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Religion
Sagar’s Shoulder-Borne Kali Mai Marks 122 Years of Devotion
✍️ Amar Ujala · Madhya Pradesh
🗓 17 Oct 2026, 02:36 PM
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The iconic shoulder‑borne idol of Kali Mai at Puryavyu Tauri in Sagar has entered its 122nd year, continuing a centuries‑old tradition of devotion.
Sagar’s historic Puryavyu Tauri shrine celebrated the 122nd anniversary of its distinctive shoulder‑borne Kali Mai idol this week. The celebration drew devotees from across the district, who gathered to witness the ceremonial procession that places the deity on a devotee's shoulders, a practice that has defined the temple’s identity for over a century.
The ritual, rooted in local folklore, symbolizes the community’s collective strength and unwavering faith in the goddess. Each year, a senior devotee is selected to bear the idol, a role considered both an honour and a responsibility, reinforcing the bond between the deity and her followers.
Local priests highlighted that the continuity of this tradition reflects the resilience of cultural heritage in Madhya Pradesh, despite changing times. The event concluded with communal prayers and a distribution of prasad, reinforcing the shared spiritual experience among participants.
The ritual, rooted in local folklore, symbolizes the community’s collective strength and unwavering faith in the goddess. Each year, a senior devotee is selected to bear the idol, a role considered both an honour and a responsibility, reinforcing the bond between the deity and her followers.
Local priests highlighted that the continuity of this tradition reflects the resilience of cultural heritage in Madhya Pradesh, despite changing times. The event concluded with communal prayers and a distribution of prasad, reinforcing the shared spiritual experience among participants.