Maharashtra Temples

Ozar Ganpati Temple Guide – Vigneshwara Ashtavinayak – Timings, Poojas, and Significance.

June 29, 2022, Sasidhar Darla 2 Comments Filed Under: Maharashtra Temples Tagged With: Ashtavinayak Temples, Ganesha Temples

Ozar Ganpati is a Ganesha Vinayak temple. The idol form worshipped here is called Vigneshwara. It is associated with the legend of Ganesha defeating Vignasura, the demon of obstacles. The temple is one of the Ashtavinayak Temples, the eight holy shrines of Ganesha in Maharashtra, India.

Planning to visit this temple? Have look at our Ashtavinayaka Yatra Tour Packages.

Ozar Ganpati Temple – Facts

Deity	Lord Ganesha
Location	Ozar, Maharashtra
Significance	Asthavinayaka Temples
Best Time to Visit	September to February
Darshan Timings	5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Entry Fees	Free
Dress Code	Traditional (no compulsion)
Festivals	Ganesh Jayanti, Ganesh Chaturthi

Ozar Ganpati Temple – Full Darshan Tour

Ozar Ganpati Temple Timings

The temple remains open daily between 05:00 am to 11:00 pm. There is no afternoon break in darshan. During Angarki Chaturthi, temple starts early at 04:00 am. Aarti timings are at 07:30 am and 10:00 pm. Prasad is served at 01:00 pm.

Here are the timings for Ozar Ganpati temple in a tabular format:

Temple Timings	5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Darshan Timing on Angarkhi Chaturthi	4:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Maha Aarti Timing	7:30 AM
Maha Prasad Timing	Mornings – 10:00 AM Afternoons – 1:00 PM
Madhya Aarti Timing	12:00 PM
Shejaarti Timing	10:00 PM

What are the poojas and rituals in Ozar Ganpati Temple?

Some of the major poojas that take place in the temple are Ganesh Chaturthi, Ganesh Jayanti (for five days) and Karthik Purnima. Regular Maha Aartis, Madhya Aartis, and Shejaartis are performed.

The daily poojas and rituals include,

5:00 AM	Waking up of God
5:30 AM	Prakshalana Pooja
7:00 AM	Panchopachara Pooja, Naivedya, Dhooparti
12:00 PM	Maha Pooja, Mahanaivedya
3:00 PM	Prakshalana Pooja, Poshakh
8:00 PM	Dhoopaarti, Aarti of the Avarana Deities
8:30 PM	Maha Aarti, Dhoop, Deep, Mantra Pushpa
10:00 PM	Shej Aarti

Abhyanga Snana – Every Saturday after the aarti at night there is a ritual of Abhyanga Snana, which is a very important ritual for several devotees. Abhyanga Snana is the bathing ritual to worship the presiding deity Lord Ganesha and is attended by several pilgrims every week.

What is the significance of Ozar Ganpati Temple?

The significance of Ozar Ganpati temple is that it is the most famous Vigneshwara Asthavinayak temples. The residing idol is Ganesha, the elephant-headed Hindu God and is left trunked in the temple. An east-facing idol of Ganesha is seen along with his consorts Siddhi and Riddhi, with the scriptural and mural work in the entrance.

Riddhi and Siddhi are the consorts of Lord Ganesha, who stand on the two sides of the idol of Ganesha in Ozar

The Ozar Ganpati temple is the 7^th temple in the Asthavinayaka Yatra.

The temple also has its own courtyard, which becomes the ground for all the festivities. The idols of Goddess Siddhi and Goddess Riddhi, along with Ganesha, is adorned with diamonds on their foreheads and emeralds for their eyes. The peaceful environment along with the spiritual feelings highlights the sacred purity of the temple.

What is the history of Ozar Ganpati Temple?

The history of Ozar Ganpati temple dates back to many centuries. Mythology states that King Abhinandan had not given an offering to Lord Indra during his Maha Yagna. Angered, Indra sent Kaala in the form of Vignasura. He was defeated by Ganesha and agreed to never be present in places that were blessed by him.

The Vigneshawara temple was built by Chimaji Appa in 1785, after the conquest of Vasai fort from the Portuguese. He also covered the dome in gold and transformed it in 1833. In 1967 it was again reconstructed by a devotee, Appa Shastri Joshi. They say that no “Vighna” ever arises in places where Ganesha is invoked.

When Lord Ganesha defeated Vignasura, he was renamed Vigneshwara Vinayaka

What are festivals in Ozar Ganpati Temple?

The major festivals celebrated at Ozar Ganpati temple are:

During the five-day festival starting on Kartik Poornima the Ozar Ganpati temple celebrates each day by lighting up the Deepamala.

Ganesh Jayanti – It is one of the most important festivals that take place during the month of January or February. It is also known as Maha Shukla Chathurthi and celebrates the birth anniversary of Ganesha, the God of wisdom. Ozar Ganpati temple engages in widespread celebrations for the same.
Ganesh Chaturthi – It is another major festival that attracts several pilgrims to Ozar Ganpati temple every year. It takes places in the month of August or September. It is often celebrated for a period of five days and marks the beginning of a series of Hindu celebrations.
Karthik Poornimah – One of the most popular festivals celebrated here is the Karthik Poornimah festival. It takes places during November or December and is a much-awaited celebration. The festival is celebrated in the fifth lunar day of Kartik month. It is often called Deva-Deepawali, as it is the festival of lights for the Divine deities.

Ganesh Jayanti festival is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha

How to reach Ozar Ganpati Temple?

Ozar Ganpati Temple has located 85 km from Pune and falls along the Pune-Nashik highway and can be reached very conveniently by the road itself, as preferred by the most pilgrim.

Air – Pune Airport is 67 km from Ozar Ganapati temple.
Rail – Nearest Railway station is at Pune which is 85 km from Ozar Ganapati temple.
Bus or Road – Junnar, located at 8 km from Ozar which has a bus station and can be reached via rickshaw, jeep or car. Shivajinagar bus stand also has regular bus services according to the need of the pilgrims.

Where to stay near Ozar Ganapati Temple?

Here are the three most recommended places to stay,

Hotel Aarya Regency – Comfortable rooms at very affordable prices, this hotel has good reviews from almost anyone who lodges in. They also have facilities like personal restaurant, availability of veg cuisine, hot water, and other basic amenities. It’s a 2-minute walk from the main temple.
Hotel Girija – Low priced convenient rooms and is a 10-minute walk from the main temple. It comes with a casual dining hall and a brilliant view if the hotel lands. A great investment at a good price, this hotel has a great rating as well.
Hotel Platinum – If your budget is extremely tight, this is the right hotel for you. Free Wi-Fi and complimentary breakfast are some of its advantages. Greatly priced and a best-seller among pilgrims who are on a tight schedule. It is located at less than 15 minutes from the temple site.

Please carry a valid identity proof while making reservations at the hotel.

Where to eat near Ozar Ganapati Temple?

The Maharashtrian cuisine is a specialty around the temple. From South Indian to North Indian to paranthas and vada pav, the locality is filled with all kinds of good food at various affordable prices. The temple bhog is also very popular, especially the ‘maha prasad’ distribution where thousands of people come in every day.

