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{{Lead too long|date=September 2020}}
{{Short description|Hindu temple in Maharashtra, India}}
{{EngvarB|date=May 2015}}
{{EngvarB|date=May 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2015}}
{{Infobox Hindu temple
{{Infobox Hindu temple
| name               = Tulja Bhavani Temple
| name                 = Shree Tulja Bhavani Temple
| image             = Tuljabhavani Mandir Mahadwar (Main entrance gate).jpg
| native_name          =तुळजा भवानी मन्दिर
| alt               =  
| native_name_lang      =
| caption           = Main entrance gate
| image                 =Raje Shahaji Mahadwar of Tulja Bhavani Temple.jpg  
| map_type       = India#India Maharashtra
| image_upright        =
| map_caption       = Location in Maharashtra
| alt                   = Entrance gate of Tulja Bhawani Temple
| coordinates       = {{coord|18.011386|76.125641|type:landmark_region:IN|display=inline,title}}
| Peetham              =
| native_name        =  
| caption               =Main entrance gate (Raje Shahaji Mahadwar)
| country            = [[India]]
<!-- RELIGION -->
| state              = [[Maharashtra]]
| religious_affiliation =[[Hinduism]]
| district          = [[Osmanabad district|Osmanabad]]
| deity                =[[Bhavani]] (as Amba Bhavani or Amba Bai)
| location           = [[Tuljapur]],          [[Osmanabad District|Osmanabad]],          [[Maharashtra State|Maharashtra]],        [[India]]
| tradition            =
| elevation_m       =  
| organizational_status =
| deity     = [[Bhavani]]
| functional_status    =
| festivals= [[Navratri]]
| governing_body        =
| architecture      = [[Hemadpanthi|Hemadpanthi style]]
| temple_board          =Shri Tulja Bhavani Temple Trust
| temple_quantity =  
| festival              =
| monument_quantity=  
| festivals            ={{plainlist|
| inscriptions       =  
*Navaratri
| year_completed        =  
*Dussehra
| creator           =  
*Ganesh Chaturthi
| website           = https://www.tuljabhavani.in
*Holi
*Deepawali (Diwali)
}}
| tower                =
| temple_tank          =
| temple_tree          =3 big trees
<!-- LOCATION -->
| location              =Raje Shahaji Mahadwar Road, Jijamata Nagar, Tuljapur, Dharashiv district, Maharashtra - 413601
| locale                =
| district              =[[Osmanabad district|Dharashiv district]]
| state                =[[Maharashtra]]
| province              =
| country              = [[India]]
| map_type             =India#India Maharashtra
| map_size              =
| map_alt              =
| map_relief            =
| map_caption           =Location in Maharashtra  
| coordinates           ={{coord|18.011386|76.125641|type:landmark_region:IN|display=inline,title}}  
| coordinates_footnotes =  
<!-- ARCHITECTURE -->
| architecture_type    =[[Hemadpanti architecture]]
| architecture_style    =[[Hemadpanthi|Hemadpanthi style]]
| founded_by            =  
| creator              =Maratha King Mahamandaleshwara Māradadeva
| established           ={{start date and years ago|1169|df=y}}
| groundbreaking        =
| year_completed       = {{start date and years ago|1169|df=y}}
| date_demolished      =
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| temple_quantity       =  
| monument_quantity     =  
| inscriptions         =Dharur Inscription
| materials            =Black stone
| elevation_m          =648
| elevation_ft          =
| elevation_footnotes  =
<!-- NRHP -->
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<!-- WEBSITE -->
| website               ={{URL|https://shrituljabhavanitempletrust.org/}}
| footnotes            = 
}}
}}
{{Hinduism}}
{{Hinduism}}


'''Tulja Bhavani Temple''' ([[Marathi language|Marathi]]: श्री क्षेत्र तुळजा भवानी देवस्थान) is a [[Hindu temple]] dedicated to the goddess [[Bhavani]]. It is located in [[Tuljapur]] in [[Osmanabad district]] of [[Maharashtra]] and is considered one of the 51 [[Shakti Pitha]]s. It is situated 45 &nbsp;km from [[Solapur]]. The temple was built in c. 12th century CE by Maratha Mahamandaleshwara Māradadeva [[Kadambas of Goa|Kadamb]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=L. G. Rajwade|first=Member|url=http://archive.org/details/dli.csl.3310|title=Maharashtra State Gazetteers: Osmanabad District|last2=G. A. Sharma|first2=Member|last3=P. Setu Madhava Rao|first3=Member|last4=V. V. Mirashi|first4=Member|last5=S. M. Katre|first5=Member|last6=C. D. Deshpande|first6=Member|last7=B. G. Kunte|first7=Member|last8=K. K. Chaudhari|first8=Member|last9=V. N. Gurav|first9=Member|date=1972|publisher=Bombay, Directorate of Government Printing Stationery and Publications|pages=47-48}}</ref> The management and priestly rights of the temple are held by the Kadamb Bhope clan, the descendants of Māradadeva. Goddess Tulja Bhavani is known by names Tulaja, Turaja, Tvarita, Ambā and Jagadambā in different regions.
'''Shree Tulaja Bhavani Temple''' ([[Marathi language|Marathi]]: '''श्री तुळजाभवानी मंदिर'''), is a 12th century CE [[Hindu temple]] dedicated to goddess [[Bhavani]]. It was built in 12th century CE by [[Mahamandaleshwar|Mahamandaleshwara]] Māradadeva of the [[Kadambas of Goa|Kadamb]] dynasty. Considered as one of the 51 [[Shakti Pitha]]s, it is located on the banks of [[Bori River (tributary of Bhima river)|Mandakini River]] and [[Bori Dam]] in Yamunachala Hill of [[Balaghat Range]] of [[Tulajapur|Tuljapur]], which is 45 km northeast of [[Solapur]], in [[Dharashiv district]] of [[Maharashtra]] in India.<ref>{{Cite book|last1=L. G. Rajwade|first1=Member|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.csl.3310|title=Maharashtra State Gazetteers: Osmanabad District|last2=G. A. Sharma|first2=Member|last3=P. Setu Madhava Rao|first3=Member|last4=V. V. Mirashi|first4=Member|last5=S. M. Katre|first5=Member|last6=C. D. Deshpande|first6=Member|last7=B. G. Kunte|first7=Member|last8=K. K. Chaudhari|first8=Member|last9=V. N. Gurav|first9=Member|date=1972|publisher=Bombay, Directorate of Government Printing Stationery and Publications|pages=47–48}}</ref>
 
