Holy Pilgrimage – Temples in Maharashtra State -10 at 9:43 PM

Holy Pilgrimage – Temples in Maharashtra State

Sidhhanath Temple, Kharsundi, Maharashtra

Siddhanath is believed to be incarnation of Lord Shiva. Siddhanath is patron god of Atpadi and adjacent regions and one of among several regional protective (Kshetrapal) gods of Maharashtra.

Kharsundi is a village located in Atpadi Taluka, Sangli District of Maharashtra, India.

  Kharsundi is well known for Lord Siddhanath. Siddhanath is believed to be incarnation of Lord Shiva. Siddhanath is patron god of Atpadi and adjacent regions and one of among several regional protective (Kshetrapal) gods of Maharashtra. The village is well known in southern India for its large cattle fair, mainly for Khillari breed bulls.

 

Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, Nasik

Trimbakeshwar (Marathi: त्र्यंबकेश्वर, Tryambakeśvara) or Trambakeshwar is an ancient Hindu temple in the town of Trimbak, in the Nashik District of Maharashtra, India, 28 km from the city of Nashik GPS Reference 19°55′N, 73°30′E. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
It is located at the source of the Godavari River, the longest river in peninsular India. The Godavari River, which is considered sacred within Hinduism, originates from Bramhagiri mountains and meets the sea near Rajahmudry. Kusavarta, a kund is considered the symbolic origin of the river Godavari, and revered by Hindus as a sacred bathing place. The current temple was built by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao (a.k.a Nanasaheb).

  Jyotirlinga

As per Shiv Mahapuran, once Brahma (the Hindu God of creation) and Vishnu (the Hindu God of preservation) had an argument in terms of supremacy of creation.  To test them, Shiva pierced the three worlds as a huge endless pillar of light, the jyotirlinga. Vishnu and Brahma split their ways to downwards and upwards respectively to find the end of the light in either directions. Brahma lied that he found out the end, while Vishnu conceded his defeat. Shiva appeared as a second pillar of light and cursed Brahma that he would have no place in ceremonies while Vishnu would be worshipped till the end of eternity. The jyotirlinga is the supreme partless reality, out of which Shiva partly appears. The jyothirlinga shrines, thus are places where Shiva appeared as a fiery column of light.  Originally there were believed to be 64 jyothirlingas while 12 of them are considered to be very auspicious and holy Each of the twelve jyothirlinga sites take the name of the presiding deity - each considered different manifestation of Shiva.  At all these sites, the primary image is lingam representing the beginningless and endless Stambha pillar, symbolizing the infinite nature of Shiva. The twelve jyothirlinga are Somnath in Gujarat, Mallikarjuna at Srisailam in Andra Pradesh, Mahakaleswar at Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh, Kedarnath in Himalayas, Bhimashankar in Maharastra, Viswanath at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Triambakeshwar in Maharastra, Vaidyanath at Deoghar in Jharkand, Nageswar at Dwarka in Gujarat, Rameshwar at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu and Grishneshwar at Aurangabad in Maharastra

In Mythology, history and present

Trimbakeshwar is a religious center having one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The extraordinary feature of the Jyotirlinga located here is its three faces embodying Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Rudra. Due to excessive use of water, the linga has started to erode. It is said that this erosion symbolizes the eroding nature of human society. The Lingas are covered by a jeweled crown which is placed over the Gold Mask of Tridev (Brahma Vishnu Mahesh). The crown is said to be from the age of Pandavs and consists of diamonds, emeralds, and many precious stones. The crown is displayed every Monday from 4-5 pm (Shiva).
All other Jyotirlingas have Shiva as the main deity. The entire black stone temple is known for its appealing architecture and sculpture and is at the foothills of a mountain called Brahmagiri. Three sources of the Godavari originate from the Brahmagiri mountain.

Story related to Godavari river

  Brahmadev worshipped God Trivikram when he came to Satya Loka (on earth) with the same holy water of the Ganges, to get the river Ganges held up by God Shankar on his head, to flow. There was a famine of 24 years and people were affected by the pangs of hunger. However, Varun - the God of Rains, pleased with Sage Gautama arranged rains every day in Gautama's Ashram (dwelling place) which was in Trimbakeshwar. Gautama used to sow rice in the surrounding fields of his Ashram in the morning, reap the crop in the afternoon and with it fed a large group of rishis, who took shelter in his Ashram on account of the famine. The blessings of the group of rishis increased the merit (Punya) of Gautama. Lord Indra's position became shaky because of his increased merit. So Indra ordered clouds to rain all over Trimbakeshwar, so that the famine will be over and Rishis will go back and the increasing merits of Gautama will be weakened. Although the famine was over, Gautama urged the Rishis to stay back and kept on feeding them and gaining merit. Once he saw a cow grazing in the paddy field and he drove her away by throwing Darbha (sharp, pointed grass). The slender cow died by this. It was Jaya - Parvati's friend, who had taken the form of a cow. This news upset the Rishis and they refused to luncheon at his Ashram. Gautama requested Rishis to show a way out of this sin. He was advised to approach Lord Shiva and request him to release Ganges and a bath in the Ganges would set him free of his sins. Gautama then practiced penance by going to the peak of Brahmagiri. Lord Shankara was pleased by his worships and gave him the Ganges.

