On the Delhi Highway, near Chhata in Mathura, there is a Devi Peeth called Nari Semari, considered the Kuldevi (family deity) of the nearby regions of Mathura and Agra. This temple is dedicated to Brij Rakshika Mata (Protector Goddess of Braj). There are three idols in the temple — white, black, and dusky in color.
The name “Nari Semari” is actually a corrupted form of “Nari
Shyamli” or “Nar-Shyamli,” which translates to “Nar-Narayan.” Hence, this place
is also known as Nar-Narayan Van.
The idols here actually represent Radha, Shri Krishna, and Lalita
— with Krishna depicted in black, Lalita in dusky hue, and Radha in fair
complexion. It is believed that this is the sacred place where Lord Krishna
revealed his Narayan form to Radha.
Nari Semari Temple Story
Once, Radha was upset with Shri Krishna and wandered into
this forest. At Lalita’s request, Krishna came to console her, disguising
himself as a beautiful, dusky Veena-playing woman. Introducing himself as
“Shyamli Sakhi,” he entertained Radha and stayed with her.
Eventually, Radha recognized him, but by then, her anger had
dissolved and she had regained her composure. Then, Krishna revealed his Narayan
form to her. Over time, this place came to be known as Nari Shyamli, Nari-Sanwari,
and eventually Nari Semari.
Another Legend Regarding the Establishment of the Devi
According to another local legend, Seth Dhandhu Bhagat, a
resident of Rawatpara in Agra, was a great devotee of the Devi of Nagarkot.
Deeply pleased with his unwavering devotion, the goddess once agreed to
accompany him to Agra. However, she warned that he must not look back until
reaching the final stop. If he did, she would stop right where she stood.
The goddess started her journey with him. But as they
reached a dense forest near the village of Nari Semari, Dhandhu Bhagat,
overcome with doubt, looked back. As per her promise, the goddess became still
at that very spot. Since then, the goddess has been worshipped at that
location.
The shrine is today famous for Lathi Puja (stick puja) heldon the last day of Chaitra Navratri festival.
A well-known miracle at the temple is the Chadar Aarti,performed during the Teej festival.