This Tuljapur Bhavani temple, along with [[Renuka]] temple at [[Mahur, Maharashtra|Mahur]] (330 km northeast of Tuljapur), [[Mahalakshmi Temple, Kolhapur|Mahalaxmi]] temple at [[Kolhapur]] (275 southwest of Tuljapur), and [[Saptashringi]] temple at Vani (375 northwest of Tuljapur), make up the four great Shaktipithas of Maharashtra.<ref name="ZelliotBerntsen">{{cite book|author1=Eleanor Zelliot|author2=Maxine Berntsen|title=Experience of Hinduism, The: Essays on Religion in Maharashtra|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=X6i7Np6SRfEC&pg=PA297|publisher=SUNY Press|isbn=978-1-4384-2477-4|page=175}}</ref>
 
There are other temples of Tulja Bhavani in India, such as the [[Chittor_Fort#Tulja|Chittorgarh Fort Tulja Bhavani Temple]] at [[Chittorgarh]] built in 1537–1540. This is 960 km north of Tuljapur. As well as this, there is the Patnakuva Tulja Bhavani Temple in the [[Gandhinagar district]] of [[Gujarat]], which is 1,000 km northwest of Tuljapur.{{Citation needed|date=December 2025}}
 
==Goddess Bhavani at Tuljapur==
 
===Etymology and other names of Bhavani===
 
"Bhavani" literally translates to "giver of life", meaning the power of nature or the source of creative energy. She is considered to be a [[Mother_goddess#Hinduism|mother goddess]] who provides to her devotees and also plays the role of dispensing justice by killing [[Asuras]] (demons). {{citation needed|date=October 2020}}
 
The Goddess "Tulja Bhavani" is also known as Tulaja, Turaja, Tvarita and Amba.
 
===Goddess Bhavani the incarnation of Goddess Durga ===
 
Bhavani is a form of the goddess Durga who is worshipped in [[Maharashtra]], [[Gujarat]], [[Rajasthan]], [[Rajasthan]], entire [[North India]], [[Northern Karnataka]], and [[Nepal]], [[Andhra Pradesh]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Redirect Notice|url=https://www.livehistoryindia.com/story/snapshort-histories/the-goddess-who-went-to-nepal/|access-date=2021-08-28|website=www.google.com|date=15 September 2018 }}</ref>
 
===Skanda Purana legend of Goddess Bhavani ===
 
One of the earliest legends related to the Goddess Bhavani is mentioned in the [[Skanda Purana]] (8th century or earlier). The legend involves a demon, Madhu-Kaitabh, who was wreaking havoc upon both the gods and humans. Unable to find any solution, they turned to Lord [[Brahma]] for help, who advised them to turn to the Goddess [[Shakti]]. She took up the form of a destroyer, and powered by the other [[Matrikas|Sapta Mata]]s,  namely [[Brahmani (Matrika)|Brahmani]] who manifested from [[Brahma]], [[Chamunda]] from [[Chandi]], Kaumari from [[Kartikeya]], [[Indrani]] from [[Indra]], Maheshvari from [[Shiva]], Vaishnavi from [[Vishnu]], and [[Varahi]] from [[Varaha]], vanquished the demon and restored peace. The legend also states that Bhavani slaid another demon that had taken up the disguise of a buffalo (Mahisha), and took shelter on the Yamunachala Hill which is part of Balaghat mountain range.<ref name="Bansal2008">{{cite book|author=Sunita Pant Bansal|title=Hindu Pilgrimage|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lzPCOVQGP3wC&pg=PT9|year=2008|publisher=Pustak Mahal|isbn=978-81-223-0997-3|page=112}}</ref>
 
According to this legend, there was a sage named [[Kardama]] with a consort named ''Anubhuthi'' with their infant child, in this area. After sage [[Kardama]]'s death, his wife ''Anubhuthi'' performed a penance for goddess in the name of Bhavani on the Yamunachala hillock on the banks of the river Mandakini River (presently known as the Bori River) to look after her child. While performing the penance two [[Rakshasa]] (demon) jointly known as [[Madhu-Kaitabha]] (also called ''Kukur'') tried to disturb her penance during which the Goddess Bhavani came to the aid of ''Anubhuthi'' and killed the demon ''Kukur''. From that day onwards, the Goddess Bhavani came to be known a Tulaja Bhavani. The goddess, upon the prayer of her favourite devotee, settled in Tuljapur on the Yamunachala Hill of Balaghat Range, where the temple was built in 12th century. Since then the Mother Goddess came to be called as Bhavani of Tuljapur or Tulja Bhavani.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}
 
===Goddess Bhavani as Kuldevi===
 
The Goddess is a [[Kuladevata|kuldevi]] (clan goddess) for many Maratha clans of Maharashtra.<ref name="Pattanaik2003">{{cite book|author=Devdutt Pattanaik|title=Indian Mythology: Tales, Symbols, and Rituals from the Heart of the Subcontinent|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zdkswFlJtjQC&pg=PA82|year=2003|publisher=Inner Traditions / Bear & Co|isbn=978-0-89281-870-9|pages=82–}}</ref> The Goddess is either revered by or is the Family Deity for many other Marathi castes at different levels of the social hierarchy<ref name="Asian educational services">{{cite book|last1=ul Hassan|first1=S. S.|title=The Castes and Tribes of HEH the Nizam's Dominions (Vol. 1)|date=1920|publisher=Asian educational services.|pages=49, 46, 88, 97, 109, 118, 183, 234, 280, 622, 616, 556, 595, 407, 304, 370, 338}}</ref> The Goddess is either revered by or is the Family Deity for many castes including Kadam, Bhope, Banjara or Lamani or Gorbanjara, [[Dhangar]], Mali, [[Deshastha Brahmin]], [[Bharbhunja (Hindu)|Bharbhunja]], Burud, [[Kolhati]], [[Gavli]], [[Jogi (caste)|Jogi]], Johar, San Teli, Gavandi, Pangul, Sonar, [[Lonari]], Kasar, Bhute, Kalar, Aagri and Koli, Bhavsar, etc.
 
