Sharda Devi Temple

The history begins from the Yajna organized by Daksha, father-in-law of Lord Shiva.  He willingly failed to invite Lord Shiva to show that he could do things without Him.  Dakshayani, despite her father’s indifference to Her Lord, argued with Him, visited the Yajna place and scolded her father.  Unable to bear the humiliation at her father’s hands, she jumped into the Yajna pit and ended her life.  Furious Shiva destroyed the yajna through Veerabadra.  He appeared there and played His Rudra Thandava holding the body of Mother Sasi Devi.  All the worlds trembled and a total end appeared to have been nearing.

Lord Vishnu appeared at the place, softened Lord Shiva and cut the body of Mother Sasidevi to pieces with His discus.  The parts fell in 51 places being worshipped by devotees as 51 Shakti Peetas now.  Her chest fell in this place.  Maihar means Mother’ Home.  The temple is at the top of the Trikooda Hills.  Mother Sharada Devi is also praised as Saraswathi Devi.  There is an inscription at the feet of the stone idol of Mother.  The Narasimha idol in the temple is also very old. It is said that a devotee Noopula Deva by name installed these idols in the temple in the year AD 502.