Jyotirling

Jyotirling

                  Shiva is Shakti (power), Shiva is the destroyer, the most powerful god of the Hindu pantheon and one of the godheads in the Hindu Trinity. Known by many names - Mahadeo, Mahesh, Maheshwar, Mahayogi, Pashupati, Nataraj, Bhairav, Vishwanath, Bhava, Bhole Nath - Lord Shiva is perhaps the most complex of Hindu deities. Hindus recognise this by putting his shrine in the temple separate from those of other deities.

Shiva As a Phallic Symbol

Shiva, in temples is usually found as a linga (phallic symbol), which represents the energies necessary for life on both the microcosmic and the macrocosmic levels, that is, the world in which we live and the world which constitutes the whole of the universe. In a Shaivite (a sect) temple, the linga is placed in the centre underneath the spire, where it symbolises the naval of the earth.

The Image of Shiva

The actual image of Shiva is also distinct from other deities: his hair piled high on the top of his head, with a crescent tucked into it and the river Ganges tumbling from his hairs. Around his neck is a coiled serpent representing Kundalini or the spiritual energy within life. He holds a trident in his left hand in which is bound the damroo (small leather drum). He sits on a tiger skin and on his right is a water pot. He wears the Rudraksha beads and his whole body is smeared with ash. The Nandi (bull) is his mode of transport, and he is sometimes depicted riding one.

The Destructive Force

Shiva is believed to be at the core of the centrifugal force of the universe, since he is responsible for death and destruction. Unlike the godhead Brahma the Creator, Shiva is the dissolving force in life. But Shiva dissolves in order to create, since death is the medium for rebirth into a new life. So the opposites of life and death and creation and destruction both reside in his character.

The God Who's Always on a High!

Since Shiva is regarded as a mighty destructive power, to numb his negative potentials he is fed with opium and is also termed as Bhole Shankar, one who is oblivious of the world. Therefore, on Maha Shivratri, the night of Shiva worship, devotees, especially the men folk, prepare an intoxicating drink called Thandai (made from cannabis, almonds, and milk) sing songs in praise of the Lord and dance to the rhythm of the drums.

The twelve most important temples of the Lord Mahadev are called Jyotirlinga, five of which are in Maharashtra.

1.Tryambakeshwar

The Jyotirling at Tryambakeshwar, Nashik district is unique in that the linga has an image of the Trinity – Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh. The temple is at the foot of the Brahmagiri hill, and is famous for its excellent sculpture and architecture.

There are records of this temple being built by Peshwa BalajiBajirao in the year 1755. The famous Kumbha Mela (fair) is held in Nashik, and every 12th year, this Mela is held at the Shiva temple at Tryambakeshwar too. Along with these, there are other famous well attended fairs (Yatra) held at the temple, NivruttiNath yatra, Ratha (chariot)Yatra being two of these. TheTripindi Narayan NagBali, a specific ritual, is only held here in the entire country. The Brahmagiri hill which is in the vicinity of the temple has the source of the River Godavari, the most important rivers of Maharashtra. There are other important holy places close to this temple like Kushavarta Teerth, GangaDwar and Muktai temple, the Samadhi temple of Saint NivruttiNath, the elder brother of Saint Dnyaneshwar.

There are excellent lodging and boarding facilities here. The natural surroundings here are breathtaking. Devotees visiting this place can therefore also add tourism to their itinerary.

This temple is just 28 km from Nashik city.

2. Aundha Nagnath

Aundha Nagnath is considered the first among the 12 Jyotirling. the It is said that DharmaRajYudhisthir, the eldest of the five Pandava brothers (of the Mahabharata), built the Aundha Nagnath temple during their 14 years of exile.

The temple is built in the Hemadpanthi style and is spread across a massive 60,000 sq ft. There is excellent sculpture and architecture to be found here. It has large corridors and an expansive court hall with eight pillars.