 

However, Ganges was not prepared to part with Lord Shiva, which irritated him. He made TandavNrutya (dance) on the peak of Brahmagiri and dashed his jata there. Frightened by this action, Ganges appeared on Brahmagiri. Later on Ganges appeared in the Trimbak Tirtha. Gautama praised her but she off and on appeared on the mountain at various places and disappeared in anger. Gautama could not bathe in her waters. Ganges then appeared in Gangadwar, Varaha-tirtha, Rama-Laxman tirtha, Ganga Sagar tirtha. Still Gautama could not bathe in her waters. The Gautama surrounded the river with enchanted grass and put a vow to her. The flow stopped there and the tirtha thus came to be called Kushavarta. It is from this Kushavarta that the river Godavari flows up to the sea. The sin of killing a cow by Gautama was wiped off here.
This place is famous for lots of religious rituals (vidhis). Narayan Nagbali, Kalsarpa Shanti, Tripindi vidhi are done here. Narayan Nagbali puja is performed at Trimbakeshwar only. This puja is performed in three days. This puja is performed on special dates. Some days are not suitable to perform this puja. This puja is performed for many reasons like to cure an illness, going through bad times, killing a Cobra (Nag), childless couples, financial crisis or you want to perform some religious puja to have everything.
Trimbakeshwar town has a large number of Brahmin households and is also a centre for Vedic Gurukuls (kind of boarding school). It also has ashrams and Muths devoted to Ashtanga Yoga, the Hindu art of living.
The existing temple was built out of basalt after it was commissioned by Peshwa Nanasaheb. It so happens that the Peshwa made a bet on whether the stone surrounding the Jyotirlinga, is hollow from the inside or not. The stone was proved to be hollow, and on losing the bet, the Peshwa built a marvelous temple out of it. The Shiva deity of the temple consisted of the world famous Nassak Diamond. It was appropriated by the British in The Third Anglo-Maratha War and lies with one owner or the other ever since. The diamond presently lies with Edward J. Hand, a trucking firm executive from Greenwich, Connecticut, USA
The place is known for its scenic beauty in rainy/monsoon season and is surrounded by lush green hills untouched by pollution. Anjaneri mountain, the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, is 7 km from Trimbakeshwar.

Shri Nilambika/Dattatreya/Matamba Temple

This temple is on top of the Neel mountain. All goddesses ('Matamba','Renuka','Mananmba') came here to see 'Parashuram' when he was performing penance (tapas). After his penance he requested all goddesses to stay there and the temple was formed for these goddesses. God Dattatreya दत्तात्रेय (Shripad Shrivallabh) stayed here for some years.as well as neelkantheshwar mahadev ancient mandir is also situated right behind the Dattatrey temple. & in the feets of this Neel parvat :Annapurna ashram,renuka devi,khandoba temple is also here.

 

Trambakeshwar (Trimbakeshwar) is an ancient Hindu temple in the town of Trimbak, in the Nashik District of Maharashtra, India, 28 km from the city of Nashik. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingaas. ( Temple Timing 5.30 Am - 9.00 PM ) It is located at the source of the Godavari River, the longest river in peninsular India. The Godavari River, which is considered sacred within Hinduism, originates from Bramhagiri mountains and meets the sea near Rajahmudry. Kushavarta, a kund is considered the symbolic origin of the river Godavari, and revered by Hindus as a sacred bathing place.

Narayana Nagabali (Pitru Dosha)

Narayan Nagbali consists of two different rituals. Narayan bali is done to get rid of ancestral curse (Pitru dosh /Pitru Shaap) while Nag bali is done to get rid of sin performed by killing snake, specially Cobra which is worshipped in India. It can be performed only at Trimbakeshwar.
Narayan Bali ritual is done to fulfill the unsatisfied desires of the ancestral souls which are stuck in the world and trouble their progeny. Narayan Bali consists of the same ritual as Hindu funeral. An artificial body mostly made of wheat flour is used. Mantras are used to invoke such souls who are having certain wishes remaining attached. The ritual makes them possess the body and the funeral frees them to other world.
Nagbali ritual is done to get rid of sin of killing nag (Cobra). In this ritual also the funeral is performed on the body of snake made with wheat dough.
Narayan Nagbali is one of the main rituals performed at Trimbakeshwar. Ancient scriptures like Dharma Sindhu, which describes various religious rites, mentions that this particular ritual should be done only at Trimbakeshwar. The references are found even in Skandh Puran and Padma Puran about this age-old tradition.

Importance & Procedures of The Pooja ?