== Temple complex ==
[[File:Tulja Bhavani Devi.jpg|thumb|Idol of Tulja Bhawani in the sanctum.]]
 
===12th century Bhavani Bhavani main temple===
 
====Temple history ====
 
Tulja Bhavani Temple here was built in the 12th century CE. The Goddess is said to be [[swayambhu]]` ("self-manifested" or "that which is created by its own accord").{{efn|It is true that God or Goddess is always referred as ‘swayambhu’ in [[Vedas]], Puranas and many legends. But it does not refer to the stone idol installed in a temple. What is attributed is to the invisible Supreme power.}} There is a "[[yajna|yagna]] kund" (holy [[fire pit]]) in front of this temple.
 
====Idol of Goddess Bhavani in the temple ====
 
The tandla (idol) of Goddess Tulja Bhawani is three-feet tall and made of granite, with eight arms holding weapons, and bearing the head of the slain demon [[Mahishasura]]. Devotees bow in devotion upon seeing the finely shaped, tandla of the self-manifested goddess, which is adorned with vermilion, ornaments, and decorations.


==Background==
====3 Entrances ====
Tulja Bhavani is a form of Durga who is worshiped in Maharashtra, and also by people of Telangana, Northern Karnataka and Nepal <ref>{{Cite web|title=Redirect Notice|url=https://www.livehistoryindia.com/story/snapshort-histories/the-goddess-who-went-to-nepal/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-28|website=www.google.com}}</ref> Bhavani translates to "giver of life", meaning the power of nature or the source of creative energy. She is considered to be a mother who provides to her devotees and also plays the role of dispensing justice by killing Asuras. {{cn|date=October 2020}}
=====Sardar Nimbalkar entrance and related temples =====


[[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj]] the founder of the Maratha kingdom, always visited this temple to seek blessings.{{cn|date=February 2021}} The legend has to its credit to say that the Goddess gave him a sword called ‘Bhavani kadga’' by using which Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was successful in his expeditions.{{cn|date=February 2021}} The history of the temple dates back to the days of ' Skanda Purana ' as it finds a mention in that holy script. According to the epic story, there was a sage "Kardam" and his consort "Anubhuthi’ with an infant, in this area. After his death his wife "Anubhuthi" performed a penance for goddess in the name of [[Bhavani]] on the banks of river "Mandakini" to look after her child. There was a demon (Rakshasa) by name “Kukur" who tortured her. Then Goddess Bhavani rescued Anubhuthi and killed the demon. The goddess on the prayer of her pet devotee settled on the hill of "Bala ghat". Since then the Mother Goddess came to be called as Bhavani of Tuljapur or Tulja Bhavani.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}
The main entrance of the temple bears the name of [[Bajaji Rao Naik Nimbalkar|Sardar Nimbalkar]].  


Mother Goddess Bhavani temple is the place where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj graced was blessed by Matha Bhavani.{{citation needed|date=October 2020}} It is situated at Tuljapur as such it is popularly known as Tulja Bhavani Temple in district of Maharashtra. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peetas attributed to Goddess. The second among the 'Shaktipeetas' is Goddess Bhavani at Tuljapur.
* '''Markandeya Rishi Temple''': Inside the entrance, there is a temple dedicated to the sage [[Markandeya]] [[Rishi]] on the right.  
Bhavani is one who gives life and source of original power.
Tuljapur is at 45 km from Solhapur. Historically this temple was built in 12th century. There is yet another Tulja Bhavani temple built in 1537-1540 in Chittorgarh. There is a third temple of Tulja Bhavani in the village of Patnakuva Gandhinagar in Gujarat. According to the priest, this Goddess came here from Tuljapur during 14th century. The Goddess is said to be swayambhu (self emanated). It is true that God or Goddess is always referred as ‘swayambhu’ in Vedas, Puranas and many legends. But it does not refer to the stone idol installed in a temple. What is attributed is to the invisible Supreme power.


The second among the 'Shaktipeeths' is Tulja Bhavani of Tuljapur. It is the family deity of the Bhosale Royal family, the Yadavs and of countless numbers of families belonging to different castes. The great ruler & founder of the [[Maratha kingdom]], Chatrapati [[Shivaji Maharaj]] visited the temple as he was a prominent devotee of her, people believe that the Goddess gifted him a sword - 'The Bhawani Talwar' - to succeed in his expeditions. Tulaja word indicates to an old Hindu monastery at Tolaja village in the present Rawalpindi division of Pakistan.
* '''Tulja Bhavani Temple''': After descending the stairs from the Sardar Nimbalkar entrance, one sees the main Tulja Temple.  