This temple is also unique in that unlike other temples, the idol of Nandi isn’t at the entrance to the temple, but instead is ensconced in a separate smaller temple beside the main one. Another fascinating part of the Aundha Nagnath temple is that snakes flanking the Shiva linga with their hoods are often seen here. The temple premise also has 12 small temples for the 12 Jyotirlinga, 108 temples and 68 shrines (Pinda) of Mahadeo. Besides, there are idols and temples of VedavyasaLinga, Bhandareshwar, Nilakanteshwar, Ganapati, Dattatreya, Muralimanohar, Dasavatar.

Saint Vithoba Khechar hails from here. Saint Namdev’s village Narsi is also close by. It is believed that when Saint Namdev was involved in a Kirtan, a miraculous phenomena occurred , and the temple turned to face him.

Ancient beautiful and artistic idols have been found in the archaeological excavations in Rajapur village, which is next to Aundha NagNath. Siddheshwar and Yeldari, the famous dams and tourist spots, are close to this place.

It is located in Hingoli district. Aundha NagNath is 40-45 minutes drive from Parbhani. Nearest railway station is at Chondi, 21 km from Aundha Nagnath. By road Aundha Nagnath is 579 km from Mumbai, 359 km from Nagpur, 210 km from Aurangabad, 65 km from Nande city. State transport buses are frequently available.

3. Ghrushneshwar

This is a very popular temple of Lord Shiva, with immense devotees of the lord thronging the place. PunyaShlok AhilyaBai Holkar got the temple built between 1765 to 1795. There are intricate carvings on the temple.

The temple is located in Aurangabad district, very close to Verul. Devotees make it a point to include the famous Verul caves in their itinerary when they visit the Ghrushneshwar temple.

Close to the temple is the LakshaVinayak temple, one of the 21 foremost powerful places of Lord Ganapati. The remains of MalojiRaje’s (the grandfather of King Shivaji) ancient house is also close to the temple.

The temple is just 30 km from Aurangabad city.

4. Bhimashankar

Bhimashankar is one of the important temples among the 12 Jyotirlinga, located at the source of the River Bhima. It is said that Nana Phadnis got this temple built in the 18th century. It is built in the Hemadpanthi style of architecture. There are excellent carvings and sculpture on the façade of the temple.

Bhimashankar is located in a cool place and the natural surroundings are breathtaking with dense forests, hill and dales and the Bhima River. This forest has been declared a reserved forest. Close by are KonkanKada and Nagphani, two important ridges. The breathtaking view of Konkan can be seen from the KonkanKada.

Bhimashankar is a mere 95 km from Rajgurunagar, and 128 km from Pune via the Manchar route. Bhimashankar is bifurcated between the Ambegaon and Khed taluka. The source of the Bhima River falls in the Khed taluka, whereas the village located at the foothill of the temple falls in Ambegaon taluka.

Maximum devotees throng this place in the Shravan month of the Hindu almanac.

5. Parli Vaijanath

Among the 12 Jyotirling, the Parli Vaijanath temple is Jagrut. PunyaShlok Rani AhilyaBai Holkar got this temple restored. The temple is humongous, built using large stones with mortarless style. The long steps leading up and a grand entrance are striking. The court hall and the inner sanctum are at the same level, allowing the view of the linga from the court hall (usually, thelinga are built at a lower level than the court hall, and one has to step down into the inner sanctum). Unlike any other temple, everyone is allowed to touch the linga while paying obeisance at the Parli Vaijanath temple. There are three large Kunda in the premises of the temple.

Parli Vaijanath falls in the Beed district. The Someshwar temple located on the banks of the River Brahma at a height of 300 feet, is close by. The Yogeshwari temple of the Ambejogai deity is also at a mere distance of 5 km. Parli Vaijanath is located 61 km from Parbhani. There is a regular transport service from Parbhani to Parli Vaijanath. The Tarapur Atomic Power Project is close by.

AshtaVinayak

                                      AshtaVinayak

                Ganesh — the elephant-deity riding a mouse — has become one of the commonest mnemonics for anything associated with Hinduism. This not only suggests the importance of Ganesh, but also shows how popular and pervasive this deity is in the minds of the masses.

