saharanpur

Shakumbhari Devi temple is situated at a distance of 40 kms from Saharanpur in the Shakumbari area. Although there are no historical or archaeological data to back the claim, the general belief is that the temple dates to ancient times. The idols within the temple don’t seem very old, and there are some who say that it was built during the Maratha period while others believe that Adi Shankracharya performed his tapasya. Various beliefs apart, the temple attracts a fair share of devotees every year. With regards to the presiding deity, it is believed that Ma Shakumbari killed Mahishasur Maha Daitya here and also performed tapasya for over 100 years while eating just one vegetarian meal each month end.
 

This is another religious site in Saharanpur which attracts both Hindus and Muslims. It commemorates Baba Shri Lal Das, a famous seer who is believed to have performed his meditation here during the Mughal period. The story goes the powers of his meditation he ensured that the Mughal ruler Dara Shikoh accepted the Indian culture. The memorial is built at the place where he meditated.
 

The pilgrimage centre is located at National Highway 73 and is visited by both Hindus and Muslims. The main attraction here is the 26 feet long mazaar which appears of different size each time it is measured. It is little wonder that there are several myths and legends associated with the peer, the common one being that the height of a man used to be 26 feet at the time the tomb was built. The tomb attracts several politicians, passengers and bus drivers who stop here en route to offer prayers.