess Kali, this temple became famous through Saint Ramakrishna Paramhansa. It represents divine power, protection, and liberation from fear.
Special Rituals:
- Kali Puja, bhajans, and archanas.
- Devotees offer red hibiscus, rice, and sweets.
- Evening aarti is a highlight.
Dosha Relief: Removes graha doshas and negative energies.
How to Go:
- Nearest airport: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (15 km).
- Train: Dakshineswar Railway Station (walking distance).
- Road: Easily accessible from Kolkata city center by taxi or metro.
4. Chamundeshwari Temple – Mysuru, Karnataka
Built atop Chamundi Hills, this temple honors Chamundeshwari Mata, who killed Mahishasura. The city’s famous Mysuru Dussehra festival centers around this temple.
Special Rituals:
- Navratri abhishekam with turmeric and sandal paste.
- Yagna and Durga Saptashati recital.
- Processions with elephants and traditional music.
Dosha Relief: Especially good for Chandra Dosha (mental stress, instability).
How to Go:
- Nearest airport: Mysuru Airport (15 km) or Bengaluru Airport (170 km).
- Train: Mysuru Railway Station (13 km).
- Road: Well connected by buses and taxis.
5. Ambaji Temple – Gujarat
One of the 51 Shakti Peethas, Ambaji is the spiritual heart of Gujarat’s Navratri Garba tradition. Devotees believe the temple houses the original Shakti Yantra
Special Rituals:
- Recital of Durga Saptashati.
- Aarti with 1,000 diyas.
- Devotional Garba dances every night.
Dosha Relief: Removes Mangal Dosha (issues in marriage).
How to Go:
- Nearest airport: Ahmedabad (179 km).
- Train: Abu Road (20 km).
- Road: Regular buses from Ahmedabad and Udaipur.
6. Jwala Ji Temple – Himachal Pradesh
Known as the “flame temple,” it has eternal natural flames burning without fuel, symbolizing the Goddess’s presence.
Special Rituals:
- Offerings of ghee, milk, and sweets to the eternal flame.
- Special Navratri havans.
- Devotees recite “Jwala Ji ki Jai.”
Dosha Relief: Removes Agni Dosha (fire-related karmic problems).
How to Go:
- Nearest airport: Kangra Airport (46 km).
- Train: Pathankot Railway Station (123 km).
- Road: Buses and taxis from Dharamshala and Kangra.
7. Kalighat Temple – Kolkata, West Bengal
A Shakti Peeth where the right toe of Goddess Sati fell. A powerful temple for liberation from negativity and spiritual purification
Special Rituals:
- Kali Sahasranama Archana.
- Symbolic animal-free sacrifices.
- Offering of red hibiscus garlands.
Dosha Relief: Removes Rahu-Ketu dosha and protects from black magic.
How to Go:
- Nearest airport: Kolkata Airport (20 km).
- Train: Kalighat Metro Station nearby.
- Road: Easy access by bus or taxi.
8. Chhatarpur Temple – Delhi
One of the largest temple complexes in India, dedicated to Goddess Katyayani. During Navratri, it becomes a spiritual hub for lakhs of devotees.
Special Rituals:
- Mass aartis and bhajans.
- Community feasts (langar).
- Shringar and abhishekam of Devi idol.
Dosha Relief: Helpful for Shukra Dosha (wealth and marital harmony).
How to Go:
- Nearest airport: IGI Airport, Delhi (12 km).
- Metro: Chhatarpur Metro Station.
- Road: Accessible by taxi, auto, and buses.
9. Meenakshi Amman Temple – Madurai, Tamil Nadu
This Dravidian architectural marvel is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati) and Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva). The temple is a center of Navratri celebrations in South India.
Special Rituals:
- Navratri Golu (doll display).
- Temple processions and cultural performances.
- Evening aarti with music and lamps.
Dosha Relief: Healing for Ketu Dosha (confusion, detachment).
How to Go:
- Nearest airport: Madurai Airport (12 km).
- Train: Madurai Junction.
- Road: Accessible from Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Coimbatore.
10. Mahalaxmi Temple – Mumbai, Maharashtra
Built in the 18th century, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi, the goddess of wealth. It is a major pilgrimage site during Navratri.
