Meghalaya, located in Northeast India, is predominantly a Christian state. However, it does have a rich tribal culture and a mix of various religious influences from the past and from neighboring states. Here are some temples and religious sites you might find interesting in Meghalaya:
Matri Mandir in East Khasi Hills: Dedicated to the Goddess Durga, this temple is located in the state capital, Shillong. It's an important place of worship, especially during the Navratri festival.
Shiva Temple in Mawphlang: Located in the Khasi Hills, this temple is surrounded by the sacred groves of Mawphlang, which are of great cultural and spiritual significance to the local Khasi tribe. The groves and the temple together make for a serene visit.
Kamakhya Temple in Nartiang: Although the primary Kamakhya Temple is in Assam, there's a counterpart in the Nartiang village of Meghalaya. Nartiang used to be the summer capital of the Jaintia rulers. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Durga in her form as Kamakhya.
Nartiang Durga Temple: Situated in the West Jaintia Hills, this temple is over 500 years old and is associated with the Jaintia royal family. It's a significant pilgrimage site during the Durga Puja festival.
Mahadev Khola Dham: Located in Shillong, this is a unique cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The ambiance inside the cave is serene and is popular among locals and tourists alike.
Sacred Groves: While not temples in the traditional sense, the sacred groves of Meghalaya, especially the Mawphlang Sacred Grove, are significant religious and cultural sites. These are patches of forest that have been preserved by local communities for centuries due to their belief in the deities residing in the groves. These groves are often associated with rituals, ceremonies, and local legends.
Meghalaya is a beautiful hill state in the northeast of India. The capital of Meghalaya is Shillong. The mountainous regions of Meghalaya and adventure sports such as mountaineering are the