The Lord of Success
The son of Shiva and Parvati, Ganesh has an elephantine countenance with a curved trunk and big ears, and a huge pot-bellied body of a human being. He is the Lord of success and destroyer of evils and obstacles. He is also worshipped as the god of education, knowledge, wisdom and wealth. In fact, Ganesh is one of the five prime Hindu deities (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and Durga being the other four) whose idolatry is glorified as the panchayatana puja.

Significance of the Ganesh Form
Ganesh's head symbolizes the Atman or the soul, which is the ultimate supreme reality of human existence, and his human body signifies Maya or the earthly existence of human beings. The elephant head denotes wisdom and its trunk represents Om, the sound symbol of cosmic reality. In his upper right hand Ganesh holds a goad, which helps him propel mankind forward on the eternal path and remove obstacles from the way. The noose in Ganesh's left hand is a gentle implement to capture all difficulties.

The broken tusk that Ganesh holds like a pen in his lower right hand is a symbol of sacrifice, which he broke for writing the Mahabharata . The rosary in his other hand suggests that the pursuit of knowledge should be continuous. The laddoo (sweet) he holds in his trunk indicates that one must discover the sweetness of the Atman. His fan-like ears convey that he is all ears to our petition. The snake that runs round his waist represents energy in all forms. And he is humble enough to ride the lowest of creatures, a mouse.

How Ganesh Got His Head
The story of the birth of this zoomorphic deity, as depicted in the Shiva Purana, goes like this: Once goddess Parvati, while bathing, created a boy out of the dirt of her body and assigned him the task of guarding the entrance to her bathroom. When Shiva, her husband returned, he was surprised to find a stranger denying him access, and struck off the boy's head in rage. Parvati broke down in utter grief and to soothe her, Shiva sent out his squad (gana) to fetch the head of any sleeping being who was facing the north. The company found a sleeping elephant and brought back its severed head, which was then attached to the body of the boy. Shiva restored its life and made him the leader (pati) of his troops. Hence his name Ganapati. Shiva also bestowed a boon that people would worship him and invoke his name before undertaking any venture.

However, there's another less popular story of his origin, found in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana: Shiva asked Parvati to observe the punyaka vrata for a year to appease Vishnu in order to have a son. When a son was born to her, all the gods and goddesses assembled to rejoice on its birth. Lord Shani, the son of Surya (Sun-God), was also present but he refused to look at the infant. Perturbed at this behaviour, Parvati asked him the reason, and Shani replied that his looking at baby would harm the newborn. However, on Parvati's insistence when Shani eyed the baby, the child's head was severed instantly. All the gods started to bemoan, whereupon Vishnu hurried to the bank of river Pushpabhadra and brought back the head of a young elephant, and joined it to the baby's body, thus reviving it.

Ganesh, the Destroyer of Pride
Ganesh is also the destroyer of vanity, selfishness and pride. He is the personification of material universe in all its various magnificent manifestations. “All Hindus worship Ganesh regardless of their sectarian belief”, says D N Singh in A Study of Hinduism. “He is both the beginning of the religion and the meeting ground for all Hindus”.

Ganesh Chaturthi
The devotees of Ganesh are known as Ganapatyas, and the festival to celebrate and glorify him is called Ganesh Chaturthi.

Every village in Maharashtra will inadvertently have at least a couple of Lord Ganapati (also names as Vinayak, Ganesh) temples. The devotees experience thousands of forms of the Lord through these temples. Eight of these temples in Maharashtra have a special importance. Vinayak is one among several of Lord Ganesh’s names. These eight temples are together recognised as Ashta Vinayak (Ashta= eight). These eight temples are famous not only in Maharashtra but all over the nation. Lord Ganapati is believed by devotees to be a deity of knowledge and is also creator of happiness, destructor of sorrows, and is a protector of ones wellbeing.