Maharashtrian cuisine is extremely popular around Ozar Ganpati temple

What are some temples near Ozar Ganapati Temple?

Mohota Devi Temple – Situated in Koregaon in Maharashtra, this temple is 162 kilometers away from Ozar Ganpati temple. It is a shrine to Shri Kulswamini Jagdamba Mohotadevi. Navaratri is a major festival of the temple.
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Mandir – Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is also 220 kilometers away from Ozar Ganpati temple. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. It is located on the banks of the river Bhimashankar and is a very popular place for pilgrimage.

Bhimshankar Jyotirlinga temple situated at a distance of 220 km from Ozar Ganpati temple

What are the other Ashtavinayak Temples?

The other Ashtavinayak Temples are:

Moreshwara Temple – Situated in Morgaon it is the 1^st Asthavinayak temple. It is a shrine to Lord Ganesh and lies along the banks of the Karha river. It is visited by pilgrims all over the world.
Siddhivinayak Temple – Situated in Siddhatek is the 2^nd Asthavinayak temple. It is the most popular and has a castle-like structure. People from all over the world come by to pay their respects to Lord Ganesha in this temple.
Ballaleshwar Temple – Situated in Pali, it is 3^rd Asthavinayak temple. It is the only Asthavinayak Ganesha temple that is famous by the name of its devotee. Ancient mythology says that Shri Ganesh pleased by Ballal’s devotion decided to remain in Ballal’s stone idol of him. I
Varadha Vinayak Temple, Mahad– Lord Ganesh is Varadha Vinayak, the Lord who grants boons and wishes. The Varadha Vinayak Temple is in Mahad, 150 km from the Chintamani.
Chintamani Temple – It is located at Theur. It is the 5th Asthavinayak temple. It celebrated Lord Ganesha as the God of wisdom, good thoughts, and peace of mind.
Girijatmaj Temple – It is located at Lenyadri. It is the 6^th Asthavinayak temple. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, this temple witnesses several devotees every day.
Mahaganpati Temple– Situated at Ranjangaon, it is the 8^th Asthavinayak temple. A holy shrine to Lord Ganesha, it witnesses major celebrations during Ganesh Chathurthi. Thousands of pilgrims come by every day.

All 8 Vigneshwara Asthavinayaka temples across Maharashtra

Frequently Asked Questions about Ozar Ganpati Temple –

Is the Ozar Ganpati temple open on all days?

Yes, the Ozar Ganpati temple is open on all 365 days of the year.

Is there an entry fee for Ozar Ganpati temple?

There is no charge for entry or darshan in Ozar Ganpati temple.

What is the temperature in Ozar Ganpati temple during August/September?

The temperature in Ozar Ganpati temple during August/September, the peak festival season ranges from 21°C to 29°C.

Are there any sightseeing activities around Ozar Ganpati temple?

Yes, there are sightseeing activities in the form of boating, speed boating, etc., nearby Kukadi river at minimal prices.

Can one carry mobiles and gadgets inside the Ozar Ganpati temple?

There are no restrictions about mobiles and gadgets inside the temple.

What are the darshan timings for Ozar Ganpati temple?

The darshan timings are 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM every day for Ozar Ganpati temple.

What is the nearest airport from Ozar Ganpati temple?

The nearest airport from Ozar Ganpati temple is the Pune International airport.

Does Ozar Ganpati temple have a prasadalaya?

Yes, Ozar Ganpati temple has a prasadalaya that is the place where all the pilgrims get the Maha prasad’s in the morning and in the afternoon.

If you have any questions about Ozar Ganpati temple, please leave your comment below and we will get back to you within one hour.

Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai – Timings, Poojas, and History

September 15, 2019, Sasidhar Darla 5 Comments Filed Under: Maharashtra Temples Tagged With: Devi Temples

Mahalaxmi Temple, Mumbai, is one of the distinguished shrines of the city, located at the Bhulabhai Desai road. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, the Mahalaxmi Temple is an abode of peace amidst the hectic metro life.

Mahalaxmi Temple – Facts

Deity	Goddess Mahalaxmi
Location	Mumbai, Maharashtra
Entry Fee	Free
Best Time to Visit	June to December
Darshan Timings	Tuesdays: 3:15 AM to 12:00 AM; Other days: 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Poojas	Rudrabhisek, Laghurudrabhisek
Festivals	Sankashti Chaturthi, Vinayaki Chaturthi, Ganesh Chaturthi

Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai Video

What are the timings of Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai?

Fridays are special days to visit the temple. The day starts early at the Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai and as the devotees’ state gathering at the shrine, the temple complex fills with the sound of bells, the aroma of incense and fresh flowers.

You can visit the temple from 6 am to 10 pm.
Aarti is performed three times in a day:
Morning aarti is from 7 am to 7.20 am.
There are two types of evening aarti done here. Dhoop aarti is done from 6.30 pm to 6.40 pm and the main aarti is done from 7.30 pm to 7.50 pm.
Night aarti is known as Shejarti. It is done at the time of closure of the temple, at 10 pm.

It is worth noting that Fridays tend to be more crowded than usual.

There is no entry fee to the Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai. Photography is also not permitted within the temple complex.

What are the poojas and rituals at the Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai?

Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai is an ideal place to witness the unique Hindu rituals; while the holy chants create a pious environment here, the sacred fire of havans is believed to purify the hearts. You can get all the necessary items for worship at the stalls which crowd both the sides of the temple. From flowers, garlands, puja accessories to incense sticks and sweets, everything is available here.

Special Havan: Besides the regular pooja, devotees can arrange special havans within the temple complex.
Monthly Havan: These havans are performed by the temple trust on every ‘Ashtami.’
Mahapooja: Devotees can request this type of havan on their desired day.
Abhishek: This is a regular ritual performed every day at the Mahalakshmi temple.
Archan: This is also a part of regular worship at the temple.

What is the significance of the Mahalaxmi Temple?

When in the city, the Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai is a must-visit due to the unique characteristics that it comes with:

The Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai houses three different incarnations of Adi Shakti; Shree Maha Kali or Ma Durga, the destroyer of evil, Shree Mahalakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity and Shree Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge. Goddess Mahalakshmi is found to be mounted on a tiger.

The months of March-April and September-October are auspicious here as at this time, the holy rays of the rising sun fall on the deities.

The Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai complex is impressive with multiple statues. While the 10.6 metres high wooden plank is wrapped with silver, the stone deepmala gains a divine aura when lit during the aarti.

The Sabhamandap of the Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai is grand. It is spacious and airy with an area of 12.10*9.10. At the heart of the sanctum stands a statue of a silver-plated lion, facing the three goddesses. The 27 apex tops of the Sabhamandap is spectacular while there are a couple of wooden idols of Jay and Vijay, which are also covered with silver, at the main entrance of the Gabhara, also known as the sanatorium. There are also idols of Lord Ganapati, Vithal and Goddess Rukhamini at the gateway of the Gabhara. The Gabhara is also spacious with an area of 11*11 metres. The Gabhara also comes with a Laxmi Yantram, also known as Shree Yantra; it is a symbol of wealth and prosperity.