For Problems like Bhoot Pishach Badha, unsuccessful in Business, Waste of Money, Family health Problems, Argument with others, Educational hindrances, Marriage Problems, Accidental Death, Unnecessary expenses, Health problems in many family members, All kind of Curse (shrap). Narayan Nagbali is performed to get respite from various problems.
It gives good health, success in business and career and fulfils wishes. It is a three day ritual on a particular day and time (muhurta). On the first day, the devotees should take a holy bath in Kushavarta and resolve to give dashdaan (give ten things in charity). After offering prayers at the Trimbakeshwar temple, they go to the dharmashala at the confluence of rivers Godavari and Ahilya for performing Narayan Nagbali.
Narayanbali-Nagbali pooja is performed at Trimbakeshwar only. This puja is performed in three days. This puja needs a special dates to perform it. Some days are not suitable to perform this puja. This puja is performed for so many reasons. If one has suffering from illness, going through bad times, someone in family has killed Nag (cobra). Or one is having a problem to have a kids or just you have everything and you want to perform some religious puja to have everything.

Things to be Noted :

• The Pooja of Narayan Nagbali is of 3 days.
• Please come one day before or early in the morning till 6 AM on the date muhurta.
• The daxina includes all the Pooja Samugri & Food arrangement for 2 Persons per Pooja .
• Please bring with you new white clothes dhoti, gamcha, napkin and for your wife saree, blouse etc. (Other than black or green colors).
• Bring with you and one nos of idol of snake made using 1.25 gram of gold And 8 nos of silvers.
• Reservation for this ritual must be made minimum 4 days in advance by informing us. Your name and telephone number is to be registered before coming for the rites. It is inevitable to make reservations to avail all the facilities. Reservations can be made through phone or mail. Those individuals who are interested in getting the Pooja to be done should get the time booked at least 5 days in advance

Tripinda Shradda

Tripindi Shradha is an offering in the memory of the dear departed. If for three consecutive years the offerings are not made to the dear departed then the dead gets vehement, so to calm them these offerings are made.

Types of afflictions :

One month of humans equals one day for the dead. The day of new moon is the lunar day for the dead. On this day Darsha Shradha is performed. Unsatisfied dead harasses in the form of demon. Cancellation of rites meant for the forefathers, denying offerings made in the memory of the dear departed and spiritual procedures if not performed as per the traditions then problems may arise from goblin, corpse, demi-gods, the 27'th lunar mansions and may led to religious discord. Such tribulations may occur intermittently and may span in a period of one day, three days or fifteen days. It may also lead to delay in marriage prospects, failure in business, receding prosperity day after day.
Tripindi Shradha must be performed to resolve such calamities. Its assertion is mentioned in "Shradha Chintamani".

Remedy as Tripindi Shradha :

This rite can be performed on the important months like 5th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th and 2nd month of the Hindu calendar and on 5th, 8th, 11th, 13th, 14th, 30th in the dark half of the lunar month is the lunar day or Sunday. But if fierce-day agony is experienced then Tripindi Shradha must be performed immediately. This measure is mentioned in "Godayatra Viveka-Darsha".

As per the above text, Tripindi Rite can be performed in Trimbakeshwar.

In this religious act of oblation to the dear departed, 'Yekechiprapene pindayente cha maheshwar' affirmation is mentioned. Kalidas has mentioned in his Raghuvansh MahaKavya (epic) ' Maheshwara Trambak yeva napparha'. After all maheshwar Sanghya is meant for Trimbakeshwar. 'Hey Maheshwara, (Trambak) whoever is harassing us in the form of demon destroy them all' is my prayer to you. Dead in the form of demon Ravi when it is positioned between Kanya (Virgo) and Tula (Libra) they attack on earth. This is a very important and right phase and time for offerings to the departed. By performing this Kaam Shradha (Offerings) one is liberated from the demons. Do not perform this Kaam Shradha during the festivity of Navratra. Also do not perform Tripindi Shradha and Tirtha Shradha on the same day. Perform it on different days but if you are short of time then firstly perform the Tripindi Shradha and then perform the Tirtha Shradha.

Performing Tripindi Shradha:

This religious act should be performed at a holy place meant for demon liberation or sacrifice. Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh are the main Gods in this rite. Of the two kinds, from the earth, from the sky and spirit, virtue, particle, irascible also infant, young and old dead in all stages are oppressed with vehement emotions. In the end one must perform Tripindi Shradha as per the tradition and conventions. Before this rite it is necessary to undertake holy dip in Ganga for expiation and body purification. Here Skhaur is not necessary. As Shakhur is innate part of expiation, Tripindi rite is to be performed accompanied by wife. One can perform this rite even if you are single or a widower. In this God Brahma (Silver), Vishnu (Gold), Rudra (Copper) are omnipresent

 

Rudra Abhisheka

Rudra Abhishek is a ritual where Panchamrut Pooja is offers to lord Trimbakeshwara with powerful hymns/mantras to fulfills all the wishes of the person who gets it performed.
This Abhishekha bestows prosperity, fulfillment of all desires, it removes negativity, cut off the negative karma and give all round happiness in life.
 The Panchamrut pooja contains Milk,Curd,Ghee,Huney and Sugar. It is done for fulfilling our desires, and for prosperity. It is a very special type of Puja which is done by only Local Brahmins of the Trimbakeshwar at the temple .This bestows prosperity, fulfillment and give all aground happiness in life Ahishekha is perormed by Chanting the verses of Sanskrit sholakas ('Suktas') (Rudra )and simultaneously offering either holy leaves, holy water, honey, Milk, curd (yogurt), sugar, cane juice to Lord Trimbakeshwar.
Verses are Pronounced loudly by priests they are written in ('San-Skrit' language pronounced as sun-s-krita ) ancient Indian language. There is a belief that ,this language is use for communication by God.Priest's usually can chant in this language. The vibrations generated from this chanting heals the mind of listeners and will give him/her peace of mind.
There are following Abhisheka can be performed based on the name of Prayers. These prayar's are written by ancient saints to please God.
1. Rudra Abhishek
2. Laghu-Rudra Abhishekha
3. Maha-Rudra Abhishekha

What is Kalasarpa Yoga ?

