Maa Sharda Mandir, Maihar

Maa Sharda Mandir is a temple of Godess Sharda in Maihar district of Madhya Pradesh in India. It is believed that Godess Sharda is the incarnation of Godess Saraswati. This temple is one of the Shakti Peethas of Godess Bhavani. It is believed that even today, Alha visits the temple to worship Godess Sharda.

History
In religious texts, it is mentioned that Sati, the daughter of Daksha Prajapati, wished to marry Lord Shiva. But, her wish was not approved by Daksha Prajapati. However, Sati married Lord Shiva. Once, Brahma, Vishnu, Indra, and other deities were invited in a yagya performed by Daksh Prajapati. Lord Shiva was not invited in the yagya. So, Sati asked her father the reason for not inviting Lord Shiva, due to which, Daksh Prajapati abused Lord Shiva. As a result of the incidence, Sati sacrificed her life by jumping into the yagya fire pit. When Lord Shiva realised the incident, he opened his third eye in anger. For saving the universe, Lord Vishnu splitted Sati's body into 52 parts. Wherever Sati's body parts fell, Shakti Peethas were established there. It is also believed that Sati's necklace fell in Maihar. It is believed that the temple was discovered by two brothers, Alha and Udal. They were devotees of Godess Sharda. They discovered the temple on the top of Trikut mountains in the middle of the forests. After this incidence, Alha performed penance for 12 years to please the Godess. The Godess blessed him with immortality. It is believed that even today, Alha visits the temple every day during Brahma Muhurta and worships the Goddess.