== Temple ==
* '''Gomukh Theerth''' and '''Kallol Theerth''' ('''Kalakh'''): After alighting from the stairs, there is "Gomukh Theerth" on the right side and "Kalakh", also known as "Kallol Theerth" on the left side. Before entering the [[sanctum sanctorum]] of the Goddess, devotees take a dip here in these [[Tirtha (Hinduism)|theerths]] (shallow tanks of holy water).  
{{More citations needed section|date=July 2021}}
Along with temples of [[Renuka]] at Mahur, [[Mahalakshmi Temple, Kolhapur|Mahalaxmi]] at Kolhapur, and [[Saptashringi]] at Vani, the temple of Bhavani at Tuljapur forms the four great Shaktipitha in Maharashtra.<ref name="ZelliotBerntsen">{{cite book|author1=Eleanor Zelliot|author2=Maxine Berntsen|title=Experience of Hinduism, The: Essays on Religion in Maharashtra|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=X6i7Np6SRfEC&pg=PA297|publisher=SUNY Press|isbn=978-1-4384-2477-4|page=175}}</ref>
Many legends are associated with the temple. One legend involves a demon, Madhu-Kaitabh who was wreaking havoc upon the gods and humans. Unable to find any solution, they turned to Lord Brahma for help, and upon his advice turned to Goddess Shakti, who took up the form of a destroyer and powered by the other (Sapta) Mata Varaahi, Brahmi, Vaishnavi, Kaumaari Indraani and Saambhavi, vanquished the demon  and restored peace. Legend also states that Bhavani finished another demon that had taken up the disguise of a buffalo (Mahisha), and took shelter on the Yamunachala Hill which is part of Balaghat mountain range.<ref name="Bansal2008">{{cite book|author=Sunita Pant Bansal|title=Hindu Pilgrimage|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lzPCOVQGP3wC&pg=PT9|year=2008|publisher=Pustak Mahal|isbn=978-81-223-0997-3|page=112}}</ref> The Tuljabhawani temple is located on this hill. Another legend mentions the story of a sage known as "Kardam" After his death his wife "Anubuti" had performed a penance at the banks of river "mandakini " for Bhavani mata to look after her infant child. While performing the penance the demon known "Kukur" tried to disturb her penance during which the Goddess came to the aid of   "Anubuti" and killed the demon "Kukur". From that day onwards the Goddess Bhavani came to be known as Tulja Bhavani.


The main entrance of the temple bears the name of Sardar Nimbalkar. The other two entrances are named after the parents of [[Shivaji]], that is Raja [[Shahaji]], and Rajmata [[Jijabai|Jijau]]. As one enters the Sardar Nimbalkar entrance, there is a temple dedicated to Markandeya Rishi on the right. After descending the stairs, one sees the main Tulja Temple. There is yagna kund (Holy [[Fire pit]]) in front of this temple. On the floor near two main gates (Raja Shahaji Mahadwar and Rajmata Jijau main gate), there are two libraries named, Shree Santh Dnyaneshwar Dharmik Library and Shree Tukaram Dharmik Library. After alighting from the stairs, there is `Gomukh Theerth` on the right side and `Kalakh`, also known as `Kallol Theerth` on the left side. Before entering the [[Sanctum sanctorum]]  of the Goddess, devotees take a dip here in these theerths (Shallow tanks of  "holy" water). There are also Amruth Kund and a [[Dattatreya|Datta]] temple on the premises. A Siddhi [[Vinayak]] temple is situated on the left side of the main gate whilst on the right, there is a temple of Aadishakti, Aadimata Matangadevi. A temple of goddess Annapurna is also present in the main complex.
* '''Adi Maya Adi Shakti temple''': This temple [[Mahadevi|Adi Maya]] (Mahadevi) is located on the right side of the main entrance and to the north of the main Tulja Bhavani temple. The [[Puja (Hinduism)|pooja]] ([prayer) is performed here first, before the pooja of Tulja Bhavani. The priests of this temple belong to the Mahar community.


The idol of Goddess Tulja Bhawani is believed by her devotees to be `[[swayambhu]]` ("self-manifested" or "that which is created by its own accord"). The high granite idol is three-foot tall, with eight arms holding weapons, and bearing the head of the slain demon Mahishasura. The Goddess is also known as Tulaja, Turaja, Tvarita and Amba.
* '''Siddhi [[Vinayak]] temple''': Situated on the left side of the main entrance of the complex.


The Goddess is kuldevi (clan goddess) for [[Maratha]] clans of Maharashtra.<ref name="Pattanaik2003">{{cite book|author=Devdutt Pattanaik|title=Indian Mythology: Tales, Symbols, and Rituals from the Heart of the Subcontinent|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zdkswFlJtjQC&pg=PA82|year=2003|publisher=Inner Traditions / Bear & Co|isbn=978-0-89281-870-9|pages=82–}}</ref> The Goddess is either revered by or is the Family Deity for many castes including [[Dhangar]],Mali, [[Deshastha Brahmin]], [[Bharbhunja]], Burud, [[Kolhati]], [[Gavli]], [[Jogi (caste)|Jogi]], Johar, San Teli, Gavandi, Pangul, Sonar, [[Lonari]], Kasar, Bhute, Kalar and Koli.<ref>{{cite book|last1=ul Hassan|first1=S. S.|title=The Castes and Tribes of HEH the Nizam's Dominions (Vol. 1)|date=1920|publisher=Asian educational services.|pages=49, 46, 88, 97, 109, 118, 183, 234, 280, 622, 616, 556, 595, 407, 304, 370, 338}}</ref>
=====Shahaji entrance and Jijabai entrance =====


Adi maya Adi shakti temple is the temple north to the Tuljabhavani temple. First pooja of this starts, and then followed by pooja of Tuljabhavani takes place.
The other two entrances are named after the parents of [[Chhatrapati Shivaji]], the founder of the [[Maratha Empire]], his father [[Shahaji]] and his mother [[Jijabai]]. There are two libraries named, Shree Santh Dnyaneshwar Dharmik Library and Shree Tukaram Dharmik Library respectively.  


== Temple rituals ==
Chhatrapati Maharaja Shivaji was reputed to frequently visit this temple to seek blessings.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}
{{Multiple issues|
 
{{Ad|date=February 2021}}
===Other temples in the complex ===
{{Tone|date=February 2021}}
 
{{Unreferenced section|date=February 2021}}
* '''Aadishakti Aadimata Matangi Devi temple''': Temple of Goddess [[Matangi]], a [[Hindu tantric literature|tantric]] manifestation of the goddess [[Saraswati]], is another distinct shrine within the Tulja Bhavani temple complex. The priests of this temple belong to the Mahar community.
}}
 
; Chaughada (drumming ritual)
* '''Annapurna temple''': A temple of [[Annapurna (goddess)|goddess Annapurna]] is also present in the main complex.
 
* '''[[Dattatreya|Datta]] temple''': Also on the premises.
 
