The literal meaning of word ‘Vindhyachal’ (Vindhya + Achal) is ‘Mountain (Achal) named Vindhya’, and literal meaning of ‘Vindhyavasini’ is ‘Goddess having dwelling in Vindhya Mountains’.

Lord Ram had visited this place and surrounding areas, along with wife Sita and brother Lakshman in his period of exile. The places Sita Kund, Sita Rasoi, Ram Gaya Ghat, Rameshwar temple are a testimony to the journey of this great Hero of Humanity to this divine place.

The Place Vindhyachal, as well as Goddess Vindhyavasini, has been liberally mentioned in many ancient scriptures of India. Some of them are Mahabharat, Vaaman Puran, Markandeya Puran, Matsya Puran, Devi Bhagavat, Harivansh Puran, Skand Puran, Raja Taranginee, Brihat Katha, Kadambaree and many Tantra scriptures.The very famous war between Goddess Durga and Demon King Mahishasur, which has very deeply spiritual, metaphysical as well as contemporary meanings, is supposed to have occurred at Vindhyachal. This is the reason that another name of Goddess Vindhyavasini is ‘Mahishasur Mardini’ (Killer of Demon Mahish– Literal Meaning Buffalo, since Mahishasur used to take the guise of a Buffalo). So, next time, in Durga Puja festival or anywhere else, you see the image of Goddess Durga killing Demon Mahishasur, just remember that this great war happened at Vindhyachal; and the temple of Vindhyachal commemorates this great victory of divine female power over malefic forces of the society.