 Many idols have been sculpted of Lord Ganapati, but wherever ancient idols carved into stones or Swayambhu idols have been found, these sites have acquired special importance, and have together been recognised as Ashta Vinayak. Innumerable devotees undertake a pilgrimage to visit all these eight places. All the eight temples are located quite close to each other. It takes approximately 1.5 to 2 days to complete the entire pilgrimage covering all eight temples. Pune district has five of these (Morgaon, Theur, Ranjangaon, Ozar, Lenyadri), Raigad district has two (Mahad, Pali), and Ahmednagar district has one (Siddhatek). Detailed information of the same follows:

1. Morgaon’s Mayureshwar:

Shri Mayureshwar, the Ganapati of Morgaon is considered the first of the Ashta Vinayak. There are eleven steps leading up to the temple. Morya Gosavi, the great devotee of Lord Ganesh, had taken up the oath to ritualistically venerate the Lord daily.

Shri Moreshwar Ganesh is a Swayambhu and premier idol. The 17th century saint poet SamarthRamdas Swami wrote the popular hymn that is said in every household while praying to Ganapati, and It is said that he was inspired to write it while sitting in this temple.

The façade is resplendent with intricate carvings. There are stone structures dating to ancient times surrounding the temple.

The temple is located on the banks of River Karha, in Baramati taluka, Pune district, about seventy Km from Pune city and thirty-five km from Baramati city. Jejuri’s deity Khandoba, Maharashtra’s family tutelary deity, is just seventeen km from Morgaon. There is public transport available in all three places to reach Morgaon.

2. Theur’s Chintamani :

Shri Chintamani of Theur is the second Ganapati among the Ashta Vinayakas. The place of worship of Shri Ganesh is under a Kadamba tree. This deity is named Chintamani because he is believed by devotees to rid them of their anxiety (Chinta=anxiety). Unlike most Ganapati idols, this idol has it’s trunk on the left.

The Peshwa lineage being great devotees of Ganapati, family members of the Peshwa lineage from Pune are constant visitors of Theur. Madhavrao initiated the expanse of Theur’s temple. Madhavrao Peshwa expired at Theur. His tomb as well that of his wife Ramabai, who chose to extinguish her life when her husband died, are at Theur. There is an artistic exhibit produced by Nirgudkar Foundation inside the temple premises, that elucidates the inspirational lifetime work of Madhavrao Peshwa.

This temple is situated off the Pune-Solapur Highway in village Theur, Haveli taluka, district Pune, about 30 Km from Pune city. There are buses plying to Theur from Pune. Close to Theur at Uruli Kanchan is the naturopathy centre established by Mahatma Gandhi.

3. Siddhatek’s Siddhi Vinayak :

Shri Siddhi Vinayak of Siddhatek is the third Ganapati among the Ashta Vinayak. The idol here isSwayambhu.

The inner sanctum and community hall of the temple is spacious. PunyaShlok Ahilya Holkar laid the foundation of the temple and had it built. The dome of the temple is of bronze and has images of moon, sun and Garud (a mythological creature who is an eagle).

The temple is situated on the banks of River Bhim, in Karjat Taluka, district Ahmednagar, 99 km from Daund and 142 km from Rashin.

4. Ranjangaon’s MahaGanapati :

This is the fourth Ganapati among the Ashta Vinayak. The Ganapati here is called MahaGanapati and the idol is Swayambhu.

There is a myth attached to this place which is: Lord Shiva, Ganapati’s father, had granted the demon TripurAsur some powers. Misusing his powers, TripurAsur started troubling people from the earth and heaven. Finally, Lord Shiv had to take the help of Ganapati and kill the demon. That is why this Ganapati is called TripurariVadhe MahaGanapati (Great Ganapati who killed Tripurari).

This form is considered the most powerful among all the Ashta Vinayak. The idol here has it’s trunk towards the right, has ten hands, the countenance is pleasing and the idol rests on a lotus pedestal.

This temple was renovated during the period of Madhavrao Peshwa. Sardar Kibe of Indurkar has also contributed to the renovation of the temple. The origins of this place dates back to the 10th century.

