Unique Navratri Celebration: The Temple Where Goddess Siddhidatri is Worshipped as a Daughter Who Loves Slippers

Amid the ongoing Navratri festival, celebrations at a temple perched high on a hill in Bhopal differ from traditional observances. Here, the deity isn't worshipped as a fierce protector or benevolent mother, but as a playful daughter who delights in childlike pleasures.

At the Siddhidatri Pahadwali Temple, devotees don't bring gold or silver offerings. Instead, they come bearing slippers, sandals, glasses, watches, and even umbrellas.

Visitors ascend 300 steps up Kolar hill to reach the sanctuary of Goddess Siddhidatri in her child form. Locals affectionately refer to it as the Jiji Bai Temple. Established three decades ago by Pandit Om Prakash Maharaj, this temple isn't built on elaborate rituals but on an unusual and tender tradition.

"When we organized Shiva and Parvati's wedding here in 1994, I personally gave Parvati away," the priest reminisces with gentle nostalgia. "Since then, I've regarded her as my daughter. Just as a father fulfills his daughter's wishes, I strive to keep her happy with slippers, sandals, caps, watches, glasses – whatever she desires."

In conversation with NDTV, Pandit Om Prakash Maharaj elaborated on the temple's practices: "If you believe, then she too has interests like any young daughter. Over the past 20-25 years, she's received clothing worth approximately Rs 10-15 lakh. Her devotees from America, England, Dubai, and Canada bring offerings when they visit India. We distribute these items to orphanages or to children during community feasts. It's entirely emotional – people continue offering even after their wishes are fulfilled. The temple is self-sufficient, with no trust, donation box, or fundraising initiatives."

This unique tradition originated from devotees' dreams where the Goddess requested that no little girl should walk barefoot. This divine message shaped a practice that continues to this day.

Unlike conventional temples where devotees bring flowers or sweets, visitors here arrive with colorful slippers, shiny sandals, frocks, and playful glasses.

During Navratri, the temple steps glisten with new footwear awaiting presentation at the Goddess's feet. Children's shoes are placed directly before the idol, while adult shoes are collected in a separate container. Later, these offerings are distributed to children in orphanages and to those in need.

One devotee explained, "When you believe she is your daughter, you naturally care about her preferences. Children love new shoes and colorful glasses – and so does she. By giving to her, we're giving to many children."

For worshippers, this represents not merely ritual but genuine emotion. "I've been visiting for two years. My husband told me about offering slippers, and since then I never arrive empty-handed," shared one devotee.

Another longtime visitor remarked, "I've been coming here for 30 years. This was once a forest. Today, despite the crowds, the Goddess continues to fulfill everyone's wishes."