This happens when there are all planets coming between Rahu and Ketu. This results in failure and dejection. because all the karyas don?t happen accordingly to the efforts put in. often leading to negativity, and inferiority complex. This vidhi done by vaidik procedure is very effective although very simple. There is a special pooja to be done which can be done at our place. or you can get this pooja done at your place, we are open for help regarding the pooja. The Kal Sarp Yoga is formed when all the planets are situated between Rahu & Ketu.
When all the planets are hemmed between Rahu and Ketu i.e., the moon's north node and the moon's south node Kal Sarp Yoga is formed. Complete Kal Sarp Yoga is formed only when half of the chart is unoccupied by planets.
The KalSarpa Yoga is a dreaded yoga that can cause one's life to be miserable. A person under the affliction of this yoga leads a life of pain and misfortune. If it is highly afflicted this yoga has the capacity to cancel out all the good Yoga's of the chart.
This KalSarp Yoga can be formed in any person's horoscope like king, rich, president, prime-minister, peon, poor etc. and those who have KalSarpa Yog in their horoscope, in spite they have all kind of facilities but still they always suffer from some tension, fear, & insecurity. A person who has bitten by snack cannot sit comfortably like this a person who has KalSarpa Yog in his horoscope always fear from death. This yog is more dangerous than other malefic yoga. This yog effects a person till 55 years and some time throughout his life, its depend upon the position of KalSarpa yoga. There are various types of this yoga and are mentioned in detail here.

Ananta Kaalsarpa Yog
 When Rahu and Ketu are placed in the first and seventh position in a horoscope then it said to be Anant Kalsarpa Yog. This conjunction of planets impact can cause an individual to suffer from disgrace, anxiety, inferiority complex and water phobia.

Kulik Kaalsarpa Yog
 When Rahu and Ketu are placed in the second and eighth position in a horoscope then it said to be Kulik Kalasarpa Yog. This conjunction of planets impact can cause an individual to suffer from monetary loss, accident, speech disorder, strife in family, nervous break down and many such hazards.

Vasuki Kaalsarpa Yog
 When Rahu and Ketu are placed in the third and ninth position in a horoscope then it said to be Vasuki Kalasarpa Yog. This conjunction of planets impact can cause an individual to suffer from loss from brother-sister, blood pressure, sudden death and loss borne due to relatives.

Shankhapal Kaalsarpa Yog
 When Rahu and Ketu are placed in the fourth and tenth position in a horoscope then it said to be Shakhpal Kalasarpa Yog. This conjunction of planets impact can cause an individual's mother to suffer from affliction also the individual is deprived from fatherly affection, leads a laborious life, can face job related problems, can suffer from death in a worse condition in a foreign location.

Padma Kaalsarpa Yog
 When Rahu and Ketu are placed in the fifth and eleventh position in a horoscope then it said to be Padma Kalasarpa Yog. This conjunction of planets impact can cause an individual to face hindrances in education, wife's illness, delay in child bearing and loss from friends.

Maha Padma Kaalsarpa Yog
 When Rahu and Ketu are placed in the sixth and twelfth position in a horoscope then it said to be Maha Padma Kalasarpa Yog. This conjunction of planets impact can cause an individual to suffer from lower back pain, headache, skin diseases, decrease in monetary possession and demoniac possession.

Takshak Kaalsarpa Yog
 When Rahu and Ketu are placed in the seventh and first position in a horoscope then it said to be Takshak Kalasarpa Yog. This conjunction of planets impact can cause an individual to suffer from objectionable behavior, loss in business, dissatisfaction and unhappiness in married life, accident, job related problems, anxiety.

Karkautak Kaalsarpa Yog
 When Rahu and Ketu are placed in the eighth and second position in a horoscope then it said to be Karkautak Kalasarpa Yog. This conjunction of planets impact can cause an individual to suffer from loss of ancestor's property, sexually transmitted diseases, heart attack, and strife in family and danger poisonous creatures.

Shankhachud Kaalsarpa Yog
 When Rahu and Ketu are placed in the ninth and third position in a horoscope then it said to be Shankhachud Kalasarpa Yog. This conjunction of planets leads to anti religious activities, harsh behavior, high blood pressure, constant anxiety and demurring behavior of an individual.

Patak Kaalsarpa Yog
 When Rahu and Ketu are placed in the tenth and fourth position in a horoscope then it said to be Pattak Kalasarpa Yog. This conjunction of planets impact can make an individual wicked and dissolute. An Individual may suffer from low blood pressure. One may experience ghost affliction or robbery in his house.