* '''[[Yamai Temple|Yamai Devi]] temple, elder sister of Goddess Tulja Bhavani :''' Since there is also a temple of Yamai Devi within the Tuljapur temple complex itself, devotees are able to have the darshan (sacred viewing) of both divine sisters in one place, which is considered a religious convenience. Another temple of Yamai Devi is in [[Aundh State|Aundh]] in [[Satara district]] 215 km west of Tuljapur. Since the Aundh Yamai Devi temple is considered the original seat (Mulpeeth) of the Yamai Devi, many devotees after visiting the Tulja Bhavani temple at Tuljapur, continue the tradition of visiting Yamai Devi at Aundh or one of the twelve prominent sub-shrines of the goddess Yamai located at Mardi (Solapur district) 35 km northeast of Tuljapur.
===Temple management===
 
The day-to-day affairs of the temple are looked after by the trust which is headed by the [[District Collector]]. The board of trustees include the deputy collector, the member representing Tuljapur in [[Maharashtra Legislative Assembly]] (MLA), the town Mayor (Nagaradhyaksha), and the [[Tahsildar]] (subdistrict revenue officer).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tuljabhavani.in/about.html|title=Tuljabhavani Temple History|website=www.tuljabhavani.in|access-date=2016-11-17}}</ref>


At 5 am. before the [[Puja (Hinduism)|puja]] starts, large [[drum]]s in the drum house (Nagarkhana) of the temple are played loudly. The drums is a call to prayers (puja) for the devotees. The drums are played (Chaughada) three times during the day.
===Pilgrim numbers===


; Charantirtha (sacred water ritual of goddess feet and mouth)
As of 2025, 150,000,000 pilgrims visit the temple every year.<ref name=plandevp1>[https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-minister-pratap-sarnaik-announces-1865-crore-tuljapur-temple-development-project-cm-devendra-fadnavis-to-inaugurate Maharashtra Minister Pratap Sarnaik Announces ₹1,865 Crore Tuljapur Temple Development Project; CM Devendra Fadnavis To Inaugurate], Free Press Journal, 17 June 2025.</ref>


The puja performed is at 5:30&nbsp;a.m. This puja is performed by the hands of the Mahant (chief priest). At the time of Charantirtha puja, the representative of [[Kolhapur]] princely state is present.  Devotees sing the Arti (holy songs). After this naivedya (holy meal) of [[Bhajji|Bhaji]]-[[Bhakri]] is offered to the goddess. A descendant representative of the devotee, Uparkar offers this naivedya. Later the naivedya of Kheer by the representative of the former princely state of Kolhapur is offered.{{cn|date=October 2020}}
==Rituals==


; Abhishek (holy bath ritual to goddess) Puja (prayer)
===Daily rituals===


At 9 o'clock in the morning the goddess abhishekam is done by  [[Panchamrut]] and curd. The Gomukh (holy pond of the goddess) water is used for the goddess' abhishekam . During this puja people also abhishek the holy throne of goddess by curd, mango juice, and [[shreekhand]]. After the abhishek, Maha naivedya  (big holy meal) by the Karvir (Kolhapur) princely state is offered to the goddess.{{citation needed|date=October 2020}}
The temple follows a set of elaborate rituals for the deity. These include priests offering a daily ritual bath, change of clothes, and offering food to the deity four times a day. The daily routine also includes offering devotional [[Arti (Hinduism)|prayers]] to the Goddess. In the evening the deity is ceremoniously put to rest.<ref name=Shinde2013/>


; Dhup arti
===Special occasions rituals===


At noon, the clergy and devotees praise the goddess by singing holy songs and lighting [[Incense]] (dhup) and karpur ([[camphor]]).
On special occasions such as the birthdays or marriages, in addition to a ritual bath, the tandla of the Goddess is taken around Tuljapur town in a [[Ratha Yatra|procession]].<ref name=Shinde2013>{{cite journal |last1=Shinde |first1=Kiran A. |title=Re–scripting the Legends of Tuḷjā Bhavānī : Texts, Performances, and New Media in Maharashtra |journal=International Journal of Hindu Studies |date=December 2013 |volume=17 |issue=3 |pages=313–337 |doi=10.1007/s11407-014-9144-z |jstor=24713647 |s2cid=255155712 }}</ref>


; Abhishek (holy bath ritual to goddess)
===Navratri Animal sacrifice ritual ===
{{See also | Animal sacrifice in Hinduism | Jhatka}}


At 6:00 PM, the goddess abhishekam is done by  Panchamruta and water from Gomukha and puja is performed. The arrangement of these materials is done by the Karvir (Kolhapur) princely state.
On the ninth day of the autumn [[Navratri]] festival and [[Dussera]], [[Animal_sacrifice_in_Hinduism|goats are sacrificed]] in honour of the goddess.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chavan |first1=Vijay |title=Ban animal sacrifice for Navratri in state: Activist |url=https://punemirror.indiatimes.com/pune/others/ban-animal-sacrifice-for-navratri-in-state-activist/articleshow/60756259.cms |access-date=7 October 2019 |work=September 20, 2017 |publisher=Pune Mirror |date=2017}}</ref> The actual sacrificial slaughter is carried out by the Mahar community for both the Bhavani temple as well as the Matangi temple.<ref name="Krishnan & Jambhulkar 2015"/>


; Shejarti (nightly sleep songs ritual) and Prakkshal
===Maratha priests===


At night the Prakkshal ritual is performed using the holy water from the Gomukha and the Naivedya of Tup ([[Ghee]]) and cooked [[Rice]] (Bhat) is offered.
Pilgrims usually have longstanding hereditary relationship with a particular "[[pujari]] (priest) family"" who serve as the host for the pilgrims by providing accommodation, food, ritual offering to the deity such as [[sari]] blouse pieces, bangles, coconut, [[vermillion]], turmeric, [[Religious significance of rice in India|puffed rice]], flower garlands, and [[prasada]] (ritual offering of food to the deity before being distributed to the devotees).The prasada can be vegetarian or at times of meat from a sacrificed goat.<ref name=Shinde2013/>


