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Meghalaya also known as ‘Abode of Clouds’ is one of the sister states within the Indian north-eastern hills which boasts a fabulous landscape and a rich cultural heritage. The numerous temples reflect the spiritual depth and varied traditions of the region. These temples in Meghalaya are the major worshipping and community-gathering places where one comes across a conflation of practices. These are open for visitors to explore the vibrant rituals, wonderful architecture, and warm hospitality of the local communities. Explore these religious sites to get a glimpse of Himalayan traditions.
8 Popular Temples In Meghalaya
1. Nartiang Durga Temple
Photo: Sonika Agarwal / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Located within the magnificent West Jaintia Hills, the Nartiang Durga Temple is a premier Hindu shrine of Goddess Durga — a personification of supreme divinity, worshipped by the residents living here. With a history dating back more than 600 years, it is the biggest temple in Meghalaya and is among the 51 Shakti Peethas in India. The architectural style of the temple is a combination of Hindu and Khasi styles, and all the festivals at the temple are celebrated with special and unique rituals. The Syiem or the Chief of the locality is given great importance in the temple rituals and ceremonies, especially during Durga Puja.
Location: H686+WM4, Nartiāng, Meghalaya 793150
Best Time To Visit: Durga Puja (September to October)
Entry Fee: N/A
2. Mahadev Khola Dham
Photo: Rajjat Bayas / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Mahadev Khola Dham, located in the green hills of Shillong City, is a popular temple in Meghalaya. This Shiv Mandir is one of the famous temples in Meghalaya. It is believed that a Subedar Major of the 8 Gurkha Rifles was led here by the guidance of a divine dream, where he found this place and the Shiva Lingam placed in this cave. The chanting sounds get amplified inside the cave due to its excellent acoustics, thereby making the environment inside the cave very peaceful during the worship period. This place is the best spiritual retreat — meant for solace and getting a sense of unity with divinity. Therefore, this place is on the must-visit list of pilgrims and tourists as well.
Location: HV76+9RQ, 101 Area, East Khasi Hills, Lawsohtun, Laban, Shillong, Meghalaya 793004
Best Time To Visit: Maha Shivrathri (February to March)
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fee: N/A
3. Matri Mandir
Photo: Sonika Agarwal / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Matri Mandir is a popular attraction among temples in Meghalaya renowned for its magnificent architecture and colourful festivals, in praise of Goddess Kali. With flowers and lights decorating the place on occasions like Durga Puja and Diwali, it becomes a sight to catch. The rituals conducted here represent a fusion of Hindu practices and local customs, supporting the great devotion the community holds towards the Goddess. Matri Mandir acts as a spiritual hub where people come for prayer, various ceremonies, and indulgence in their colourful culture throughout the year.
Location: HVJQ+C66, Polo Rd, Police Bazar, Shillong, Meghalaya 793001
Best Time To Visit: Diwali (October to November)
Entry Fee: N/A
4. Gorkha Durga Temple
Photo: Kolkatar Chobiwala / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Gorkha Durga Temple is a sacred temple situated in Shillong, dedicated to Goddess Durga. The history of the Gorkha Durga Temple can be traced back to the days of the migration of the Gorkha soldiers who brought along with them their cultural practices and devotion to the Goddess. It serves as a focus of attraction for Gorkha devotees, especially during Durga Puja, which remains colourful with various kinds of rituals and celebrations. Largely, the architecture remains traditional to the style of the Gorkhas which comprises minimal carving work with light designs of color. The temple provides a centre for the unity of Gorkhas living in Meghalaya and is also helpful in preserving their traditions and cultural heritage.
Location: HWM5+CFQ, Nongmynsong, Shillong, Meghalaya 793001
Best Time To Visit: Durga Puja (September to October)
Entry Fee: N/A
5. Mawsynram Cave Temple
Photo: Sonika Agarwal / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Mawsynram Cave Temple is a sacred temple of Lord Shiva, located in Mawsynram. Naturally in the form of a cave, there is a formation of Shiva Lingam which has formed an important place to visit by pilgrims. Its history is coupled with local legends and the great devotion of Lord Shiva by the Khasi people. The temple has frequent rituals and festivals, the most important among them being Shivratri. On this day, a great horde of devotees comes to this place and offers prayers and conducts rituals in the surroundings that are sure to enchant them.
Location: 8H3M+VXX, Mawjymbuiñ Rd, Māwsynrām, Meghalaya 793113
Best Time To Visit: Monsoon season (June to September)
Entry Fee: N/A
6. Shri Shri Shani Mandir
Photo: RAHULKUSHWAHLAKHNA / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Shri Shri Shani Mandir is the oldest temple in Meghalaya which is dedicated to Lord Shani. The architecture in this temple is quite old-style, with bright colouring decorations to enhance its beauty. The foundation history of Shani Mandir dates back to the firm belief of the community in the celestial system regarding human life on Earth. This is a place of worship where devotees join to offer prayers, especially on Saturdays. There are different sorts of rituals and cultural programs arranged within the Shani Mandir, emphasising the bond between the locals while symbolising the spiritual values of the people across Meghalaya.
Location: GS Rd, near SHANI MANDIR, Secretariat Hills, Shillong, Meghalaya 793001
Best Time To Visit: Saturdays
Entry Fee:N/A
7. Barapathar Shiv Temple
Photo: Siva Seshappan / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Barapathar Shiv Temple is a famous temple for Lord Shiva located near Jowai in the Jaintia Hills District. Located on top of a hill, serene surroundings and picturesque landscapes surround this temple. The history of Barapathar Shiv Temple dates back to local devotion towards the icon of vigour and protection in the form of Lord Shiva. Mahashivaratri is the most significant festival that attracts a huge number of devotees to the temple to offer their prayers and take part in community feasts. The Barapathar Shiv Temple in Meghalaya serves as a cultural centre for preserving traditional practices of the locals. It is one of the must-visit temples in Meghalaya.
Location: 5HJX+Q4F, New Adarsh Nagar, Rampura, Rewari, Haryana 123401
Best Time To Visit: Maha Shivratri (February to March)
Entry Fee: N/A
8. Harisava Temple
Photo: Aayush(gop) Rawat / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Located in the East Khasi Hills, the Harisava Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The place is peaceful and has a good ambience, attracting a lot of spiritual seekers. The style of architecture of this temple is generally Khasian, though its carvings are very intricate, giving it a very serene feel, good for meditation and relaxation. The temple authorities organise various rituals and devotees throng the premises with offerings, more particularly on Janmashtami while celebrating the birthday of Krishna. Such community-celebrated festivals not only enrich the fabric of community life but also make Harisava Temple one of the places of prominence to visit.
Location: HV8G+2FJ, Harisava, Laban, Shillong, Meghalaya 793004
Best Time To Visit: Janmashtami (August to September)
Entry Fee: N/A
A visit to the temples in Meghalaya is an altogether different experience regarding the religious and cultural hues of the state. Tourists should visit the pulsating temples to soak in the spiritual nature of Meghalaya. Feel the warmth of the people, join in the lively festivals, and leave with memories to last a lifetime from this abode of magic. Plan your journey today with TripXL into the divine beauty of temples in Meghalaya!
Cover Photo: Madhumita Das / Wikimedia Commons