The deities are seated on a beautifully crafted throne, known as Simhasan; part of which is plated with silver. Images of elephants and peacocks are designed at the front pillars of the throne. The ceiling of the temple, also known as Kalash is 15 metres high.

The three idols of the goddesses are beautifully decorated with jewellery, like pearl necklaces, gold bangles, earrings and nose pins while the garlands and cluster of flowers; a true symbol of wealth and prosperity.

The intricate designs and large statues of the Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai reflect gorgeous Indian architectural style while the backdrop of the Arabian Sea creates a perfectly divine atmosphere.

What is the history Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai?

Constructed in 1771 AD, this shrine has several folklores surrounding it. It is believed that the three deities of Goddesses Mahalakshmi were immersed into the Arabian Sea, near Worli to prevent the destruction of the idols by the Muslim invaders.

Later, during the British rule, Lord Horneby planned to join the two hill creeks of Worli and Malabar and Shri Ramji Shivji Prabhu was appointed as the chief for the task. Shri Ramji along with his colleagues tried several times but failed to connect the creeks due to the waves. One night Goddess Mahalakshmi appeared in his dreams and instructed him to bring out the immersed idols from the creeks of Worli and place them on the top of a hillock. Shri Ramji did the same and after that, he was able to construct the bridge. Later he built the temple on the hillock where the deities are still worshipped with great pomp.

What are the festivals celebrated at the Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai?

Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai Poojas Festivals

Dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi and her incarnations, every festival dedicated to the goddess is celebrated here.

Navratri: Navratri is celebrated two times at the Mahalakshmi temple of Mumbai. Chaitra Navratri is celebrated during the Hindu month of Chaitra, the months of March and April. Ashwin Navratri is celebrated during the Hindu month of Ashwin, the months of September and October. The temple is beautifully decorated with colourful lights, bright flowers, fresh garlands, from the Gabhara to the main gateway.
Diwali: Diwali, the festival of lights is a time of joy at the Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai. Celebrated at winters, during the months of October and November, this festival is celebrated for three to four days here. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped at this time and rush of devotees is no less than that of Navaratri.
Annakut: Celebrated on the day of Kartik Purnima, this is an auspicious occasion. 56 kinds of sweets and food platters are dedicated to the goddesses, known as ‘naivedya.’ After worshipping Mahalakshmi, the sweets and food items are distributed among the devotees. There is a mass gathering at Mahalakshmi temple this day, as 500 pilgrims are treated with food, known as Prasad.
Margashirsh Month: The months of December and January are considered holy and devotees, especially women gather at the Mahalakshmi temple to offer their prayers to the goddesses. People sit in front of the Sabha Mandap as the deities are worshipped.
Palkhi of Mataji: The day of Marathi New Year occurs at the Hindu month of Chaitra (March or April) and is a special day, known as Gudhi Padwa. The goddesses are carried on a palanquin and the large procession is a colourful affair. This procession also takes place on the anniversary of the construction of the Dhwjasthambha, which adorns the front of the shrine. The Dhwjasthambha has been dedicated to Jayendra Saraswati Shankaracharya of Kanchi Kamkoti.

To accommodate huge rush of devotees during such festivals, especially Navratri, the temple committee makes special arrangements; pandals are erected along with railings at the adjoining footpaths from where the devotees can view the three idols.

Besides these major festivals, Durga Ashtami, Vaat Purnima, Purnima, Guru Purnima, Nag Panchami and Gauri Poojan are some of the events performed annually.

How to reach the Mahalaxmi Temple?

Located at the heart of the Mumbai metropolitan, the Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai is easily accessible from all parts of the city and also from other cities of the country. From low-cost buses to premium cabs, transportation to the Mahalakshmi temple is easy.

By Air: The nearest airport to the Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport, located at 14 km from the temple. Besides international flights, this airport also connects domestic flights from Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Bangalore and other major cities of the country.
By Train: The nearest railway station to the temple is the Mahalakshmi railway station. The temple is located within 1 km of the railway station. Local trains from Virar and Churchgate (on the western line), from Karjat or Kasara to CST (the central line) and Panvel to CST (Harbour Line) are some of the regular trains to the Mahalakshmi temple. People travelling on the western line or from Kasara and Karjat, need to take another train from Dadar to the Mahalakshmi station.
By Road: The BEST buses and the cabs are the most convenient road transport to reach the Mahalakshmi temple. If you are travelling from parts of South Mumbai, like Colaba, Nariman Point, Charni Road or Grant Road or from Central Mumbai, then the temple is easily accessible.

Where to stay in Mumbai?

Mumbai being one of the most important cities of India has both budget and premium hotels, located near the Mahalakshmi temple. From private hotels to lodges, devotees from all around the world can spend some hassle-free time at these hotels. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, the location of the hotels is impressive.

Where to eat in Mumbai?

Besides the Prasad served at the temple, there are numerous food stalls near the Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai. Most of the eateries serve vegetarian food. Both budget-friendly eateries and luxurious restaurants are available near the temple. Vada pav is must-have speciality when one visits Mumbai. If people want to change the taste, they also have the option of Mughlai, Continental and Chinese cuisines at these restaurants.

What are some famous temples in Mumbai?

There are several shrines around Mahalaxmi Temple Mumbai:

Siddhivinayak Temple: Shree Siddhivinayak Temple is one of the oldest sacred temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Situated in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra, is one of the most popular and sacred temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The name Siddhivinayak means “Vinayak who grants one’s wishes.”
Iskcon Temple:
Dhakleshwar Temple: Also located at the Bhulabhai Desai Road, this Hindu temple is one of the oldest temples of Mumbai. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple with its lashing water body is spectacular.
Kali Mata Mandir: Dedicated to Goddess Kali, this temple worships the Goddess following unique Hindu rituals and hence is worth a visit. This temple is located at Borivali East, near the Western Express Highway.
Param Rameshwaram Mahadev Mandir: This temple offers a soulful atmosphere with its quiet surroundings. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Maha Shivratri is one of the major festivals celebrated at the temple.

The Haji Ali Dargah is also located near the Mahalakshmi Temple. Located on an islet off the coast of Worli, it is known to fulfil the wishes of devotees.

Other famous temples near Mumbai which are must-visit are:

Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple: located in Nashik district of Maharashtra, the Trimbakeshwar temple is easily accessible from Mumbai. It is one of the most popular temples of the state after Mahalakshmi temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Panch Jyotirlingas is located in and around Aurangabad.

Hence, Mahalakshmi Temple along with its classic surroundings provides you with a unique experience, quite different from the glitters of the city of Mumbai. Besides worshipping the goddess of wealth, devotees can also enjoy shopping at the nearby Heera Panna and Atria shopping mall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Mahalaxmi Temple open throughout the year?

Yes, the Mahalaxmi Temple is open all 365 days of the year.

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Mahalaxmi Temple is free of cost. There is no VIP Darshan available.

Is there any online pooja booking facility available?

Yes, please visit the website http://mahalakshmi-temple.com/ fo.

Can one carry mobiles and gadgets into the temple?

Yes. All electronic gadgets are strictly allowed (viz. mobile, camera, laptop). However, photography inside the temple is prohibited.

