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Devi Yamai Temple
- Aundh,Maharashtra
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Overview
The Yamay Devi Temple is situated in a hill in the town of Aundh, Satara district, Maharashtra, India. It is said that Goddess Mahalakshmi and Lord Vishnu called her as "Ye Mai" ("Come mother" in Marathi). Hence, she is known as Yamay Devi. The top of the hill can be reached using steps that start at the bottom of the hill or by car on a rather perilous road. On navrathri festival, huge crowd of devotees visit this temple.
About The Temple
The deity is the family deity for a large number of Marathi families. The top of the temple has idols of various Hindu deities. The town and the temple have been associated with the Pant family for many centuries. The complex also houses the Sri Bhavani Museum established from the private collection of the Maharajahs of Aundh. The museum also has paintings by 19th and 20th century Indian artists like M. V. Dhurandhar, Baburao Painter, Madhav Satwalekar and Raja Ravi Varma as well as the noteworthy Mother and Child stone structure by the British sculpture, Henry Moore.
About The Deity
The idol of Devi Mahishasura Mardhini Yamay in black stone is almost 2 meters high. The deity is in a cross-legged sitting posture. She has four hands and is carrying gada (mace), arrow, trishul (trident) and paan patra (betel leaf). It’s a big life size statue and looks very beautiful.
Legend and Stories
A demon called Aundhsur was troubling the people and sages of this place. After they prayed to the goddess, she killed the demon. That is how the town was named as Aundh.
Another legend tells about the test by Lord Rama taken by Goddess Parvathi. When Sita was abducted by demon king Ravana, Lord Rama was in lot of pain and anguish and was searching Sita everywhere along with Laxmana. Seeing this, Parvathi thought that how can Rama be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Shiva told her that Lord Vishnu is aware of his reality and he is just playing the character of Rama. Right now Rama should feel sad. So he is feeling pain otherwise he is totally still and is in bliss.
Parvathi could not accept this fact and she decided to test Lord Rama. So she took the form of Sita and appeared in front of Lord Rama. Seeing Parvathi, Lord Rama immediately recognized her and addressed her as mother. Parvathi realized her mistake and blessed Rama.
Accessibility
Airport
The nearest airport is Lohegaon Airport in Pune.
Railways
Sangli Railway Station is nearest major railway station.
Road
Satara is well connected to other major cities by regular buses.
Temple Address
Yamay Devi Temple,
Aundh,
Satara District,
Maharashtra,
India,
Pincode – 415 510.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Removal of debt
- Good health
- Knowledge
- Family welfare
- Attainment of noble positions
- Fame
Shlokas
Adhilakshmi Namasthesthu Parabrahma Swaroopine Yeshodhehi Dhanamdehi Sarvakamamcha Dehimey Mangaley Mangaladhare Mangalya Manggalapradhey Mangalartham Mangalesi Mangalyam Dehime Sadaaaa
Meaning -Goddess Adilakshmi, the supreme Brahman, we offer our salutations to you and ask you to grant us wealth and prosperity. Fulfill our wishes O auspicious Goddess for you are auspiciousness personified and you grant auspiciousness. Grant us eternal happiness and prosperity.
Namasthesthu Mahamaye Sri Petesura Poojithey Sanguchakra Gatha Hasthey Mahalakshmi Namosthuthey Namasthey Garudaroodey Kolasurea Bayankari Sarva Papa Hare Devi Mahalakshmi Namosthutehy
Meaning -Oh all powerful Mahalakshmi, the seat of wealth and who devas worship, salutations to you, for you are one who has a conch, a disc and a mace in your hands.
Namastulasi Kalyaani Namo Vishhnupriye Shubhe Namo Moksha Pradey Devii Namah Sampatpradaayinee
Meaning -I bend down to Tulasi, who is so dear to Lord Vishnu and who bestows good luck on devotees, who helps one attain salvation and who bestows wealth on all devotees.
Samudra Vasaney Devi Parvathasthana Madale ; Vishnupatnii Namasthubhyam Paadha Sparsham Kshamashamey
Meaning -Oh Mother Earth, I beg your forgiveness for placing my feet on you, the one who wears oceans, forests and mountains and Lord Vishnu's wife, I bow to you.