Vishadhar Kaalsarpa Yog
 When Rahu and Ketu are placed in the eleventh and fifth position in a horoscope then it said to be Vishadhar Kalasarpa Yog. This conjunction of planets impact can make an individual unstable. An individual may go through problems related to children or may go through imprisonment. Also strife between brothers is possible.

Shesnag Kaalsarpa Yog
 When Rahu and Ketu are placed in the twelfth and sixth position in a horoscope then it said to be Shesnag Kalasarpa Yog. This conjunction of planets leads to defeat and misfortune. One may suffer from eye related diseases and may encounter secret enmity and clash and conflicts.

Kalsarpa Shanti Pooja at Trambakeshwar :
Kalsarpa Yog Shanti Pujan must be performed according to the conventions of the Vedic Shanti heritage. The ritual is begun with a holy dip in the Godavari signifying the purification of the mind and soul. Followed by worshipping Lord Mahamritunjay Trimbakeshwar only after which the main ceremony begins.
Kalsarpa Yog is meant to fulfill pleasing wishes and desires so it is important to purify the body by passing atonement resolution. One gets the right to perform the rituals only after attaining expiation for the sins committed with ones knowledge or ignorance. To expiate all the sins committed one is asked to donate cow, the earth, sesame, butter gold and similar such ten donations are made to the spiritual guide. The Worshipper has to claim that the elimination of the Kalsarpa appeared in the horoscope namely Birth/ Gochar /Zodiac that is mentioned in the prime resolution would be carried as per the Vedic Traditions.
After the claim is been made by the worshipper the main ceremony begins. It begins with worshipping Lord Ganesh. By doing this all the obstacles and danger is eliminated and the purpose is achieved sooner.
After Ganesh pujan, Lord Varun pujan also termed as Kalash pujan is performed. In this ceremony Holy Water is bestowed with the respect of God and is worshipped like one worships God. All holy power, holy water and all God and Goddess are invoked through this Kalash (Pot). The worshipper is blessed through Swastivachan with Punyam, Kalyanam, Ridhim, Swastim and Shreeha.
In the main ritual, the sixteen forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped as the second important rite. To embrace all the powers and vitality one has to worship Goddess Durga. We commemorate our ancestors by performing Nandi Shradh to gain blessings of our forefathers.
In the principal ritual along with Lord Shiva Rahu, Kaal (God of Time), Sarpa (Golden Serpent), NavNag (Nine Serpents),After consecration of all Gods they are worshiped with faith and which embodies sixteen items due to which all the Gods are pleased and delighted.
Nine planets exude energy and is beneficial ( Yogkarak ) for us. By worshipping Planets/Stars humans gain strength, intellect and knowledge. Along with this they win over their enemy and make success out of it.
Lord Shiva is worshipped for forgiveness for all the guilt and misconduct. We reap immediate results for an act after worshipping Lord Shiva and while worshipping all the flaws are eradicated.
After that Fire is worshiped to satiate all the Gods, the established powers are fed with oblation by fire. Fire is a messenger to God. When you worship a certain power then God disguise itself as fire and appears in person to accept the oblation paid by fire. When humans are in proximity with fire then all his diseases and vexations are eradicated. Environmental energy is conserved.
After that sacrifice is to be made to satiate left/reverse powers. An oblation of rice is paid to goblin, corpse, devil, fiend, a witch, and a female spirit, ghost and similar such powers.

Maha Mrutyunjaya Mantra Japa

Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is the most powerful of all ancient Sanskrit mantras. It is a mantra that has many names and forms. It is called the Rudra mantra, referring to the furious aspect of Shiva; the Tryambakam mantra, alluding to Shiva's three eyes; and its is sometimes known as the Mrita-Sanjivini mantra because it is a component of the "life-restoring" practice given to the primordial sage Shukra after he had completed an exhausting period of austerity. The Maha Mrityunjaya mantra is hailed by the sages as the heart of the Veda.
Mahamrityunjaya means victory over the great death, victory over the illusion of separateness from spirit.
Mahamritunjay jaap anustan is done for a long and healthy life and to get rid of prolonged sickness. specially for those on their death bed.
Mahamritunjay meaning Trimbakeshwar. Lord Trimbakeshwar represents the aspect of the Supreme being and is considered to be the destroyer of evil and sorrow.
Use Mantra for Healing during/after surgery, for illness, emotional trauma, meditation, massage, or preparation for transition.

|I The Maha Mrityunjaya MantraII
||महा मृत्‍युंजय मंत्र ||
ॐ त्र्यम्‍बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्
उर्वारुकमिव बन्‍धनान् मृत्‍योर्मुक्षीय मा मृतात्

II Meaning of Maha Mrityunjaya MantraII
||महा मृत्‍युंजय मंत्र का अर्थ ||
समस्‍त संसार के पालनहार
तीन नेत्रो वाले शिव की हम अराधना करते है
विश्‍व मे सुरभि फैलाने वाले भगवान शिव
मृत्‍यु न कि मोक्ष से हमे मुक्ति दिलाएं

OM. We worship and adore you, O three-eyed one, O Shiva. You are sweet gladness, the fragrance of life, who nourishes us, restores our health, and causes us to thrive. As, in due time, the stem of the cucumber weakens, and the gourd if freed from the vine, so free us from attachment and death, and do not withhold immortality.

