The Trikon Parikrama of Vindhyachal joins Maa Vindhyavasini, Maa Kali Khoh and Maa Ashtabhuja, the Goddess in her three forms. How to do it, how to reach from Varanasi and the best time to go.
By Teerthayan • October 2026
On the Ganga in Mirzapur district, Vindhyachal is one of the most revered shrines of the Goddess in North India. Here she is worshipped in three forms at three temples a short distance apart: Maa Vindhyavasini as Mahalakshmi, Maa Kali Khoh as Mahakali and Maa Ashtabhuja as Mahasaraswati. Visiting all three completes the Trikon Parikrama, the triangle circuit, which devotees believe is needed for the darshan to be complete.
The three temples of the Trikon
| Temple | Form of the Goddess | Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Maa Vindhyavasini | Mahalakshmi | In Vindhyachal town near the Ganga ghats, within the new Vindhya corridor |
| Maa Kali Khoh | Mahakali | A cave shrine in the Vindhya hills |
| Maa Ashtabhuja | Mahasaraswati | On a hilltop, reached by steps, with Sita Kund on the way |
How to do the Trikon Parikrama
- Begin at Maa Vindhyavasini. Bathe at the Ganga ghat and take darshan early in the morning, when the queues are shortest.
- Maa Kali Khoh. Go on to the cave temple of Mahakali in the hills.
- Maa Ashtabhuja. Climb to the hilltop temple of the eight-armed Goddess, and stop at Sita Kund, a spring associated with Mata Sita.
- Return to Maa Vindhyavasini to close the triangle. Many devotees take darshan a second time.
By car, the circuit takes about half a day; during Navratri, allow much longer. Many devotees walk the parikrama, so allow a full day on foot. Wear comfortable footwear you can slip off, as shoes are removed at every temple.
How to reach Vindhyachal
- From Varanasi: about 63 km by road, normally 1.5 to 2 hours. Varanasi airport has the most flights.
- By train: Vindhyachal has its own station, and Mirzapur station is a few kilometres away, both on the Delhi–Howrah main line.
- From Prayagraj: about 85 km by road.
Best time to go
- Navratri: Chaitra (March–April) and Sharad (September–October) Navratri are the most auspicious times and draw enormous crowds. Book stays well ahead.
- October to March: the most comfortable weather outside Navratri.
- April to June: very hot. Visit early in the morning.
Combine it with Kashi
Most pilgrims pair Vindhyachal with Varanasi: Kashi Vishwanath, Vishalakshi (one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas) and the Ganga Aarti. Chunar Fort is on the way. Our Vindhyavasini Devi Yatra with Kashi and Trikon Parikrama covers all of this in 4 days from Varanasi, from ₹12,900 per person.
For more Devi shrines, read our Shakti Peeth list and our guide to the best Shakti Peethas for Navratri.
FAQs
What is the Vindhyachal Trikon Parikrama?+
A circuit of three temples of the Goddess at Vindhyachal: Maa Vindhyavasini (Mahalakshmi), Maa Kali Khoh (Mahakali) and Maa Ashtabhuja (Mahasaraswati). Together they form a triangle, the trikon.
How far is Vindhyachal from Varanasi?+
About 63 km by road, normally 1.5 to 2 hours.
How long does the Trikon Parikrama take?+
Half a day by car between the three temples, longer during Navratri. Many devotees walk it; allow a full day on foot.
When is the best time for Vindhyachal?+
October to March for the weather. Chaitra and Sharad Navratri are the most auspicious times, and by far the most crowded.
Is Vindhyavasini a Shakti Peeth?+
Many devotees regard Vindhyachal as a Shakti Peeth and a Siddha Peeth, though it does not appear in every traditional list.
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