Bhavani Devi Temple

Built in a highly modern style, this temple dedicated to Devi Bhavani, faces north, but has two tiny windows on the east, to allow the first rays of the sun to fall on the Goddess’ head. Except Ganapati, all the main deities are female, with Mahakali and Mahishasuramardini occupying important positions. Engraved on the black wall of the temple is a long Sanskrit inscription, unfortunately damaged with time. However, Dr. Mirashi of Nagpur University was able to read the inscription and translated it. According to the inscription, the temple dates back to the Shaka year (1098). King Hemadrideva, of an unknown royal family, was the ruling king of Tekkali (now Barshi Takli). He defeated the son of Mallugi and ruler of Khandesh, Rajala, who waged a war against Tekkali. Later on, the general of the Yadava king Singhana, Kholeshvara, defeated Hemadrideva and annexed the country. The inscription also says that Gamiyaya, Hemadrideva’s minister, constructed a Vishnu temple, which is probably identical to the current Bhavani Devi temple. Built in a highly modern style, this temple dedicated to Devi Bhavani, faces north, but has two tiny windows on the east, to allow the first rays of the sun to fall on the Goddess’ head. Except Ganapati, all the main deities are female, with Mahakali and Mahishasuramardini occupying important positions. Engraved on the black wall of the temple is a long Sanskrit inscription, unfortunately damaged with time. However, Dr. Mirashi of Nagpur University was able to read the inscription and translated it. According to the inscription, the temple dates back to the Shaka year (1098). King Hemadrideva, of an unknown royal family, was the ruling king of Tekkali (now Barshi Takli). He defeated the son of Mallugi and ruler of Khandesh, Rajala, who waged a war against Tekkali. Later on, the general of the Yadava king Singhana, Kholeshvara, defeated Hemadrideva and annexed the country. The inscription also says that Gamiyaya, Hemadrideva’s minister, constructed a Vishnu temple, which is probably identical to the current Bhavani Devi temple. Built in a highly modern style, this temple dedicated to Devi Bhavani, faces north, but has two tiny windows on the east, to allow the first rays of the sun to fall on the Goddess’ head. Except Ganapati, all the main deities are female, with Mahakali and Mahishasuramardini occupying important positions. Engraved on the black wall of the temple is a long Sanskrit inscription, unfortunately damaged with time. However, Dr. Mirashi of Nagpur University was able to read the inscription and translated it. According to the inscription, the temple dates back to the Shaka year (1098). King Hemadrideva, of an unknown royal family, was the ruling king of Tekkali (now Barshi Takli). He defeated the son of Mallugi and ruler of Khandesh, Rajala, who waged a war against Tekkali. Later on, the general of the Yadava king Singhana, Kholeshvara, defeated Hemadrideva and annexed the country. The inscription also says that Gamiyaya, Hemadrideva’s minister, constructed a Vishnu temple, which is probably identical to the current Bhavani Devi temple. Built in a highly modern style, this temple dedicated to Devi Bhavani, faces north, but has two tiny windows on the east, to allow the first rays of the sun to fall on the Goddess’ head. Except Ganapati, all the main deities are female, with Mahakali and Mahishasuramardini occupying important positions. Engraved on the black wall of the temple is a long Sanskrit inscription, unfortunately damaged with time. However, Dr. Mirashi of Nagpur University was able to read the inscription and translated it. According to the inscription, the temple dates back to the Shaka year (1098). King Hemadrideva, of an unknown royal family, was the ruling king of Tekkali (now Barshi Takli). He defeated the son of Mallugi and ruler of Khandesh, Rajala, who waged a war against Tekkali. Later on, the general of the Yadava king Singhana, Kholeshvara, defeated Hemadrideva and annexed the country. The inscription also says that Gamiyaya, Hemadrideva’s minister, constructed a Vishnu temple, which is probably identical to the current Bhavani Devi temple.