Is there any facility for specially-abled and senior citizen?

Wheelchair facilities for disabled and senior citizens are available at the gate of the temple. Lift facilities are also present inside the temple.

What is the weather like during the summers?

The summers at Mumbai start from February and continues until May. The summers here can be hot and humid. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 32 º C.

What are winters like in Mumbai?

In Mumbai, winters start in November and continue until January. The temperatures during this time range from around 18 º C to 28 º C. The weather during this time is warm and pleasant.

If you have any questions about The Mahalaxmi Temple, please leave a comment below, and we will get back to you within one hour.

Swaminarayan Temple Mumbai Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

August 29, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Maharashtra Temples Tagged With: Vishnu Temples

Swaminarayan Temple is a popular Hindu temple and is a part of the Swami Narayan Sampraday. Swaminarayan Temple located in the Bhuleshwar area of the Mumbai city of Maharashtra state of India and is dedicated to the Lord Swaminarayan who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and extremely popular among the Vaishnava-ites. The temple is the oldest temple dedicated to Lord Swami Narayan and is known to be about 100 years old.

Jeevanpran Swamibapa had a wish that there should be a grand centre for the divine Karan Satsang which should become a centre of spirituality and charity and everyone should benefit from this Satsang in the important city of Mumbai. Therefore, the temple was built by his divine holiness Acharya Swamishree to fulfill the wishes of Jeevanpran Swamibapa. The temple has been established in the prestigious region of Mahalaxmi in Mumbai and is visited by many devotees.

The temple was built in 1868 on the day of Vaishakh Shukla Ekadashi by Ranchhoddas Pranjeevandas who was the builder of the first ever Shree Swami Narayan temple in the city of Mumbai. He had built the temple by breaking and rebuilding his personal residence. Acharya Maharajshri Bhagwatprasadji Maharaj instated the deities of Hari Krishna Maharaj, Gaulokvihari, and Radhika.

Structure of the Swaminarayan Temple

The Swami Narayan Temple has a tri-spire structure and has the idols of Lord Laxmi Narayan Dev, Hari Krishna Maharaj, Ghanshyam Maharaj, Gaulokvihari, and Radha. The Shikharband temple comes under the Gadi of Laxmi Narayan Dev (Vadtal). The popular temple along with many others has given rise to the flower market in the Bhuleshwar area as there was a high demand of flowers for offerings to the deity in these temples.

Tri-spire temple: In 1903, the deities of Ghanshyam Maharaj and Lakshmi Narayan Dev were instated in the present tri-spire temple structure on the occasion of Vaishakh Shukla Dwadashi by Acharya Maharajshri Lakshmiprasadji. A devotee of Swami Narayan, Rao Bahadur Sheth Curumsey Damjee had generously contributed towards the reinstatement of this temple with all material, physical and intellectual resources. His associates and friends also donated to this work and his close associate and one of his friends, Shree Mathurdas Vaishnav too had donated Rs. 25,000/- towards this work.

The pious Swaminarayan Temple had been built at Bhuleshwar with an elaborately carved frontage. The grand temple and the frontage are a real visual treat in the otherwise shabby surroundings of the region. Swaminarayan Temple has many different spaces and about twenty-five steps lead the devotees to the audience hall (Sabhamandap). Swaminarayan Temple has many shrines including a shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha and one for Lord Hanuman on the left and right of the audience hall. In all, the temple has three main shrines. The shrine that is on the east has the idols of Hari Krishna Maharaj, Gaulokvihari, and Radhika. In the center, there are shrines of the popular Gods Ghanashyam Maharaj, Narayan, and Laxmi, who is the consort of Lord Narayan. The shrines located on the west houses resting place for the deities. The Sabhamandap has a dome which is a visual treat as it has upon it the painted scenes from the Krishnalila (Sports of Krishna). The temple’s dome is supported by fifty-four pillars. The temple has a big audience hall on the first floor and this is the place where religious discourses and sabhas are held regularly. The Swami Narayan Temple holds weekly assemblies at this place and many devotees attend these assemblies in the presence of the holy teachers.

History & Legend of Swaminarayan Temple

Lord Krishna has said in the Bhagavad Gita that “Whenever religion suffers tormented regression I re-create myself to uproot irreligion and reestablish good religion to protect the gentle folk and to destroy the evil ones in every age”. (Geeta 48-49).

Lord Shree Swami Narayan (who is revered as a form of Lord Vishnu) had never actually visited the city of Mumbai but whilst he had given darshan upon this earth, he did send many of his devotees and saints according to several instances to this region. These saints and disciples were sent with the main purpose of preaching about his faith and also to perform various official duties in this region. Thus, various eminent disciples of Lord Swami Narayan had during the time of Sadguru Shree Gopalanand Swamibapa and whilst Jeevanpran Bapashree and Sadguru Shree Ishwarcharandasji Swamibapa gave darshan, lived in Mumbai to get their company.

Jeevanpran Swamibapa had in his childhood days lived in Kheda with his parents Muljibhai and Ichhaba. His father Muljibhai was a key government official and, therefore, had to travel to Mumbai very frequently. Hence after completing his education in his hometown of Ahmedabad, Jeevanpran Swamibapa went to Mumbai for work. He there attended this temple in the Bhuleshwar region of Mumbai. It was at that time that Jeevanpran Swamibapa met Khimjibhai Darji of Rampara and Jagjeevanbhai of Sayla, and both of them were ardent followers of Jeevanpran Bapashree. So, Jeevanpran Swamibapa was first introduced to Shree Abji Bapashree and Sadguru Shree Ishwarcharandasji Swamibapa in Mumbai. After some years of association, Jeevanpran Swamibapa finally accepted initiation as a saint from Shree Ishwarcharandasji Swamibapa and thus became the protector and propagator of the glories of Lord Shree Swami Narayan and started spreading Jeevanpran Bapashree’s sublime principles throughout the world.

Jeevanpran Swamibapa’s and his disciples were sincere devotees and followed the strict disciplines that were decreed by Lord Shree Swami Narayan. They used to travel al lot to Mumbai for official duties and whenever they travelled to or from abroad, they would definitely go to Mumbai. But the lack of facilities made it difficult for them to live in and eat according to the strict requirements of the Swami Narayan Faith. Jeevanpran Swamibapa was also a frequent traveler to Mumbai and whenever he visited, the homes of disciples would need to be emptied so that Swamibapa would live there. Therefore taking all these difficulties into consideration, Jeevanpran Swamibapa finally decided that their organization needed a building of its own for these facilities and after looking for many months, they purchased a bungalow in the Walkeshwar district of Mumbai.

Significance of the Swaminarayan Temple

The Swami Narayan Temple was built about a century ago. The Swami Narayan Sampraday had their Guru in Shri Ramanand Swami who had in the end years of his life moved from Jetpur to Faneni and here in this village, he breathed his last on the 13^th day of the bright half of Magshar of the Hindu Lunar year of Samvat year 1858. After the post-death rituals of Shri Ramanand Swami were over on the 11^th day of dark half of Magshar in the Samvat year 1858, Shri Sahajanand Swami held a large meeting with all the followers who had gathered there to mourn the demise of Shri Ramanand Swami.

