The Pujas mean different sthings to different people. And if you want to spend the Pujas away from Calcutta this year —and are of a religious bent of mind — then maybe you could head for any of the temples across the country that are dedicated to the goddess. And here, you can unravel the legends that are associated with not just the goddess, but also the temples.

The Chamundaji Temple in Himachal Pradesh and the Kanaka Durga Temple in Andhra Pradesh attract devotees throughout the year. In Guwahati, the Kamakhya Temple has helped give tourism in the city a leg up, while the Durga Mandir keeps the tourist inflow high in Varanasi. So, with faith in your heart, it’s time to hit the religious trail.

Chamunda Devi Temple

Pix courtesy: S.R. Harnot

Located in Himachal Pradesh, Chamunda Devi Mandir is a 700-year-old temple, 239km from Chandigarh. Legend has it that the temple came into being when, with her powers, Durga created another goddess to slay two demons named Chanda and Munda. Durga was greatly pleased when this goddess killed the demons and blessed her by saying that hitherto she would be worshipped as Chamundaji.

Hot ticket!

Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) offers a 3-night and 4-day Devi Darshan Package for two at Rs 15,500. It takes you to different temples in Himachal Pradesh. Starting from Chandigarh, you’ll visit the Chamundaji Devi Mandir on day two. You’ll also visit the Chintpurni temple, Brijeshwari Devi Temple, a Tibetan Monastery, the Dal Lake and Bhagsu Nag Temple, before returning to Dharamshala. The package includes meals and transfers and is valid till November 14. Go to www.hptdc.nic.in.

Kamakhya Temple

Pix courtesy: Sanjay Bose

Situated on the Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, Kamakhya Temple was built in 1565 by Chilarai of the Koch dynasty. It is the main temple in a cluster of temples dedicated to different forms of Durga including Kali, Bagala, Chhinnamasta and Bhairavi, and is an important shrine for Hindus and tantrics. The goddess is described as the bestower of salvation and as the young bride of Lord Shiva. Buses and cabs ply to and from Kamakhya Mandir throughout the day. The temple stays open to the public from 5.30am to 5.30pm.

Hot ticket!

SOTC’s Amazing East package, that starts and ends in Guwahati, offers a 5-night and 6-day trip through the Northeast, with a whole-day tour of Guwahati on the fifth day. At about Rs 35,000 per person on twin-sharing basis, it includes 3-star accommodation, meals, sightseeing, transfers and taxes. You will also visit Shillong, Cherrapunjee and the Kaziranga National Park. Return airfares to Guwahati from Calcutta start at Rs 7,800 and are extra. The package is valid till October 31. Visit www.sotc.in.

Durga Mandir

Built about 500 years ago, the Durga Mandir is one of the most important temples in Varanasi. Carved in red stone, it attracts droves of devotees and tourists, who come to admire the fine stonework etched on its walls. The temple is made distinctive by a large pond called the Durga Kund located in front of it.

Hot ticket!

Cox and Kings is offering a 3-night and 4-day package to Varanasi for Rs 8,500 per person on twin-sharing basis. It includes 3-star accommodation, a trip to the Durga Temple and the Buddhist city of Sarnath, local sightseeing, meals and transport. Valid till October 31. Go to www.coxandkings.com.

Kanaka Durga Temple

The temple is located on Indrakeeladri Hill on the banks of the Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh. One of the legends surrounding the 8th-century shrine has it that Goddess Kanaka Durga defeated the demon, Mahishasura, on Indrakeeladri Hill and freed the people of Vijaywada from the clutches of evil. Daily, weekly and periodical pujas (September to October, February to March and November to December) are performed at the temple.

Hot ticket!

Le Passage to India is offering a 1-night and 2-day stay with breakfast and 3-star accommodation for Rs 10,400 per person on twin-sharing basis in Vijayawada. The package includes transfers, sightseeing in an AC Innova with an English speaking guide and visit to the temple and is valid till October 31. Go to www.lepassagetoindia.com.