Dewas Tekri

Three routes lead to the hilltop temples. Visitors may climb stairs, follow a slope pathway, or use the ropeway service. The ropeway office is located at the base of the hill on the main road through Dewas city, where tickets can be purchased. After arriving by ropeway, a walk is still required to reach the temples themselves. Both the stair and slope pathways offer views during the ascent.

By road, Dewas is accessible from surrounding areas of Madhya Pradesh. The nearest major transport connections are by train and air to larger cities in the region, from which onward travel to Dewas can be arranged.

Visiting During Navratri

Navratri, falling between September and October, is the principal season for pilgrimage to Dewas Tekri. During this nine-day festival, devotees travel from across Madhya Pradesh to seek blessings from the goddesses. The temple experiences significant crowds during this period, and special religious observances take place. Navratri celebrations in 2025 are scheduled from 22 September to 1 October.

Outside the Navratri season, the site remains open to visitors, though with smaller numbers of pilgrims. The cooler months of the year generally offer more comfortable conditions for the climb.

Facilities and Practical Information

A ropeway service operates from the base of the hill, providing an alternative to climbing stairs or walking the slope pathway. The ropeway office can provide current timings and ticket information. Night visits are possible, offering a different experience of the hilltop and city views, though visitors should confirm current opening hours before planning an evening visit.

Visitors should dress modestly when entering the temples, as is customary in Hindu places of worship. Footwear is typically removed before entering shrine areas. During Navratri, the temple becomes crowded; visitors planning to attend during this festival should prepare for large numbers of pilgrims and allow extra time for darshan (viewing of the deity).

The Hill and Its Temples

The two principal temples on Tekri are dedicated to Maa Chamunda and Maa Tulja Bhavani. Both are goddess temples within the Shaktipeeth tradition, where the divine feminine is worshipped in concentrated form. The hilltop location provides views across Dewas city, combining the spiritual purpose of the site with its natural setting.

The hill contains additional temples beyond these two main shrines, creating a layered sacred geography. This multiplicity of temples on a single hill reflects a common pattern in Indian pilgrimage sites, where several deities may be honoured at one location.

Why Devotees Come

Believers visit Dewas Tekri seeking the blessings of the goddesses, with faith that the deities fulfil wishes and offer protection from difficulties. The site's long history within the city has established it as a spiritual centre where both ordinary residents and special seekers have found meaning and solace. The combination of religious purpose, natural setting, and accessibility has sustained its importance across generations.