Special Rituals:
- Special Mahalaxmi puja for wealth and prosperity.
- Rangoli darshan and deep daan (lamp offerings).
- Recitation of Kanakadhara Stotram.
Dosha Relief: Removes financial blockages and Dhan Dosha.
How to Go:
- Nearest airport: Mumbai International Airport (20 km).
- Train: Mahalaxmi Railway Station.
- Road: Easily accessible by bus, taxi, or auto.
Key Rituals to Perform in Temples During Navratri
- Durga Saptashati Path (700 verses) for spiritual elevation.
- Kalash Sthapana & Aarti every morning and evening.
- Havan/Yagna on Ashtami and Navami for divine blessings.
- Kanya Pujan on Ashtami/Navami to honor the nine forms of Devi.
- Deep Daan (Lamp Offering) for prosperity.
- Garba/Dandiya (in Gujarat & Maharashtra) as a devotional dance form.
Dosha-Specific Temple Visits
- Mangal Dosha (Marriage issues) → Ambaji Temple (Gujarat).
- Pitru Dosha (Ancestral issues) → Kamakhya Temple (Assam).
- Shani Dosha (Obstacles, struggles) → Vaishno Devi, Shani Shingnapur (Maharashtra).
- Rahu-Ketu Dosha (Confusions, obstacles) → Kalighat (Kolkata), Kalahasti Temple (Andhra).
- Financial Doshas → Mahalaxmi Temple (Mumbai).
Navratri 2025 is not just a festival but a spiritual yatra. Visiting temples like Vaishno Devi, Kamakhya, Chamundeshwari, Ambaji, and Mahalaxmi during these nine nights is believed to cleanse sins, remove doshas, and bring divine blessings. While at home you can fast, chant, and perform puja, a temple darshan amplifies the spiritual energy.
Temple Darshan & Navratri Pilgrimage Packages (Per Person)
Many state tourism boards, private tour operators, and temple trusts organize special Navratri pilgrimage packages to make travel easier for devotees. These include transport, accommodation, meals (often Satvik), guided temple darshan, and sometimes special passes for Aarti.
Here’s an overview of typical packages available per person:
1. Vaishno Devi Yatra Packages (Jammu)
- Duration: 2N/3D
- Includes: Katra stay, helicopter/pony arrangements, priority darshan.
- Price Range: Starting from ₹19000
2. Kamakhya Devi Darshan (Guwahati, Assam)
- Duration: 3N/4D
- Includes: Airport pickup, temple visits (Kamakhya, Umananda), stay, local transport.
- Price Range:Starting from ₹21000
3. Ambaji Navratri Festival Package (Gujarat)
- Duration: 2N/3D
- Includes: Accommodation near Ambaji, guided darshan, Garba/Dandiya entry passes.
- Price Range: Starting from ₹15000
4. Mysuru Chamundeshwari & Dussehra Tour (Karnataka)
- Duration: 3N/4D
- Includes: Stay in Mysuru, darshan at Chamundi Hills, participation in Dussehra processions.
- Price Range: Starting from ₹25000
5. West Bengal Kali & Durga Puja Circuit (Kolkata & Dakshineswar)
- Duration: 4N/5D
- Includes: Dakshineswar Kali, Kalighat Temple, Durga pandal hopping, accommodation, transport.
- Price Range: Starting from ₹22000
6. North India Shaktipeeth Darshan (Delhi, Himachal, Punjab)
- Duration: 5N/6D
- Includes: Chhatarpur (Delhi), Jwala Ji, Naina Devi, Chintpurni, accommodation, transfers.
- Price Range: Starting from ₹41000
7. South India Devi Circuit (Tamil Nadu & Kerala)
- Duration: 6N/7D
- Includes: Madurai Meenakshi, Kanyakumari Devi, Mangala Devi (Kerala), transport & stay.
- Price Range: Starting from ₹51000
Tips Before Booking Packages
- Check Temple Timings: During Navratri, temples extend hours, but some require online e-darshan booking.
- Satvik Meals: Most packages include phalahar meals suitable for Navratri fasting.
- Dosha Remedies: Some packages also include special pujas (Shani, Pitru, Mangal dosha nivaran) at select temples.
- Book Early: Navratri is peak season – book 2–3 months in advance for best rates.