At this moment, a pandit from Bihar Shitaldas was also present in the meeting. He had been moving from place to place in search of a Guru and thus had left his home. When he realized that Shri Ramanand Swami was the Guru who he was searching for, who would enable him in the realization of the Supreme God, he had come to Faneni to meet him. But when he reached there he realized that Shri Ramannd had already left his body and was no more in the world. In this meeting, he explained his objective to Shri Sahajanand Swami hence with serene calmness Shri Sahajanand Swami said that he would be easily able to realize his object if he chants with love and faith the word “Swami Narayan”. Consequently, the glory of the Swaminnarayan Sampraday spread far and wide and many people became devotees of Lord Swami Narayan.

In the year 1967, the disciples purchased two adjacent flats in the district of Babulnath. This accommodation was appropriate for a small temple and also for Jeevanpran Swamibapa to live in whenever he was in Mumbai. The place could also be useful for the saints to reside in, and for disciples to stay when they visited the city. After Jeevanpran Swamibapa had the temple established in Mumbai, he immediately asked his disciples and the saints to locate suitable land that could be used to build a grand Shikhar-bandh temple in the city.

Eventually, in the region of Mahalaxmi, a large plot was identified for the main temple on Bhulabhai Desai Road. This became close to one of Mumbai’s most sacred and well-regarded old temples, the Mahalaxmi temples. Before this temple was built, the plot among the large land used to be home to numerous lawless gangs. They had illegally occupied the makeshift dwellings situated there. They would loot and hurt anyone who passed through that side street after sunset. But by creating a new temple, Acharya Swamishree completely transformed the entire region of Mahalaxmi. The local officials in Mumbai hailed this transformation as a miracle and attributed the beneficial revolution of this locality to Acharya Swamishree.

When Shree Divyadarshandasji Swami was clearing the land with his associates and during the building work, he encountered many difficulties but by the divine grace of Lord Swami Narayanbapa Swamibapa and Acharya Swamishree, the troubles were overcome. On 26 February 1984, the ground breaking ceremony was performed by Acharya Swamishree performed. Building work was then commenced under the direction of Sadguru Shree Uttampurushdasji. The sanctification (Vastu) ceremony was performed at the temple on 17 April 1989 was performed at the Temple

Swaminarayan Temple Timings

The temple opens at 7:30 in the morning and closes at 8:15 in the evening. The temple closes for short intervals for the Rajbhog Thal at 11:15am and between 12 noon to 4PM. In the evening, the temple closes for Thal between 6PM to 7 PM. The temple holds Satsang sabha on Sundays between 5PM to 7PM.

Festivals Celebrated At the Swaminarayan Temple

The temple celebrates many major festivities like:

Janmashtami,
Mahashivratri,
Nrisinha Jayanti,
Ram Navami/Swami Narayan Jayanti,
Vaman Jayanti,
Ganesh Chaturthi, etc.

Apart from all these, the festival of Hindola is celebrated here as part of festivities during the month of Shravan in the Indian hindu calendar.

Poojas and Rituals at Swaminarayan Temple

Swaminarayan Temple follows all the rituals and strict disciplines of the Swami Narayan Sampraday. The priests offer the daily offerings to the God and many aartis and rituals are performed here throughout the day. On festivals, many devotees visit the temple and pray to the Lord.

How to Reach By Road, Rail & Air

Mumbai, being a major Metro city is easily accessible through all modes of transport.

By Air: There are regular flights from all the major cities of the country to Mumbai and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport is the major airport.

By Train: Mumbai has many train stations and the major ones are CST and VT. Trains from all major cities stop here.

By Bus: Regular buses cam be caught from Mumbai to a+ll from other major cities of the country and back.

Hotels in Mumbai

Mumbai has many hotels to stay. The major luxury ones are the Taj, Oberoi, and many resorts. The city also has many 3, 4 and 5-star hotels, motels and guest houses.

Temples in Mumbai

Mumbai is the commercial and entertainment capital of India and has many places to explore along with many major temples. Here are some of them:

Shri Sidhhivinayak Temple: One of the most popular temples of Mumbai as well as of the country, the temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is visited by many common people as well as by many celebrities. The temple is known to be miraculous.
Mumba Devi Temple: Mumba Devi is the presiding deity of Mumbai and the city was named after her. Thus, the temple is popular among the locals.
Mahalakshmi Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi, this temple is a popular temple among the devotees of the Goddess and the region has been named after her.
Prabhadevi Temple: Another popular temple of the city, the temple attracts the followers of Goddess Prabhadevi.

Hence, next, whenever you happen to visit Mumbai, do visit the popular Swami Narayan Temple and enjoy spirituality in its best form.

Saptashrungi

September 25, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Maharashtra Temples Tagged With: Devi Temples, Shakti Peetha

The Saptashrungi is a Hindu Temple that in Vani at a distance of about 60 km from Nashik. The temple is situated on a mountain and is one of the most visited and religious places for pilgrims. It is located in Nanduri, Kalwan taluka which is a small village in Nashik. The temple is also popularly known as one of the “three and half Shakti Peethas” of Maharashtra. The temple is also one among the 51 Shakti Peethas located on the Indian subcontinent and is a location where one of Sati’s (first wife of Lord Shiva) limbs, her right arm is reported to have fallen. Shree Saptshrungi Gad is one among the four shaktippetha temple in Maharashtra, other being Mahalakshmi temple Kolhapur,Tuljapur Bhavani Temple, Mahur Gad Devi temple in Mahur. The Devi is said to be swayambhu (self-manifested) on a rock on the sheer face of a mountain. She is surrounded by seven (sapta-in Sanskrit) peaks (shrunga-in Sanskrit), hence the name- Sapta Shrungi Mata (mother of the seven peaks).

The image of the Devi is huge-about 10 feet tall with 18 hands, holding various weapons. The idol is always coated with Sindoor, which is considered auspicious in this region. It is holding the weapons like Strings of Beads Battle Axe, Mace Arrow, Thunderbolt Lotus, Bow Water Pot, Cudgel Lance, Sword Shield, Conch Bell, Wine Cup Trident and Noose Spinning Disc which is known as the Sudarsana Chakra. At the foot of the hill, from where one starts climbing the steps, there is the head of a buffalo, made in stone which is believed to be a demon. The temple, which sort of sticks to the cliff, is 1230 meters above sea level. Saptashrungi is a place where Goddess Bhagawati dwells. It is one of the most important of the places of Goddesses in Maharashtra. There is an old path with steps cut out of the mountain, which starts right at the foothills. However, now, a motorable road has been built, which goes up to an altitude of 1150 meters. From this place one has to climb around 500 steps to reach the shrine and that will take about forty five minutes to reach.

History and Legend of Saptashrungi

The mythology of Daksha yaga and Sati’s self immolation is said to be the story of origin behind the Shakti Peethas. The mythology says Shakti Peethas were formed due to the falling of body parts of the corpse of Sati Devi. This happened when grief-stricken and agitated Shiva was carrying Sati’s dead body round the world on his shoulders, and Vishnu had cut her body into pieces with his Sudarshana Chakra.