This temple is situated on Pune-Ahmednagar highway in Shirur taluka.

5. Ozar’s Shri Vighneshwar :

Shri Vighneshwar of Ozar if the fifth Ganapati among the Ashta Vinayak. This idol is tall and broad. This idol is the wealthiest among the Ashta Vinayak since it is laden with jewels. Being the destructor of obstacles, this form of Ganapati is called Vighneshwar (Vighna = obstacles). This is one of the Swayambhu idols, and is considered to be a Jagrut deity.

Chimaji Appa, the brother of senior Bajirao Peshwa, has renovated the temple.
The temple is centrally located inside a compound wall. There are excellent boarding facilities inside the temple premises.

The temple is on the banks of the Kukadi River near Junnar in Pune district, 85 km from Pune city and 14 km from Lenyadri. Nearby is the largest meter wave radio telescope in Asia at Kodad, the earth satellite station at Arvi, and Shivneri, King Shivaji’s birthplace.

6. Lenyadri’s Shri Girijatmaj :

Shri Girijatmak of Lenyadri is the sixth of the Ashta Vinayak. It is a Swayambhu idol which is carved into a rock. There are many carvings found in the stones around the temple. There are stone pillars in the temple which have beautiful carvings on it.

The temple is located on a hill among the Junnar caves, and there are approximately 400 steps leading up to it. It was restored during the Peshwa regime.

This temple is situated near the Kukadi River in Pune District about five km from Junnar taluka. It is just 7 km from Junnar and 97 km from Pune city.

7. Mahad’s Shri Varad Vinayak :

Shri VaradaVinayak of Mahad is the seventh Ganapati in the Ashta Vinayak. This idol too is Swyambhu and the temple is actually recognised as a Math.

The temple is very simply designed with a tiled roof, a dome and a golden summit (Kalas) which has a carving of a cobra (also a deity revered by Hindus).

There is a famous story related to the temple: a devotee dreamt of an idol fallen in the pond behind the temple. Accordingly the devotee searched the pond and discovered the idol. This idol was then installed in the temple and is now the main idol. The idol has a right sided trunk. There is a stone arched recess in which the idol is installed on a throne.

The famed Varad Vinayak temple was built in 1725 during the Peshwa regime at Mahad near Khalapur in Raigad district.

This temple is located on the Pune – Mumbai National Highway between Khopoli and Khalapur.

8. Pali’s Shri Ballaleshwar:

Shir Balleshwar of Pali is the eight Ganapati in the Ashta Vinayak. This too is a Swayambhu idol. The temple faces east and the idol has a left-sided trunk. It’s forehead is large and the eyes are diamonds studded.

The temple is built of stone. There is a large bell here which was donated by Chimaji Appa.

This temple is situated in beautiful natural surroundings at Pali, Sudhagad taluka, district Raigad. The grand Sudhagad fort and Amba River are close by. There are hot water springs located close to Pali at Unher and an ancient fort at Sarasgarh.

Pali is 38 km from Khopoli and 111 km from Pune city. The road to Pali breaks off on the Khopoli – Pen road, whereas on the Panvel – Goa highway there is a road that breaks off to Pali at Vakan.

All these places have religious fairs on the fourth day of the lunar month of Bhadrapad of the Hindu almanac. The Atharva Sheersha and other Ganesh hymns are recited in all these places. Today devotees from all castes and communities can visit the temples and view the temple, temple steeple and the deity. The Ganesh festival is celebrated from the fourth day to the fourteenth day of Bhadrapad in all these places. Each place has excellent lodging and boarding facilities. Some travel agencies arrange a pilgrimage visit to all these places, and also help devotees in carrying out the pilgrimage and arranging the viewing of the deity. One has to travel through Pune, Ahmednagar and Raigad districts for visiting these places. The Ganesh idols are in various forms, some are situated near rivers, some are cut in rocks. So the devotees can also enjoy tourism.

The importance of Ashta Vinayak is recognised by the entire nation.