During every Aarti, ritual musical instruments such as tal, dimdi and zanj are played. [[Gondhali Community|Gondhali]] play the Sambal instrument as Chaughada are played.
Unlike [[brahmin]] or [[gurav]] priests at other temples in Maharashtra, the main priests of the Bhavani temple are from the [[Maratha (caste)|Maratha]] 153 Palikar & [[Bhopa|Bhope]] clan, who offer services to the pilgrims.<ref name="Krishnan & Jambhulkar 2015">{{cite journal |last1=Krishnan |first1=Sanjana |last2=Jambhulkar |first2=Rahul |title=Caste, Religious Institutions and Domination |journal=Economic and Political Weekly |date=2015 |volume=50 |issue=37 |pages=15–18 |jstor=24482364 }}</ref>


==Ajabali==
The priests of two other temples, Matangi Devi Temple and Adimaya Devi Temple in the Tulha Bhavani temple complex, belong to the [[Mahar]] community.<ref name="Krishnan & Jambhulkar 2015"/>
On Khandenavami and [[Dussera]] festival, animals are sacrificed in the honour of the goddess.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chavan |first1=Vijay |title=Ban animal sacrifice for Navratri in state: Activist |url=https://punemirror.indiatimes.com/pune/others/ban-animal-sacrifice-for-navratri-in-state-activist/articleshow/60756259.cms |access-date=7 October 2019 |work=September 20, 2017 |publisher=Pune Mirror |date=2017}}</ref>


==Temple management==
==Development plans==
The day-to-day affairs of the temple are looked after by the trust which is headed by the [[District Collector]]. The board of trustees include the deputy collector, the member representing Tuljapur in [[Maharashtra Legislative Assembly]] (MLA), the town Mayor (Nagaradhyaksha), and the Tahsildar.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tuljabhavani.in/about.html|title=Tuljabhavani Temple History|website=www.tuljabhavani.in|access-date=2016-11-17}}</ref>


===Temple Priests===
'''Tulja Bhavani Temple Corridor''': In 2025, INR 1,865 crore plan was announced by the [[Government of Maharashtra]] for the overall development of the Tulja Bhavani Temple Corridor, which will be completed over three and half years, i.e. December 2028.<ref name=plandevp1/>
Unlike many other temples, the main priests (pujaris) of the temple are from a [[Maratha]] Bhope clan.  There are 16 head bhope pujaris who perform puja of goddesses since ancient times. Bhope pujaris are from Malba,  Sonji, Parmeshwar, Udaji, Patil, Bhoperao clans.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Krishnan |first1=Sanjana |last2=Jambhulkar |first2=Rahul |title=Caste, Religious Institutions and Domination |journal=Economic and Political Weekly |date=2015 |volume=L |issue=37 |pages=15–18 |url=https://discuss.forumias.com/uploads/FileUpload/cb/c4e3c5bf62ea2d09830a7bd109631a.pdf}}</ref><ref>[http://discuss.forumias.com/uploads/FileUpload/cb/c4e3c5bf62ea2d09830a7bd109631a.pdf]</ref> There are however, some Brahmin priestly families associated with the temple who serve the needs of the Brahmin and other communities.
The priests of two other temples, Matangi and Adimaya in the temple complex belong to the Mahar community.<ref>Krishnan, S. and Jambhulkar, R., 2015. Caste, Religious Institutions and Domination. Economic & Political Weekly, 50(37), p.16.[http://discuss.forumias.com/uploads/FileUpload/cb/c4e3c5bf62ea2d09830a7bd109631a.pdf]</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|India|Hinduism}}
* [[Dewas Tekri]] (also has a famous Tulja Bhawani - Badi Mata Mandir, in [[Dewas Junior State]].)


* [[Dharashiv Caves]]
* [[Dharashiv Caves]], 5th century temple caves 8 km west of [[Dharashiv]] and 30 km north of Tulja Bhavani Temple.
* [[Bhavani]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
== Notes ==
{{notelist}}


==External links==
==External links==
Line 110: Line 217:
{{Hindu temples in Maharashtra}}
{{Hindu temples in Maharashtra}}


[[Category:Hindu goddesses]]
[[Category:Shakta pithas]]
[[Category:Shakti Peethas]]
[[Category:Hindu temples in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Hindu temples in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Osmanabad district]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Osmanabad district]]
[[Category:Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Hindu temples practicing animal sacrifice]]
[[Category:Hindu temples practicing animal sacrifice]]

Latest revision as of 01:19, 20 February 2026



Shree Tulja Bhavani Temple
तुळजा भवानी मन्दिर
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
DistrictDharashiv district
DeityBhavani (as Amba Bhavani or Amba Bai)
Festivals
  • Navaratri
  • Dussehra
  • Ganesh Chaturthi
  • Holi
  • Deepawali (Diwali)
Governing bodyShri Tulja Bhavani Temple Trust
Features
  • Temple tree: 3 big trees
Location
LocationRaje Shahaji Mahadwar Road, Jijamata Nagar, Tuljapur, Dharashiv district, Maharashtra - 413601
StateMaharashtra
CountryIndia
Tulja Bhavani Temple is located in India
Tulja Bhavani Temple
Location in Maharashtra
Tulja Bhavani Temple is located in Maharashtra
Tulja Bhavani Temple
Tulja Bhavani Temple (Maharashtra)
Coordinates18°00′41″N 76°07′32″E / 18.011386°N 76.125641°E / 18.011386; 76.125641
Architecture
TypeHemadpanti architecture
StyleHemadpanthi style
CreatorMaratha King Mahamandaleshwara Māradadeva
Established1169; 857 years ago (1169)
Completed1169; 857 years ago (1169)
Specifications
InscriptionsDharur Inscription
MaterialsBlack stone
Elevation648 m (2,126 ft)
Website
shrituljabhavanitempletrust.org
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Shree Tulaja Bhavani Temple (Marathi: श्री तुळजाभवानी मंदिर), is a 12th century CE Hindu temple dedicated to goddess Bhavani. It was built in 12th century CE by Mahamandaleshwara Māradadeva of the Kadamb dynasty. Considered as one of the 51 Shakti Pithas, it is located on the banks of Mandakini River and Bori Dam in Yamunachala Hill of Balaghat Range of Tuljapur, which is 45 km northeast of Solapur, in Dharashiv district of Maharashtra in India.[1]