Shiva traveled around the world and these fifty one body parts of Sati fell at different locations in the subcontinent, and all these places came to be known as Shakthi Peethas (abode of goddess Shakthi or Durga). Her right arm fell on the Saptashrungi hills and the place became holy, and a Shakthi Peeth came to be established here.

Saptashrung mountain was a part of the forest called Dandakaranya mentioned in the Ramayana. It is mentioned that Lord Rama, along with Seeta, had come here to pray to Amba and seek her blessings. As per the story depicted in Ramayana, Hanuman carried the herbal medicine for wounded Laxmana from this hill. There are about 108 water reservoirs on the hill, known as Kundas.

Saptashrungi Devi is believed to be Mahishasur Mardini, the slayer of the demon Mahishasur, who took the form of a buffalo. It is believed that the Devi Mahatmya, a sacred book which extols the greatness of Devi and her exploits was composed at this place by the sage Markandeya, who performed rigorous penance on a hill opposite the one on which the Devi resides, which is now named after him.

Significance of the Saptashrungi Temple

The Holy Flag of Goddess Bhagawati flutters in the north of Saptashringa Garh. Hoisting of the Flag is a privilege of a particular family. The ritual of Flag hoisting on a specific day is witnessed by thousands of devotees. People believe that the Goddess fulfills their wishes. So this place is frequented by devotees throughout the year.

There are several other shrines close to the Saptashrungi temple. Some of these shrines include Jalagumpha, Kalikund and Suryakund, Shivtirtha, Markendeya Darshan, Tambultirtha and SatichaKada.

She is also known as Brahmasvarupini (“one who has form of Brahma”). The goddess is reported to have appeared from the kamandalu (water-pot) of the creator-god Brahma. The Goddess is believed to be settled here. As the Goddess took form here and resided at Saptashrungi, it is considered the original location of the Goddess.

Saptashrungi Temple Timings

The temple opens at 6 AM to 6 PM from all days of the week and public holidays. There is an aarti that is performed after that and takes 15 to 20 minutes to take the darshan of the shrine, if you are standing in a queue.

Saptashrungi Temple Food Timings

During the special festivals like Navratri and poornima the food is offered for free.Low cost but clean food is also available in the Priest’s houses. During other days people have to pay a donation of Rs. 15 to get the prasaddam. The timings for it is 11AM to 2PM and 7PM to 9 PM. There are also many restaurants nearby where there are many options present for food.

Festivals celebrated at the Saptashrungi Temple

Gudhipadwa: Gudi Padwa is the festival that augments the new year and is usually celebrated on the first day of the Indian month of Chaitra according to the hindu lunar calendar. The Brahma Purana declares Gudi Padwa to be the time on which Lord Brahma created the world after the great deluge. It is considered as the harvest festival, which shows that the Rabi crop has ended for the season. This is the time when mangoes and fruits are reaped.

Chaitrotsav: The festival starts on Rama Navami (the ninth lunar day in the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Chaitra) and culminates on Chaitra Poornima (full moon day), the biggest day of the festival.The festival is also attended specifically by childless women making vows seeking blessings of goddess for children.

Gokul Ashtami: Gokul Ashtami is the birthday of Lord Krishna. It falls on the 8th day of the dark half of the month of ‘Bhadrapada’ (August-September) and is one of the greatest of all Hindu festivals. Lord Krishna was born at midnight. Celebrations are held over two days. The first day is Krishnashtami or Gokulashtami. The second day is called Kalastami or more popularly Janmashtami. He is considered to be one of Lord Vishnu’s most glorious incarnations.

Navratri: Navratri is interpreted as ‘nine nights’ is the most celebrated Hindu festival devoted to Goddess Durga symbolizing purity and power or ‘shakti’. Navratri festival combines ritualistic puja and fasting and is accompanied by resplendent celebrations for nine consecutive days and nights. Chanting of mantras and renditions of bhajans and folk songs usually accompany the puja rituals for nine consecutive days of Navratri.

Kojagiri Purnima: Kojagari Lakshmi puja is a worship and praise of Mahalakshmi. We show respect towards Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. During the tradition of kojagari laxmi puja, special offerings are paid to Goddess Lakshmi, the Nine Planets to seek blessings and good fortune for all family members. Another belief is that Goddess Lakshmi was born on Sharad Purnima. Anyone observing this fast avoids solid foods.

Laxmi Pujan: During Diwali, Laxmi Pujan is an important ritual. Goddess Laxmi is invited to the house, and the tradition of cleaning every part of the house is a part of the common ritual. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm among the people in this temple.

Mahashivratri: Mahashivaratri is the day when the Shiva Tattva touches the earth. Shivaratri is like a new year for a saadhak (seeker). It is considered as an auspicious day for spiritual growth and material attainment. People usually eat very light, some fruits or something and fast. There are many poojas and functions organized during this day.

Saptashrungi Temple Pooja and Rituals

Abhisheka: The deity is given bath with warm water before she is dressed for worship. The deity is also decorated with the ornaments on special occasions or festival days. The deity is bathed with panchamruta that consists of the mixture of honey, sugar, milk, yogurt and ghee.

During festivals grain, flowers, coconut, money and ornaments are offered to the deity. Cakes that are made of butter and flour known as turis are also offered.

Gondhal: It is a folk dance drama that is performed by the devotees to the deity the particular communities. The performances are usually held during night with different string instruments. Lots of people gather together to witness the Gondhal.

The Kathar or the Kutadi community after the delivery of child in their family offer the sacrifice of goat followed by the naming ceremony of the child and offer their worship to deity Saptashrungi.

How to reach: Road, Rail and Air

By Air: The Nasik airport is well connected to all the major cities of India and numbers of flights connects it to the nearest airport i.e. Mumbai airport. The major airlines of India that are linked with the airport are Jet Airways, Kingfisher, Indian Airlines, etc. For the development of the airport, the authority is planning to invest some more money for international flight setup.

By Train: There is a very good connectivity between Mumbai to Nashik Road railway station. There are trains which can be boarded from different railway stations in Mumbai as per our convenience like CST, Dadar, Thane and all trains stop at Kalyan. One of the benefits in opting for rail journey is one can save some time on journey, it takes only 4 hours to reach Nashik Road. From Nashik Road one has to go to Nashik central Bus stand (CBS) to catch a direct bus to mataji temple.

By Road: Reach Nashik and take Taxi or Bus from Nashik City to Vani. You can go by your private vehicle at the top of nanduri gad nashik. The route from Nashik and Vani via Dindori is 39 kilometres and via Pimpalgaon Baswant is 51 kilometres .The route via Nadurgaon village is the easiest and is 14 kilometres from Vani. The State Highway 17 (Maharashtra) (SH-17) connected with the National Highway 3 (NH 3) links Nashik with the temple site near the villages of Vani and Nanduri. Bus facilities by state transportation are available to reach the temple.

Hotels in Vani: Where to stay

There are different hotels in Nashik as well as dharmashala available to stay with good facilities.