Like the Ashta Vinayak, Vidharbha too has eight important Ganapati temples, which are calledAshta Vinayak of Vidharbha. They are located at following places:

1. Nagpur – district Nagpur
2. Adasa – district Nagpur
3. Ramtek - district Nagpur
4. Mendha – district Nagpur
5. Pauni – district Nagpur
6. Kelzar – district Vardha
7. Kalamb – district Yavatmal
8. Chandrapur - district Chandrapur

Shakti Peeth- Three and a half Shakti Peeth of Goddess Shakti

Shakti Peeth

Three and a half Shakti Peeth of Goddess Shakti

                 Tuljapur Bhavani of Tuljapur from district Usmanabad, Ambabai from Kolhapur, Renukamata of Mahurgad, Taluka Kinwat district Nanded and Saptashrungi from Saptashrungagarh, Vani district Nasik are the famed Shakti Peeth of the goddess that are frequented by pilgrims. Navaratra is celebrated as festival of the goddess. People make it a point to visit these places during this festival. Tuesday and Friday and eighth, ninth and fourteenth days of the lunar calendar are especially dear to the goddess. The devotees follow certain rituals like offering coconut and silk cloth as also Sari and Choli (sari blouse) to the goddess.

The devotees of goddess still practice Gondhal , a form of ancient folk dance-drama. Such devotees are called as Gondhali, Bhutye, Aaradhi or Naik. Some households invite Gondhali to perform the Gondhal at the time of weddings or other major family celebrations. The Gondhali perform at night, singing to the accompaniment of cymbals, small drum, Sambal and Tuntune or a single string instrument.

Some people follow certain traditions like offering eyes made of silver to the goddess, sprinkling the path circling the inner sanctum of the Goddess with Kumkum during Navratra. Some people recite the Saptashati (goddess’s biography in seven hundred verses).

The legend behind the three and a half Shakti Peeth

In ancient times, King Daksha undertook a big Yagnya (a Hindu ritual of sacrifice and offering to deities derived from the Vedic times, an essential element is the holy fire into which oblations are offered in the form of ghee, milk, grains etc) called BrihaspatiRao. In this ritual, Daksha invited all the deities except Lord Shankara (also called Shiva). Daksha’s daughter Sati (also called Shakti) who was Lord Shiva’s wife, attended the function without invitation. Slighted by this deliberate ignorance of her husband Shiva, she jumped into the holy fire in anger. On learning of this, Shiva created a ruckus at the function. Lifting her body. He started wandering through the three worlds. To save the situation, Lord Vishnu struck his weapon the Sudarshan Chakra (a wheel) and chopped the body of Sati into fifty one pieces which fell in different places on earth. The places where the pieces fell came to be known as the fifty-one Shakti Peeth.

There are three and a half Shakti Peeth in Maharashtra. But SaptaShrungaGarh is recognized as the original location of Shakti, since the God himself took the form of the Goddess and set down at this place, and therefore this is the real Goddess mother. 

1. SaptaShrungaGarh (Vani)

The deity in the fort here has the honour of being a half Shakti Peeth of Goddess Shakti. The deity here is believed to be a form of the Goddesses Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and MahaSaraswati. It is also believed that after vanquishing the demons ShumbhaNishumbha and Mahishasur, the Goddess resided here for Tapa and Sadhana . The high ridge of the Sahyadri here has seven peaks from which the name of the place, SaptaShrungaGarh has been derived. This is considered the root altar of the deity. Facilities have been recently developed like the 500 approximate steps leading up to the temple, the temple renovation, the community hall, and facility to line up for viewing and paying obeisance to the deity. The deity’s idol is grand and has eight hands (due to which the deity is also called by the name AshtaBhuja which is eight handed). A fair is held here every NavRatra and the Chaitra month of the Hindu almanac.