OM	Almighty God
Tryambakam	Three-eyed
Yajamahe	We worship, adore, honor, revere
Sugandhim	Sweet Fragrance
Pushti	A well-nourished condition, thriving, prosperous, full, and complete
Vardhanam	One who nourishes, strengthens, causes to increase (in health, wealth, well-being); who gladdens, exhilarates, and restores health; a good gardener
Urvarukam	Disease, Attachment, Obstacles in life, and Resulting depression
Iva	Like, just as
Bandhanan	Stem (of the gourd); but more generally, unhealthy attachment
Mrityor	From death
Mukshiya	Free us, liberate us
Ma	Not
Amritat	Immortality, emancipation

 

Tulja Bhavani Temple, Maharashtra

Tulja Bhavani Temple (Marathi: श्री क्षेत्र तुळजा भवानी देवस्थान) is a Hindu temple of Goddess Bhavani. It is located in Tuljapur in Osmanabad district of Maharashtra and is considered as one of the 51 Shakti Pithas. It is situated 45  km from Solapur. The temple was built in c. 12th century CE. Another Tulja Bhavani temple was built during 1537-1540 CE in Chittorgarh.^{[1][dead link]} Another temple of Tulja Bhavani is in village Patnakuva Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Tulja Aai is called swayambhu Tulja bhavani.It is said that the Goddess came here from Tuljapur here in the 14th century.
The second among the 'Shaktipeeths' is Tulja Bhavani of Tuljapur. It is the family deity of the Bhosale Royal family. the founder of Maratha Kingdom, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj always visited the temple to seek her blessings. It is believed that the Goddess gifted him a sword - 'the Bhawani sword' - for success in his expeditions. The history of the temple has been mentioned in the ' Skanda_Purana '. There was 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 Mata Bhavani 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 temple is located on the hill of "Bala ghat". The same place is

Tulja Bhavani Idol

The idol of Goddess Tulja Bhawani is a `swayambhu` (self-orinted).  Bhavani is worshipped in the form of a three-foot high granite image, with eight arms holding weapons, bearing the head of the slain demon Mahishasura. Bhawani is also known as Tulaja, Turaja, Tvarita and Amba. The main entrance goes by the name of `Sardar Nimbalkar Pravesh Dwar`. There are two main entrances to get to the main temple. One is called the Raja Shahaji Mahadwar, and the other as Rajmata Jijavu main gate. Going through the Sardar Nimbalkar Pravesh Dwar, there is the Markandeya Rishi`s Temple in the right. After getting down through the stairs, comes the main Tulija Temple. The `yagna kund` is in front of this temple. In the floor of the two main gates (Raja Shahaji Mahadwar and Rajmata Jijavu 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 the darshan of the Goddess, devotees take a dip here in these theerths. There are also Amruth Kund and Duth temple in the premises. A Siddhi Vinayak temple adorns the left side of the main gate, to the right being the Aadishakti, Aadimata Matangadevi temple respectively. A temple of goddess Annapurna temple is also present in the premises.Legendary stories naturally surround the temple. A demon, Matanga was wrecking 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) Maataa Varaahi, Brahmi, Vaishnavi, Kaumaari Indraani and Saambhavi, vanquished the demon Matanga and rendered a peace regime. Legend also states that Bhawani finished another demon that had taken up the disguise of a buffalo (Mahisha), and took shelter on the Yamunachala Hill, which is now home to the Tuljabhawani temple.

Daily puja rituals

Chaughada (holy drumming ritual at morning): At 5 a.m., the morning before the Puja starts, the large drums in the drum house (Nagarkhana) of Tuljabhavani temple are played loudly. The meaning of this drumming is that the devotees should be prepared and come before the puja. The drums are drummed (Chaughada) three times during the day.
Charantirtha (sacred water ritual of goddess feet and mouth): The puja performed at 5:30 a.m. This puja is performed by the hands of Mahant Vakoji Bua. At the time of Charantirtha puja, the representative of Karvir (Kolhapur) princely state is present. The Mahanta washes the goddess' mouth and feet with hot water, odoriferous oil, dudhkhir (milk), pan. Devotees sing the Arti (holy songs). After this Bhaji-Bhakri the Nevaidya (holy meal) is offered to the goddess. The descendant representative of the devotee Uparkar offers this Nevaidya. Later the Nevaidya of Kheer by the representative of Karvir (Kolhapur) princely state is offered.
Abhishek (holy bath ritual to goddess) Puja (prayer): At 9 o'clock in the morning the goddess has a bath of Panchamrut and curd. Honey, banana and sugar is rubbed to the goddess' mouth. The Gomukh (holy pond of the goddess) water is used for the goddess' bath. During this puja some people bathe the holy throne of goddess by curd, mango liquid, shreekhand. After the bath, Mahanevaidya (big holy meal) by the Karvir (Kolhapur) princely state is offered to goddess.
Dhup arti: At noon, the clergy and devotees praise the goddess by singing holy songs and lighting the dhup and karpur (camphor).
Abhishek (holy bath ritual to goddess): At 6 o'clock that evening, the goddess is bathed by Panchamruta and water from Gomukha and puja is performed. The arrangement of these materials is done by the Karvir (Kolhapur) princely state.
Shejarti (nightly sleep songs ritual) and Prakkshal: At night the Prakkshal ritual is performed using the holy water from the Gomukha and the Nevaidya of Tup (Indian liquid butter) and Bhat (cooked rice) is offered.
During every Aarti ritual musical instruments such as tal, dimdi and zanj are played. Gondhali plays the Sambal instrument as Chaughada are drummed.