Dharmashala:For a night’s halt, Dharmashala having 200 rooms is available which is open from 6:00 in the morning to 11:00 in the night. The rooms are made available for one day only. Blankets and mattresses are made available for the pilgrims.
Aakar Lords Inn: Nasik Road | Dist. Dang, Saputara 394720, India
Vaity Ropeway Resort: Dist. Dang, Saputara 394 720, India
Chitrakoot Hill Resort: Saputara 394720, India
Uttam Hira Hotel: Panchavati Chambers, Old Market Yard Road | Peth Road, Dindori Naka, Panchavati, Nashik 422003, India
Hotel Midtown Inn: Plot no 34, Krushna Nagar, Trimbakeshwar, Nashik 422212, India
Hotel Panchvati: 430, Chandak Vadi | Near M.G. Road, Nashik 422001, India
Hotel Sai Palace: 904 Agra Road, Nashik 422 009, India
Hotel Emerald Park: Sharanpur Link Road, Nashik 422002, India
Ginger Nashik: Plot No P 20 (Part), Trimbakeshwar Road | Near Satpur MIDC Police Station,Nashik, India.

Nearby Temples

Kalaram Temple: This temple is situated in the Panchavati area of the city. It is the biggest as well as the simplest amongst all the temples situated here and dates back to the year 1790, when it was constructed by Sardar Odhekar of Peshwa. Besides the idol of Lord Rama, are those of Sita Mata and Lord Lakshmana, both of them sandy black and adorned with ornaments. The temple has been constructed completely out of black stones and four entrance doors. It is probably the most important Hindu shrine in the city.

Sita Ghufa: Sita Gufa (cave) is the place where Sita is believed to be kidnapped by Ravan. It is said that she was resting here before the demon Ravan came and tricked her and eventually abducted her. There is a staircase which leads to Shiv Linga, which is the exact place people believe Ravan abducted Sita from.

Trimbakeshwar: Trimbakeshwar temple is a religious center having one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, i.e; the holy shrines of Lord Shiva spread all accross India. It is a part of the famous Pancha Jyotirlinga Tour from Mumbai. The extraordinary feature of the Jyotirlinga located here is its three faces embodying Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Rudra. There is a mountain named the Brahmagiri Mountain 18 km. from the city of Nasik in the Nasik district. This is one of the parts of the Sahyadri Vally. The city of Trimbakeshwar is located in the bottom of this mountain.

Someshwar: Someshwar Temple is one among the oldest temples dedicated to Lord Mahadeva, the Someshwar temple is situated on the banks of the sacred river Godavari. The area is covered with greenery, with a pleasant climate. The riverbeds here are very suitable for swimming and boating.

Tulja Bhavani Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

September 12, 2019, Sasidhar Darla 7 Comments Filed Under: Maharashtra Temples Tagged With: Devi Temples

Tulja Bhavani Temple is a Hindu Temple which is situated in the hills of “Bala Ghat” in Osmanabad district in Maharashtra. Earlier Tuljapur was known as Chinchpur. This temple worships Goddess Bhavani which is a ferocious form of Goddess Parvati. The word Bhavani means “life-giver”. Apart from being a ferocious form of Goddess Parvati, she is also known as Karunaswaroopi which means “filled with mercy”. Tulja Bhavani Temple is located approximately 45km from Solapur which is located in Maharashtra.

There are three Tulja Bhavani Temples located in India. It is said that the first temple was built in Tulja in the 12th century. The second and the third temples were built in 1537-1543 CE in Chittorgarh and Patnakuva Gandhinagar respectively. Tulja Bhavani of Tuljapur stands second among the Shakti Pithas. Lord Tuljabhavani is considered as the family deity of many families like Bhosale Royal Family, the Yadavs and many more belonging to different castes all over India.

Tulja Bhavani Temple – Facts

Deity	Goddess Tulja Bhavani (Goddess Durga)
Location	Osmanabad, Maharashtra
Entry Fee	Free
Timings	6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Best Time to Visit	July to August
Festivals Celebrated	Ganesh Chaturti, Navratri, Diwali, Holi

Tulja Bhavani Temple – Video

History and Legend of the Tulja Bhavani Temple

History of Tulja Bhavani Temple — The Entrance of the sacred Tulja Bhavani Temple.

What is the story behind the Tulja Bhavani Temple?

The history of Tulja Bhavani Temple can be found in the Skand Puran. The story says that there was a knowledgeable man known as Kardabh. After his death, his wife Anubhuti performed penance at the banks of river Mandakini.
Anubhuti performed this ritual so that Goddess Bhavani could look after her infant child. While she was performing the ritual, a demon known as Kukur tried disturbing her. Mata Bhavani came to her rescue and killed the demon. Since then Mata Bhavani is known as Tulja Bhavani.

What is the legend of Tulja Bhavani Temple?

During the 1920s, there were around 5000 people that lived in Tuljapur. The place where this incident took place is now known as Tuljapur. Mata Bhavani’s idol is known as Swayambhu idol.
It is believed that Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of Maratha Kingdom always seek her blessings as a result of which she gave him “the Bhawani Sword” for success in his quest.
It is also said that a demon named Matanga created destruction upon devas and humans who went to Brahma for help. On Brahma’s advice, they went to Goddess Shakti after which she took the form of destroyer and killed him bringing back peace in the reign. She was powered by other seven goddesses also known as Sapta Maataas. They included Varaahi, Brahmi, Vaishnavi, Kumari, Indraani and Saambhavi.

Significance of the Tulja Bhavani Temple

Where is Tulja Bhavani Temple — The revered idol of Goddess Tulja Bhavani.

This Goddess is worshipped in a granite image which is 3 feet high. She has eight arms and each holding weapons and bearing the head of the demon Mahishasura. Her other names are Tulaja, Turaja, Tvarita, and Amba.

What is the structure of the Tulja Bhavani Temple?

Tulja Bhavani Temple’s entrance is known as Sardar Nimbalkar. The next two entrances are named after Shivaji Maharaj’s parents, Raja Shahji and Rajmata Jijaju respectively. Upon entering the main entrance, we can find a temple dedicated to Markandeya Rishi. This temple is found on the right side of the main entrance. After coming down the stairs one can see the main temple, the Tulja Temple.
In front of the temple, there is a Holy fire pit located. Raja Shahaji Mahadwar and Rajmata Jijavu Mahadwar have two libraries named Shree Dnyaneshwar Dharmik library and Shree Tukaram Dharmik library.
After descending from the stairs one can see “Gomukh Theerth” and “Kalakh” on the right and left side respectively. Kalakh is also known as “Kallol Theerth“. The devotees first take a holy dip in these shallow tanks of holy water known as Theerth.
We can find many other temples on the premises like Amruth Kund and Datta Temple. We can also find Siddhi Vinayak Temple on the left side of the main entrance and Aadishakti and Aadimata Matangadevi temple on the right. Goddess Annapurna temple is also located on the premises.

Timings of the Tulja Bhavani Temple

The temple opens at 5:00 AM and closes at 8:00 PM. The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals, such as the morning and evening aarti.