There are altogether fifty-one altars of the Goddess Jagdamba on this earth. Of these the Shri SaptaShrugi Devi deity of SaptaShrungaGad is a form of three Goddesses, Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and MahaSaraswati, also considered a form of the Lord Brahma, and extremely holy (Omkar Swarup Adhisthan). The importance of this place has even been found recorded in ancient times. The era of NavNath sect is easily identified and linked with this place. The sect is believed to have acquired the Sabri poetry, also called MantraShakti, through the blessings of the Goddess. It is also said that the saints and renowned people from the medieval times who were followers of the Goddess, like Saint NivruttiNath, Saint Dnyaneshwar, Peshwa Sarkar, Dabhade, Holkar, were closely associated with this place. There is verdant forest around this holy place.

Along with the temple, there are other holy places of importance in the fort, like SuryaKund, JalGunfa, ShivTeertha, TambulTeertha, the Math of Rishi Markendeya.

Many holy festivals are celebrated with great pomp and devotion at this temple, likeGudhiPadva, ChaitrotSav, Gokulastami, NavratrotSav, Kojagiri, LaxmiPujan, HariHar Bhet etc. A large number of devotees throng here eagerly to celebrate these festivals.

The deity is located in the western ridge of the Sahyadri, about 65 Km from Nashik. Devotees from Maharashtra and outside the State visit this deity. There are excellent lodging and boarding facilities at the fort. There are about 500 steps leading up to the temple on the hill. The idol is eight feet tall and covered with Shendur. This deity, adorned with beautiful ornaments, is believed to be compassionate towards her devotees and rushes to their aid.

2. Mahur – (Goddess RenukaMata)

Goddess RenukaMata of Mahur is one of the complete Jagrut Shakti Peeth of the Goddess. She is also recognized as the mother of Shri Parshuram. She is the tutelary Goddess of many families in Maharashtra.

It is said that the temple here was built by Yadava king of Devgiri in the thirteenth century. The fort in Mahur here has other holy places along with the Goddess’s temple, like Parshuram temple, Dattatraya temple, Anasuya temple, KalikaMata temple etc. Devotees believe that the Lord Dattatreya was born here.

The Fort RamGad is close to the Mahur fort, which has caves with carvings.

This place is in Nashik district, Mahur taluka.

3. Shri Kshetra Tuljapur (TuljaBhavani)

Goddess TuljaBhavani of Tulajapur is one of the complete Jagrut Shakti Peeth of the Goddess. This deity is famous as Devi Bagvati (Bhavani). She is the tutelary Goddess of Maharashtra, being the inspirational, motivating deity who was revered by King Shivaji who established his kingdom.

This village is located on a ridge of BalaGhat. Some part of the temple is built in the Hemadpanthi style of architecture. Historically, this temple is considered to be built either by Rashtrakut or the Yadava. Some even consider it to be built in the seventeenth to eighteenth century.

The Sahyadri section of the Skanda Purana contains the story of this deity: in the KritaYug(1,728,000 years ago), when Rishi Kardam’s wife Anubhuti was meditating, the demon Kukar tried to assault her. The devotee Anubhuti entreated Goddess Bhagvati to save her. Goddess Bhagvati revealed herself and fought with the demon Kukar and killed him. On Anubhuti’s further entreaty, the Goddess agreed to reside on the mountain ridges. This Goddess is also called asDevi Twarita-Turja-Tulaja (Bhavani ) : Goddess who rushes to the aid of a devotee and fulfils wishes.

This Goddess is recognized in the entire nation as a family deity. This Goddess has been the inspirational, motivating deity who came to the aid of her devotee in each of the Yuga : Anubhuti in KrutaYuga, King Ramchandra (of Ramayana) in TretaYuga (1,296,000 years ago), King DharmaRaja in DwarpaYuga (864,000 years ago) and King Shivaji in the KaliYug (the current Yug). Devotees from various castes and sects from various States visit here.

The south facing entrance of the temple here is called Parmar doorway. The door has a edict carved on it which says that a great devotee by the name of Jagdev Parmar offered his head at the feet of the deity seven times. The inner sanctum is to the west of the community hall in which the artistic and pleasing idol of the deity is seated on a silver throne facing east. The idol is carved out of a stone found in the Gandaki river bed and is proportionate in form. The deity is recognized as AshtaBhuja MahishasurMardini (Eight handed Goddess who killed the demon Mahishasur). The walls of the inner sanctum have small beautiful carvings.

