Amid the Sahyadri range near Vani, some sixty kilometres from Nashik, the Goddess Saptashrungi Nivasini dwells upon a mountain of seven peaks (sapta shrunga), her great self-manifested image rising from the rock face with eighteen arms bearing weapons — the Mother as Mahishasura Mardini, slayer of the buffalo-demon. Revered as the half seat among the three and a half Shakti Peethas of Maharashtra.
Pilgrims climb hundreds of steps — now eased by a funicular — to reach the shrine set high on the cliff, drawn especially during the Chaitra and Navaratri festivals when the mountain fills with devotees. The Goddess embodies the victory over Mahishasura celebrated in the Devi Mahatmya.
Saptashrungi is worshipped as the living, weapon-bearing Mother of the Sahyadris — one of Maharashtra's most powerful and beloved Devi shrines.