Tuljabhavani Temple Trust

The day to day affairs of the temple are looked after by the trust which is headed by District Collector. MLA, Nagaradhyaksha, Dy Collector and Tahsildar are other trustees.

Pujari

The main pujaris in the temple are from the non-Brahmin Bhope caste designated under OBC classification (other backward castes) . They are in 16 ana system have different PALI like Parmeshavar, Dinoba, Udaji, Malba and some Patil's. PALI etc. Also there are brahmin poojari / upadhye sucha as Lasane Guruji,  pathak,Prayag etc

Transportation

Pilgrims can reach this place by road, rail or airways.

Roadways

Pilgrims coming from Southern parts can reach this place by roadways through Naladurga. Pilgrims from northern and eastern regions can reach Tuljapur through Solapur while those coming from eastern regions can take a highway through Nagpur or Latur.
State owned and private bus services are available from the neighbouring states, with the journey breaking at places mentioned above. Pilgrims can also travel to this place by their own vehicles.

Railways

Solapur station, located 45 km away, is the nearest railway station to Tuljapur. Pilgrims can reach here through road from the station.

Airways

The nearest airports to Tuljapur are Pune and Hyderabad. Pilgrims can reach here from these airports through roadways

 

 Vajreshwari Temple, Vajreshwari, Maharashtra

The Shree Vajreshwari Yogini Devi Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Vajreshwari, located in the town Vajreshwari, 75 km away from Mumbai. The town, earlier known as Vadvali, was renamed Vajreshwari in honour of the presiding deity of the temple.

Location

The town of Vajreshwari - on banks of river Tansa - lies in Bhiwandi taluka, Thane district, Maharashtra, India and 31 km away from the nearest railway station of Vasai. The temple is located near the post office of Vajreshwari town, on the Mandagiri hillock, which was formed out of a volcanic eruption and is surrounded by hills on all sides.

Legends

The region of Vadvali is mentioned in the Puranas (Hindu scriptures) as visited by Avatars (incarnations) of Vishnu (Hindu god of preservation): Rama and Parshurama. The legend has it Parshurama had performed a yajna (fire offering) at Vadvali and the hills of volcanic ash in the area are its residue.
The primary deity of the temple, Vajreshwari (vajreśvari), also spelled Vajreshvari, also known as Vajrábái and Vajrayogini, is considered as incarnation of goddess Parvati or Aadi-Maya on earth. Her name literally means "the lady of the Vajra (thunderbolt)". There are two legends about the goddess' origins, both associated with the Vajra.
Thousands of years ago, a Rakshasa (demon) named Kalikala or Kalikut troubled the rishis (sages) and humans in the region of Vadvali and waged a war against the devas (gods). Distressed the gods and sages headed by Vashishta performed the TriChandi yagna, a fire offering to the Goddess, to please Her. An aahuti (offering of ghee in yajna) was not granted to Indra (king of devas). Enraged, Indra hurled his Vajra - one of most powerful weapons in Hindu mythology- at the yajna. The terrified gods and sages prayed to the Goddess to save them. The Goddess appeared in all her glory at the site and not only swallowed the Vajra and humbled Indra but also killed the demons. Rama requested the Goddess that she should stay in the region of Vadvali and be known as Vajreshwari. Thus, the Vajreshwari temple was established in this region.
Another legend says that Indra and other devas went to goddess Parvati and requested her to help slay demon Kalikala. Goddess Parvati assured that she will come to their aid at the right time and ordered them to fight with the demon. In the battle, Kalikala swallowed or broken all weapons thrown at him. Finally, Indra threw the Vajra at the demon, which Kalikala broke into pieces and from the Vajra, emerged the Goddess, who destroyed the demon. The devas extolled her as Vajreshwari and built her temple.
The 7th canto of Navanath Kathasar states that Machindranath served goddess Vajrabhagawati (Vajreshwari) for a month by giving her a bath of the water of hot springs.This place is also called as Nath Bhoomi,A land of Nathas.