The idol here is also unique in that it can be moved. To the north of the community hall is the deity’s bedroom in which there is a silver bed. Thrice in a year, the idol is rested on a bed. This isn’t found anywhere else. Devotees believe that perambulation around this bed blesses them with progeny.

Along with this historical Shakti Peeth, other holy places around the temple like Kallol Teerth, Gaumukh Teerth, SiddhiVinayak temple, Shri Bahavani Shankar temple, HomKund, other small temples of Gods and Goddesses, Matangi temple, etc are also famous.

This site is located in Osmanabad district and the Osmanabad and Solapur railway stations are close by. The distance between Osmanabad and Tuljapur is 19 km. There are buses plying directly here from Osmanabad, Solapur, Aurangabad, Jalgaon, Mumbai, Pune, Kolhapur.

Tuljapur also has other holy religious places like GharSheel, the Math of BhartiBua, PaapNash Teerth, Dhakte Tuljapur, TeerthaKund, RamVardayini temple, etc.

4. Kolhapur (Shri MahaLakshmi)

Shri MahaLakshmi of Kolhapur is one of the complete Jagrut Shakti Peeth of the Goddess. Researchers haven’t so far been able to conclude who built the temple. Some researchers opine that the temple was built by the King of Sind lineage from Karharak (today’s Karad) before the Shilahar dynasty reign. The Shilahar’s of Kolhapur were devotees of the deity and have recorded several time of having been blessed by the deity. Records have been discovered of the King KarnaDev of Chalukya dynasty from the seventh century having built this temple.

Many researchers are of the opinion that a lot of the ancient structure of the current temple is dated post the Chalukya period. The main structure of the temple is two storied. It is built out of the black stone found in the vicinity of Kolhapur. It is said that the dome and steeple of the temple were built by ShankarAcharya, the Chief of the Sankeshwar Math, at the cost of one lakh Rupees. The temple is shaped like a flower or asterisk. Using large square stones and mortarless construction, the temple has been built in the Hemadpanthi style architecture. The temple is west facing and the main entrance is grand and has a NagarKhana (place where Nagaras – large kettledrums – are kept) built over it. The sanctum is designed such that once a year for a period of 3 days in the lunar months of Kartik and Magh as per the Hindu almanac, an amazing phenomena occurs: the setting rays of the sun fall through the entrance of the temple, reach the inner sanctum and light up feet of the image of MahaLakshmi, gradually rising up to finally fall on the face of the image. This phenomena takes place in a matter of five minutes; devotees throng to experience this.

The Shri MahaLakshmi idol is 1.22 m tall and has been placed on a black stone pedestal which is 0.91 mtr high. There are intricately carved objects inside the temple like the Ghati Darwaza, Garud Mandap etc. The Garud Mandap and Sabha Mandap were built between 1844 to 1867. During the month of Ashwin , in Navratra a silver image of the Goddess is placed on a stone pedestal placed here and is revered through traditional rituals. Several stone edicts have been found in different parts of the temple.

A large number of devotees flock here. There are twenty Pujari (one who is adept at making traditional offerings to the deity) here to facilitate the large number of devotees to make their offerings to the deity. Every Friday, the image of the idol is taken around the premises in a procession.

FUN QUIZE

Who penned the lyrics of the film 'Kaho Na Pyaar Hai'?

AIbrahim Ashq BMehboob CAnand Bakshi DSameer

Citrus fruits are considered a rich source of what?

AVitamin A BVitamin B CVitamin C DVitamin D

Idduki Dam in Kerala is built across which of the following rivers?

AKaveri BVaigai CPambha DPeriyar

The word Hindu often used to refer the people of Hindi was first used by___________?

AGreeks BArabs CRomans DChinese

What is Perimeter and Perimeter of Square

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