Tulja Bhavani

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Overview

Tuljha Bavani Temple is a Hindu temple of Goddess Bavani. It is located in Tuljhapur in Usmanabad district of Maharashtra and is one of the 51 Shakti Pithas. It is situated 45 km from Solapur. The temple was built in 12th century CE.

About The Deity

The idol of Goddess Tuljha Bhawani is believed by her devotees to be `swayambu` ("self-manifested" or "that which is created by its own accord"). The granite idol is three-foot tall, with eight arms holding various weapons, and bearing the head of the slain demon Mahishasur. The Goddess is also known as Tulaja, Turaja, Tvarita and Amba. The Goddess is family goddess for Maratha clans of Maharashtra.

Legend and Stories

Another Tuljha Bavani temple was built during 1537-1540 in Chittorgarh. A third temple of Tuljha Bavani is in the village of Patnakuva, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India. The Goddess here is believed to be swayambu. The Goddess came here from Tuljhapur in the 14th century.

Another temple of Tuljha Bavani is in the village of Peddamunigal, in Nalgonda, Telangana, India. The Goddess here is believed to be Toljha Yaadi, Bavani. Legends say Goddess came here from Tuljhapur in the 18th century.

This is the second among the 'Shaktipeeths'. The founder of Maratha kingdom, King Shivaji always visited the temple. It is believed that the Goddess gave him a sword - 'the Bavani sword'. The history of the temple has been mentioned in the ‘Skanda Purana’.

A legend involves a demon, Mathanga who was wreaking havoc upon the earth. The Gods turned to Lord Brahma for help. Upon his advice, they turned to Goddess Shakti. She took up the form of a destroyer and vanquished the demon Mathanga. Another legend states that Bavani killed another demon Mahisha, and took shelter on the Yamunachal Hill which is part of Balaghat mountain range. The Tuljha Bavani temple is located on this hill. Yet another legend mentions the story of a sage Kardam. After his death his wife Anubuti performed a penance at the banks of river Mandakini for Bavani to look after her infant child, during which the demon known Kukur tried to disturb her. The Goddess came to the aid of Anubuti and killed the demon Kukur.

The main entrance bears the name of Sardar Nimbalkar. The other entrances are named after parents of Shivaji, Shahaji and Jijabai. As one enters the main entrance, there is a temple dedicated to Sage Markandeya on the right. There is a yagna kund (Sacrificial Fire pit) in front of this temple. On the floor near two main gates, there are two libraries. There is Gomukh Theerth (water tank) on the right and Kallol Theerth on the left. Before entering the Sanctum, devotees take a dip here.

Rituals

At 5 in the morning, before the Pooja starts, the large drums of Tuljha Bavani temple are played loudly. The drums play to call to prayers (pooja) for the devotees. The drums are played three times during the day.

Poojas

The pooja performed is at 5:30 a.m. This pooja is performed by the hands of the Mahantha. At the time of Charanthirtha pooja, the representative of Kolhapur princely state is present. The Mahantha washes the goddess mouth and feet with hot water, fragrant oil, milk, etc. Devotees sing the Aarti (holy songs). After this, Nevaidya (holy meal offering) is offered to the goddess. Later, the Nevaidya by the representative of the former princely state of Kolhapur is offered.

Abhishek

At 9 in the morning the goddess has a bath of Panchamruth and curd. Honey, banana and sugar are rubbed to the goddess’ mouth. The Gomukh water is used for the goddess’ bath. During this pooja some people anoint the holy throne of goddess by curd, mango juice, and shrikhand (an Indian sweet dish made of strained yogurt). After the bath, Maha Nevaidya (big holy meal) by the Kolhapur princely state is offered to the goddess.

At 6 in the evening, the goddess is bathed by Panchamruth and water from Gomukh and pooja is performed. The arrangement of these materials is done by the Kolhapur princely state.

Accessibility

Airport

The nearest airport is Chikkalthana Airport.

Railways

Tuljhapur does not have a train station. Nearest option is Usmanabad.

Road

One can easily get regular buses to Tuljhapur from other major cities of the country.

Temple Address