Here are the timings of the Tulja Bhavani Temple:

Rituals	From	To
Darshan	5:00 AM	8:00 PM
Morning Pooja	5:30 AM	6:30 AM
Morning Abhishekam	9:00 AM	9:30 AM
Nevaidyam	9:30 AM	10:00 AM
Afternoon Aarti	12:00 PM	12:30 PM
Evening Pooja	6:00 PM	6:30 PM
Night Nevaidya	7:30 PM	8:00 PM

Poojas and Rituals performed at the Tulja Bhavani Temple

Before the morning prayer, a large drum is played loudly to call all the devotees for prayers. This drum is played in the drum house of Tulja Bhavani temple at 5:00 AM The drum is played three times a day.
At 5:30 AM the prayer is performed by the Mahant. Tukoji Bua is the present Mahant of Tulja Bhavani Temple. There is a presence of the Karvir Princely state during the Charantirtha Puja.
The Mahanta first washes Idol’s mouth and feet from hot water, aromatic oil, dudhkhir, and pan. After which all the devotees sing the holy songs know as Aarti.
After Aarti, the Goddess is offered Nevaidya of Bhaji Bhakri. This Nevaidya is offered by the descent representative of the devotee, Uparkar. Later Nevaidya of kheer is offered by the representative of the former princely state Karvir.
At 9:00 AM, the Goddess is bathed with Panchamrut and curd. Goddess is also offered honey, sugar, and banana. After this Goddess is bathed in Gomukh water. Devotees also bathe the holy throne of Goddess by mango, sreekhand, and curd. After the bath, a big holy meal known as Mahanevaidya is offered to the Goddess.
During noon, the devotees again sing Aarti and light Dhup and Camphor.
Post that, at 6:00 PM Goddess is again bathed and pooja is offered. This time, all the arrangements are done by Karvir.
Come night time, the holy water from Gomukh and Nevaidya of Ghee and cooked rice is offered. This ritual is known as Prakkshal.
Musical instruments like tal, zanj, and dimdi are played in every Aarti.

Festivals celebrated at the Tulja Bhavani Temple

Ganesh Chaturthi Tulja Bhavani Temple — Ganesh Chaturthi is a very important festival that is celebrated every year in all parts of Maharashtra.

Tuljapur Bhavani Festival: This festival is celebrated for four days and four nights. Devotees pray and worship Goddess throughout the festival. Tulja Bhavani festival is celebrated twice in a year. This festival includes rituals like Sasthi, Bhavani Ashtami. On Bhavani Ashtami, the devotees fast until they offer flowers to the deity. On the next day, girls who have not reached puberty yet are fed and offered presents. These girls are represented as the young form of the Goddess. The last of this festival is known as Vijaydashmi. On this day, the Goddess is carried to the river and immersed in the water. There is a distribution of sweets and the devotees enjoy that this festival will again be celebrated next year. This festival is known as Durga Puja in West Bengal and is celebrated almost same. This festival symbolizes win of good over evils. The festival is also known as Navratri.
Ganesh Chaturthi: Ganesh Chaturthi is another very important and famous festival. The festival is celebrated with great pomp and show in the town of Tuljapur. This festival is held in the months of August and September. This festival is celebrated in the honour of Lord Ganesha. Ganesh Chaturthi is traditionally celebrated on Shukla Chaturthi in the months of Bhadrapada according to the Hindu calendar.
Diwali: Diwali is one of the important festivals of Hindus. This festival is celebrated in the months of October and November and is also known as “Festival of Lights“. People of Tuljapur celebrate this festival with great pomp and show. During this festival, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshipped.
Holi: Holi is another important festival for the natives of Tuljapur. This is a “Festival of Colors“. This festival is celebrated with great pomp and show in India. This festival charges the atmosphere. Holi celebration is started by Holika Dahan where people gather and sing and dance.

Routes to the Tulja Bhavani Temple

By Air: Tulja Bhavani Temple has its nearest airport in Osmanabad which is approximately 15km away from the temple.
By Train: There is no railway station in Tuljapur so the nearest option is Osmanabad.
By Bus: One can easily get buses to Tuljapur from various cities in the country.

Mumbai to Tuljapur

By Air: There is no direct flight service from Mumbai. The aerial distance from Mumbai to Tuljapur is 354km. To go to Tuljapur from Mumbai you can take a flight from Air India till Hyderabad and then reach Tuljapur by taking Indica.
By Train: There is no direct connectivity through the train as well. You can reach Osmanabad from the train and then reach Tuljapur hiring a taxi.
By Bus: There is no direct route for Tuljapur from Mumbai but there is nearly 1 or more direct bus service between Mumbai and Tuljapur. They are known as Raja Travels.

Pune to Tuljapur

By Air: There is no direct flight service from Pune to Tuljapur.
By Train: No trains are available for the same.
By Bus: There is a few regular bus service that that help you in reaching Tuljapur. There are services like Sana Travels-Azeem which take passengers from Pune to Tuljapur directly.

Accommodation near the Tulja Bhavani Temple

There are accommodation facilities provided by the Temple Trust for its pilgrims. They have started a Dharamshala for the pilgrims where they can stay free of cost. There are many private organizations who provide accommodation facilities to the pilgrims. They have a very nominal charge. This private organization has many facilities like a hygienic environment, internet facilities, homely food etc.

Food Facilities near the Tulja Bhavani Temple

Apart from the food that we get in Tulja Bhavani Temple, there are many restaurants nearly who offer food at a very reasonable rate. They provide food in a very hygienic condition.

Places to visit near the Tulja Bhavani Temple

Explore Tuljapur — The Gowmukh Waterfalls are a beautiful site to visit and are considered very sacred.

Chintamani: This is a very beautiful stone structured temple situated out the main Tuljabahvani Temple. It is believed that the Goddess Chintamani has guided its devotees to take the right decisions in their life. This temple is surrounded by many shrines like Yamai Devi, Narsimha, Khandoba, and Matangi. This play is mostly visited on Tuesday, Fridays and Sundays. On full moon days, devotees come to Chintamani Temple to take blessings.
Kallola Tirth: Kallola is a huge water tank situated in the Prakara Temple. This temple is located in Tuljabhavani Temple. Kallola Tirth is around 40 ft by 20 ft in dimension. It is walled on all the sides. Legends say that the Kallol contains sacred water from river Ganga which flowed from the mountain ranges of Himalayas. It is also said that while merging in the tank, the water made a great noise because of which it was named Kallola Tirth.
Vishnu Tirth: This Tirth is situated in the north-eastern part of the main temple. Vishnu Tirth has three entrance. All three entrances are connected through stone steps. It is believed that after taking a dip from this tirth, all the sin done by a person is washed away.
Gomukh Tirth: Gomukh is a very famous and sacred waterfall. The water comes out from the stone structure that looks like the mouth of a cow. The holy water from which the Goddess’s idol is bathed comes from Gomukh Tirth.
Ghatshila Temple: Ghatshila Temple is situated in Tuljapur. It has a devotional and mythological story behind it. It is said that Lord Ram and Lord Laxman went by ghats and rocks of Tuljapur in search of Sita. Legends also say that Goddess Bhawani stood on the rocks of Lord Rama to guide him to reach Lanka and rescue Sita. Devotees come all way from India to pay an offering to Lord Rama. Pilgrims visit this rock temple which was built in the medieval period.

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