Saptashrungi Devi Darshan Guide — Timings, Ropeway & Route

High in the Sahyadris near Nashik, ringed by seven peaks, sits one of Maharashtra's most revered goddess shrines — Saptashrungi Devi. A Shakti Peeth wrapped in cloud and legend, it draws pilgrims from across the state, especially during Navratri. If you're planning darshan, here's everything you need: the timings, the ropeway-or-steps choice, how to reach, the best season, and how to combine it with nearby temples.

At a glance

• Where: Saptashrungi Gad, near Vani/Nanduri — about 65 km from Nashik (~1.5 hours).

• Significance: one of Maharashtra's 3.5 Shakti Peethas, and among the 51 Shakti Peethas of India.

• Timings: roughly 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM (ropeway runs to about 9:30 PM).

• Reaching the shrine: a funicular ropeway (₹90 round trip) or the traditional 510 steps.

🎫 3 ways to plan your visit

🔱 About Saptashrungi Devi

The name means "the goddess of the seven peaks" (Sapta = seven, Shrungi = peaks). The temple, perched at about 1,230 metres, is a two-storey shrine built before a natural rock face, where the Devi is worshipped as swayambhu (self-manifested). She is depicted with eighteen arms as Mahishasura Mardini — the form the Goddess took to slay the demon Mahishasura.

Saptashrungi is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, the sites where, in the Sati legend, parts of the Goddess's body are said to have fallen — here, her right arm. Within Maharashtra it is counted among the "three and a half" (sade-teen) Shakti Peethas, alongside Mahalakshmi (Kolhapur), Tulja Bhavani (Tuljapur) and Renuka Mata (Mahur). Saptashrungi is the "half" — and in tradition that "half" is not a lesser status at all; it points to its standing as an Adi (original) Shakti Peeth. Around the hills lie 108 sacred water bodies (kundas), and the whole setting — seven peaks, deep valleys, mist — makes darshan here feel special.

🕉️ Saptashrungi Devi darshan timings

The temple is generally open from about 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and the ropeway operates from 6:00 AM to around 9:30 PM, seven days a week. Timings can be extended during festivals like Navratri. Mornings are calmer for darshan; evenings and weekends are busier. The pleasant season is October to March.

🚡 Reaching the shrine — ropeway or the 510 steps

The temple sits atop the Gad, and there are two ways up from the plateau:

• Funicular ropeway (recommended for most): a modern trolley system that climbs to the temple entrance in about 2–3 minutes, saving you the ~510-step climb. Two air-conditioned cars carry around 60 passengers each up a 36-degree incline. The round-trip ticket is about ₹90 for adults and ₹45 for children (subject to change). It's the easiest option, especially for elders and children.

• The 510 steps (the pilgrim's path): rock-cut steps — many built by Umabai Dabhade in 1710 — leading up over about an hour, shaded and echoing with chants. For the devout and the fit, the climb is a form of tapasya in itself. Take breaks and carry water.

Either way, hold on to your belongings — the hillside has many monkeys that are quick to grab bottles and food.

🍚 Prasad and facilities

Canteens near the temple serve food, and there are dharamshalas and guesthouses at the base and in Vani. During major festivals like Navratri and Purnima, the temple often offers free meals to devotees; on regular days a small prasad contribution (around ₹15) lets you avail it. Dress modestly, as at any temple.

🚕 How to reach Saptashrungi

Saptashrungi Gad is about 65 km from Nashik (roughly 1.5 hours by road). It's well connected:

• By road: MSRTC and private buses run from Nashik's Central Bus Stand toward Vani/Nanduri; from Vani, shared jeeps go up to the Gad. A private cab is the most comfortable, taking you close to the ropeway base.

• Nearest railway station: Nashik Road (NK), about 70 km — then continue by road.

• Nearest airport: Nashik/Ozar (~53 km); Mumbai is the best-connected airport at about 250 km.

For a fixed-fare, verified-driver cab from Nashik:

Many pilgrims combine Saptashrungi with Shirdi (about 110 km away):

Or with Trimbakeshwar (about 60 km):

If you're planning it as a set trip from Shirdi, see the Shirdi to Saptashrungi Devi taxi package.

📅 Best time to visit & festivals

• Best season: October to March, when the weather is pleasant for the ropeway or the climb.

• Navratri (Chaitra and Ashwin): the biggest celebrations, with huge crowds, a grand yatra and special rituals — spectacular, but plan and book well ahead.

• Monsoon (June–September): dramatic and beautiful, with clouds drifting through the courtyard — but steps and paths get slippery, so take care.

🧭 Combine it with nearby temples

Saptashrungi sits in the heart of the Nashik region, so it pairs naturally with other shrines and sights:

• Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga (~60 km) — see our Trimbakeshwar darshan timings guide for timings, aarti and the VIP pass.

• Shirdi Sai Baba (~110 km) — a very common pairing on a Maharashtra darshan circuit.

• Nashik sights — see our guide to places to visit in Nashik.

Coming from far? Our guides on Mumbai to Trimbakeshwar and the nearest airport to Trimbakeshwar cover the wider Nashik region too.

🏨 Where to stay

For an early darshan or a relaxed two-temple trip, it helps to stay in Vani, near the Gad, or in Nashik and travel out. Verified stays in the Nashik region:

🙏 Frequently asked questions

Saptashrungi Devi darshan is a soulful experience — the seven peaks, the 18-armed Goddess in her rock-face shrine, and the choice of a quick ropeway or the old pilgrim's steps. Aim for the October–March season or a calm weekday morning, take the ropeway if you're with elders, and consider pairing it with Trimbakeshwar or Shirdi on a single circuit. May the Devi's blessings be with you. Jai Saptashrungi Mata! 🚩