The Lahar ki Devi temple is located in Sipri, in the city of Jhansi. This is a very unique temple—although only one idol of the Goddess is installed here, it changes its appearance three times a day. During Navratri, the temple attracts thousands of devotees. As young girl form of Goddess is also worshipped here the shrine is famous for Kanya Puja on Navami.
Jhansi Sipri Lahar ki Devi Navratri Festival 2026 is from
October 11 to October 20. Chaitra Navratri festival is from March 19 to March
27.
Three Forms Of Goddess
The idol of Lahar ki Devi changes form three times a day:
In the morning, she appears in childhood form (Balya Avastha),
In the afternoon, in youthful form (Yuva Avastha),
In the evening, in a mature form (Prudha Avastha).
A different style of adornment and decoration (shringar) is done for each of the three forms.
Jhansi Sipri Lahar ki Devi History
This temple was built during the reign of the powerful Chandel
dynasty of Bundelkhand.
In ancient times, Bundelkhand was known as Jejak Bhukti. The ruler of this
region was King Paramal Dev, who had two brothers—Alha and Udal, legendary
warriors.
The queen of Mahoba, Rani Machchala, was abducted by Raja
Jwala Singh of Patharigarh.
To rescue her and defeat Jwala Singh, Alha performed a sacrifice at this very
temple—offering his own son as a sacrifice in front of his brother Udal. However,
the Goddess did not accept the offering. A short while after the sacrifice, the
boy came back to life.
The very stone on which the sacrifice was offered still exists within the temple premises and is preserved.
Why the Name “Lahar ki Devi”?
In ancient times, the Pahuj River used to flow through this
region.
Its waves (lahar) would touch the feet of the Goddess’s idol.
Hence, the temple came to be known as the Temple of the Goddess of the Waves
(Lahar ki Devi).
About Lahar ki Devi Temple
Lahar ki Devi is also known as Maniya Devi.
According to some beliefs, Maniya Devi is the sister of Maa Sharda of Maihar.
This temple stands on eight stone pillars, with each pillar
depicting eight Yoginis—totalling 64 Yoginis.
All the pillars are painted a deep red vermillion color.
Within the temple complex, there are also shrines dedicated
to:
- Lord Siddhivinayak
- Shankar (Shiva)
- Sheetla Mata
- Annapurna Mata
- Lord Dattatreya
- Lord Hanuman
- Kaal Bhairav
The Goddess enshrined here is considered Tantric in nature,
and thus various Tantric rituals are also performed at this site.
Navratri Festival At Jhansi Sipri Lahar ki Devi Mandir
Though the temple sees devotees throughout the year, it
becomes especially crowded during Navratri.
On Ashtami night (eighth day of Navratri), a grand aarti
(ritual of worship with lamps) is organized.
Kanya Puja is performed on Navami day.
It is believed that those who participate in this aarti have all their wishes fulfilled.