This Tuljapur Bhavani temple, along with Renuka temple at Mahur (330 km northeast of Tuljapur), Mahalaxmi temple at Kolhapur (275 southwest of Tuljapur), and Saptashringi temple at Vani (375 northwest of Tuljapur), make up the four great Shaktipithas of Maharashtra.[2]

There are other temples of Tulja Bhavani in India, such as the Chittorgarh Fort Tulja Bhavani Temple at Chittorgarh built in 1537–1540. This is 960 km north of Tuljapur. As well as this, there is the Patnakuva Tulja Bhavani Temple in the Gandhinagar district of Gujarat, which is 1,000 km northwest of Tuljapur.[citation needed]

Goddess Bhavani at Tuljapur[edit | edit source]

Etymology and other names of Bhavani[edit | edit source]

"Bhavani" literally translates to "giver of life", meaning the power of nature or the source of creative energy. She is considered to be a mother goddess who provides to her devotees and also plays the role of dispensing justice by killing Asuras (demons). [citation needed]

The Goddess "Tulja Bhavani" is also known as Tulaja, Turaja, Tvarita and Amba.

Goddess Bhavani the incarnation of Goddess Durga[edit | edit source]

Bhavani is a form of the goddess Durga who is worshipped in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Rajasthan, entire North India, Northern Karnataka, and Nepal, Andhra Pradesh.[3]

Skanda Purana legend of Goddess Bhavani[edit | edit source]

One of the earliest legends related to the Goddess Bhavani is mentioned in the Skanda Purana (8th century or earlier). The legend involves a demon, Madhu-Kaitabh, who was wreaking havoc upon both the gods and humans. Unable to find any solution, they turned to Lord Brahma for help, who advised them to turn to the Goddess Shakti. She took up the form of a destroyer, and powered by the other Sapta Matas, namely Brahmani who manifested from Brahma, Chamunda from Chandi, Kaumari from Kartikeya, Indrani from Indra, Maheshvari from Shiva, Vaishnavi from Vishnu, and Varahi from Varaha, vanquished the demon and restored peace. The legend also states that Bhavani slaid another demon that had taken up the disguise of a buffalo (Mahisha), and took shelter on the Yamunachala Hill which is part of Balaghat mountain range.[4]

According to this legend, there was a sage named Kardama with a consort named Anubhuthi with their infant child, in this area. After sage Kardama's death, his wife Anubhuthi performed a penance for goddess in the name of Bhavani on the Yamunachala hillock on the banks of the river Mandakini River (presently known as the Bori River) to look after her child. While performing the penance two Rakshasa (demon) jointly known as Madhu-Kaitabha (also called Kukur) tried to disturb her penance during which the Goddess Bhavani came to the aid of Anubhuthi and killed the demon Kukur. From that day onwards, the Goddess Bhavani came to be known a Tulaja Bhavani. The goddess, upon the prayer of her favourite devotee, settled in Tuljapur on the Yamunachala Hill of Balaghat Range, where the temple was built in 12th century. Since then the Mother Goddess came to be called as Bhavani of Tuljapur or Tulja Bhavani.[citation needed]

Goddess Bhavani as Kuldevi[edit | edit source]

The Goddess is a kuldevi (clan goddess) for many Maratha clans of Maharashtra.[5] The Goddess is either revered by or is the Family Deity for many other Marathi castes at different levels of the social hierarchy[6] The Goddess is either revered by or is the Family Deity for many castes including Kadam, Bhope, Banjara or Lamani or Gorbanjara, Dhangar, Mali, Deshastha Brahmin, Bharbhunja, Burud, Kolhati, Gavli, Jogi, Johar, San Teli, Gavandi, Pangul, Sonar, Lonari, Kasar, Bhute, Kalar, Aagri and Koli, Bhavsar, etc.

Temple complex[edit | edit source]

Idol of Tulja Bhawani in the sanctum.

12th century Bhavani Bhavani main temple[edit | edit source]

Temple history[edit | edit source]

Tulja Bhavani Temple here was built in the 12th century CE. The Goddess is said to be swayambhu` ("self-manifested" or "that which is created by its own accord").[lower-alpha 1] There is a "yagna kund" (holy fire pit) in front of this temple.

Idol of Goddess Bhavani in the temple[edit | edit source]

The tandla (idol) of Goddess Tulja Bhawani is three-feet tall and made of granite, with eight arms holding weapons, and bearing the head of the slain demon Mahishasura. Devotees bow in devotion upon seeing the finely shaped, tandla of the self-manifested goddess, which is adorned with vermilion, ornaments, and decorations.

3 Entrances[edit | edit source]

Sardar Nimbalkar entrance and related temples[edit | edit source]

The main entrance of the temple bears the name of Sardar Nimbalkar.

  • Markandeya Rishi Temple: Inside the entrance, there is a temple dedicated to the sage Markandeya Rishi on the right.
  • Tulja Bhavani Temple: After descending the stairs from the Sardar Nimbalkar entrance, one sees the main Tulja Temple.
  • Gomukh Theerth and Kallol Theerth (Kalakh): After alighting from the stairs, there is "Gomukh Theerth" on the right side and "Kalakh", also known as "Kallol Theerth" on the left side. Before entering the sanctum sanctorum of the Goddess, devotees take a dip here in these theerths (shallow tanks of holy water).
  • Adi Maya Adi Shakti temple: This temple Adi Maya (Mahadevi) is located on the right side of the main entrance and to the north of the main Tulja Bhavani temple. The pooja ([prayer) is performed here first, before the pooja of Tulja Bhavani. The priests of this temple belong to the Mahar community.
  • Siddhi Vinayak temple: Situated on the left side of the main entrance of the complex.
Shahaji entrance and Jijabai entrance[edit | edit source]

The other two entrances are named after the parents of Chhatrapati Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha Empire, his father Shahaji and his mother Jijabai. There are two libraries named, Shree Santh Dnyaneshwar Dharmik Library and Shree Tukaram Dharmik Library respectively.

