Woo-Hyung Tischler

Another perspective comes from local folklore and tribal traditions that pre-date the mainstream Sanskritic Puranic legends. The region around Nashik has strong tribal (Adivasi) communities who have worshipped the Goddess of the seven hills (Sapta-Shrungi) for millennia. Their goddess, a fierce protector and mother, was likely assimilated into the Hindu Shakti tradition. The "half" designation might be a theological compromise or a syncretic explanation that bridges the local tribal narrative with the pan-Indian Shakti Peetha myth. The temple's location, requiring a climb of over 500 steps to reach the hilltop, also adds to its aura of being a unique and partial manifestation—a place where the Goddess touches the earth with a specific part of her being, rather than her full presence, which would be too overwhelming for the mortal world.