Chhatrapati Maharaja Shivaji was reputed to frequently visit this temple to seek blessings.[citation needed]

Other temples in the complex[edit | edit source]

  • Aadishakti Aadimata Matangi Devi temple: Temple of Goddess Matangi, a tantric manifestation of the goddess Saraswati, is another distinct shrine within the Tulja Bhavani temple complex. The priests of this temple belong to the Mahar community.
  • Datta temple: Also on the premises.
  • Yamai Devi temple, elder sister of Goddess Tulja Bhavani : Since there is also a temple of Yamai Devi within the Tuljapur temple complex itself, devotees are able to have the darshan (sacred viewing) of both divine sisters in one place, which is considered a religious convenience. Another temple of Yamai Devi is in Aundh in Satara district 215 km west of Tuljapur. Since the Aundh Yamai Devi temple is considered the original seat (Mulpeeth) of the Yamai Devi, many devotees after visiting the Tulja Bhavani temple at Tuljapur, continue the tradition of visiting Yamai Devi at Aundh or one of the twelve prominent sub-shrines of the goddess Yamai located at Mardi (Solapur district) 35 km northeast of Tuljapur.

Temple management[edit | edit source]

The day-to-day affairs of the temple are looked after by the trust which is headed by the District Collector. The board of trustees include the deputy collector, the member representing Tuljapur in Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (MLA), the town Mayor (Nagaradhyaksha), and the Tahsildar (subdistrict revenue officer).[7]

Pilgrim numbers[edit | edit source]

As of 2025, 150,000,000 pilgrims visit the temple every year.[8]

Rituals[edit | edit source]

Daily rituals[edit | edit source]

The temple follows a set of elaborate rituals for the deity. These include priests offering a daily ritual bath, change of clothes, and offering food to the deity four times a day. The daily routine also includes offering devotional prayers to the Goddess. In the evening the deity is ceremoniously put to rest.[9]

Special occasions rituals[edit | edit source]

On special occasions such as the birthdays or marriages, in addition to a ritual bath, the tandla of the Goddess is taken around Tuljapur town in a procession.[9]

Navratri Animal sacrifice ritual[edit | edit source]

See also: Animal sacrifice in Hinduism and Jhatka

On the ninth day of the autumn Navratri festival and Dussera, goats are sacrificed in honour of the goddess.[10] The actual sacrificial slaughter is carried out by the Mahar community for both the Bhavani temple as well as the Matangi temple.[11]

Maratha priests[edit | edit source]

Pilgrims usually have longstanding hereditary relationship with a particular "pujari (priest) family"" who serve as the host for the pilgrims by providing accommodation, food, ritual offering to the deity such as sari blouse pieces, bangles, coconut, vermillion, turmeric, puffed rice, flower garlands, and prasada (ritual offering of food to the deity before being distributed to the devotees).The prasada can be vegetarian or at times of meat from a sacrificed goat.[9]

Unlike brahmin or gurav priests at other temples in Maharashtra, the main priests of the Bhavani temple are from the Maratha 153 Palikar & Bhope clan, who offer services to the pilgrims.[11]

The priests of two other temples, Matangi Devi Temple and Adimaya Devi Temple in the Tulha Bhavani temple complex, belong to the Mahar community.[11]

Development plans[edit | edit source]

Tulja Bhavani Temple Corridor: In 2025, INR 1,865 crore plan was announced by the Government of Maharashtra for the overall development of the Tulja Bhavani Temple Corridor, which will be completed over three and half years, i.e. December 2028.[8]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ L. G. Rajwade, Member; G. A. Sharma, Member; P. Setu Madhava Rao, Member; V. V. Mirashi, Member; S. M. Katre, Member; C. D. Deshpande, Member; B. G. Kunte, Member; K. K. Chaudhari, Member; V. N. Gurav, Member (1972). Maharashtra State Gazetteers: Osmanabad District. Bombay, Directorate of Government Printing Stationery and Publications. pp. 47–48.
  2. ↑ Eleanor Zelliot; Maxine Berntsen. Experience of Hinduism, The: Essays on Religion in Maharashtra. SUNY Press. p. 175. ISBN 978-1-4384-2477-4.
  3. ↑ "Redirect Notice". www.google.com. 15 September 2018. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  4. ↑ Sunita Pant Bansal (2008). Hindu Pilgrimage. Pustak Mahal. p. 112. ISBN 978-81-223-0997-3.
  5. ↑ Devdutt Pattanaik (2003). Indian Mythology: Tales, Symbols, and Rituals from the Heart of the Subcontinent. Inner Traditions / Bear & Co. pp. 82–. ISBN 978-0-89281-870-9.
  6. ↑ ul Hassan, S. S. (1920). The Castes and Tribes of HEH the Nizam's Dominions (Vol. 1). Asian educational services. pp. 49, 46, 88, 97, 109, 118, 183, 234, 280, 622, 616, 556, 595, 407, 304, 370, 338.
  7. ↑ "Tuljabhavani Temple History". www.tuljabhavani.in. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Maharashtra Minister Pratap Sarnaik Announces ₹1,865 Crore Tuljapur Temple Development Project; CM Devendra Fadnavis To Inaugurate, Free Press Journal, 17 June 2025.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Shinde, Kiran A. (December 2013). "Re–scripting the Legends of Tuḷjā Bhavānī : Texts, Performances, and New Media in Maharashtra". International Journal of Hindu Studies. 17 (3): 313–337. doi:10.1007/s11407-014-9144-z. JSTOR 24713647. S2CID 255155712.
  10. ↑ Chavan, Vijay (2017). "Ban animal sacrifice for Navratri in state: Activist". September 20, 2017. Pune Mirror. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 Krishnan, Sanjana; Jambhulkar, Rahul (2015). "Caste, Religious Institutions and Domination". Economic and Political Weekly. 50 (37): 15–18. JSTOR 24482364.

Notes[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ It is true that God or Goddess is always referred as ‘swayambhu’ in Vedas, Puranas and many legends. But it does not refer to the stone idol installed in a temple. What is attributed is to the invisible Supreme power.

External links[edit | edit source]

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