History

The original temple of Vajreshwari was at Gunj - five miles (8 km) north of Vadavli. It was moved to Vadvali after its destruction by the Portuguese.
In 1739, Chimaji Appa - the younger brother and military commander of Peshwa Baji Rao I - had set camp in the Vadvali region on his way to capture the Portuguese held Bassein Fort of Vasai. The fort was unconquerable even after a three-year war. So Chimaji appa prayed to goddess Vajreshwari that if he could conquer the fort and defeat the Portuguese, he would build a temple to the goddess. According to legend, goddess Vajreshwari appeared in the dream of Chimaji Appa and told him the way to conquer the fort. On the 16 May, the fort fell and defeat of Portuguese in Vasai was complete. To celebrate his victory and to fulfill the vow taken in front of goddess Vajreshwari, Chimnaji appa ordered the new Subhedar (governor) Shankar Kasav Phadke to build the Vajreshwari temple. The temple' architecture is based on Bassein Fort.
The Nagarkhana in main entrance gate was built by the Gaikwads, Maratha dynasty of Baroda. The stone steps leading to the temple and the Dipamala (A tower of lights) in front of the temple were built by Nanasaheb Chandavadakar, a moneylender from Nashik.

Temple structure

The main gate entrance has a Nagarkhana or drum house and is built similar to Bassein fort entrance. The temple is also surrounded by a stone wall like a fort. Fifty-two stone steps are to be climbed to reach the main shrine. A golden tortoise is carved on one of the steps and worshipped as Kurma, the tortoise incarnation of Vishnu.
The main shrine has three sections: the main inner sanctum (Garbha gṛha), another sanctum and a pillared mandapa (assembly hall). The Grabha-griha houses six idols. The saffron murti (idol) of goddess Vajreshwari with a sword and a gada (mace) in her right and left hands respectively and a trisula (trident) besides her, stands in the centre. Murtis of goddess Renuka (Parshurama's mother) with a sword and a lotus in her hands, goddess Saptashrungi Mahalakshmi of Vani and a tiger, goddess Vajreshwari's vahana or mount; are to the left of goddess Vajreshwari. On her right are the murtis of goddess Kalika (the village goddess) with a lotus and a kamandalu (water pot) and Parshurama armed with a parshu (axe). The goddesses are adorned with silver jewelry, crowns and stand on silver lotuses and are sheltered by silver umbrellas. The sanctum outside the Garbhagriha has idols of Ganesha, Bhairava, Hanuman and local deities like Moraba devi. The assembly hall has a bell, which devotees ring when entering the shrine and a marble lion, also believed to be the goddess' mount. A Yajna kunda (a structure in which a fire offering is done) is outside the assembly hall.
Smaller shrines in temple premises are dedicated to Kapileshwar Mahadeva (Shiva), Datta, Hanuman and saints of Giri Gosavi sect. A peepal tree in front of the Hanuman shrine, has assumed a form of Ganesha and is worshipped as the deity. The samādhi (tomb) of the 17th century Giri Gosavi saint Godhadebuwa is further atop the Gautam hill, behind the Mandagiri hillock.

Temple festivals

The temple celebrates Navaratri (nine nights dedicated to worship of Hindu Goddesses) once from the first day of fortnight of waxing moon of Hindu month of Chaitra (March) to the ninth day of Ram Navami and then from the first day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Ashvin (October) to the 10th day Vijayadashami.
A huge fair in honour of Goddess Vajreshwari is held on Amavasya (new moon day) in the month of Chaitra. The fair commences on the 14th day of fortnight of waning moon of the month with ceremonial worship of the Goddess. On Amavasya at night, lamps are worshipped. On the next day, the first day of Hindu month Vaisakha, the ceremonial procession with a Palkhi (palanquin) carrying an image of the goddess, is taken out.
Other festivals the temple celebrates are Shiva worship in Hindu month of Shravana; Kojagiri Poornima - full moon day of Hindu month Ashvin; Diwali (festival of lights); Holi (festival of colours); Datta Jayanti (birthday of the deity Datta); Hanuman Jayanti (birthday of monkey god Hanuman) and Godhadebuwa Jayanti (birthday of the saint Godhadebuwa).

Administration

The temple is taken care of by the Shree Vajreshwari Yogini Devi Public Trust. The members of the Giri Gosavi sect are members of the trust and have been responsible for worship and maintenance of the shrine since its establishment in 1739.

Hot springs

There are around twenty-one hot water springs, in a five-kilometer radius of the temple. According to tradition, the hot water is the blood of demons and giants, slain by goddess Vajreshwari.  Though according to scientists, their proximity to the former volcano in the region accounts for their creation. Pilgrims who visit the temple also have a holy bath in the springs, which are referred to as kundas in Sanskrit and are named after Hindu deities like Surya (sun-god), Chandra(moon-god), Agni (fire-god), Vayu (wind-god), Rama (Vishnu's incarnation), Sita (Rama's wife and incarnation of goddess Lakshmi - wife of Vishnu) and Lakshmana (Rama's brother).

Transportation

By air: Mumbai is the closest airport around 75 km from Vajreshwari.
By rail: The nearest rail station for Vajreshwari from the Eastern Suburbs of Mumbai is Thane Station. Thane is around 34 km from Vajreshwari. The nearest rail station from the Western Suburbs of Mumbai is Vasai Road Station.
By road: Vajreshwari is easily accessible from the national highway through all the major cities in Maharashtra.
Many buses ply regularly to Vajreshwari from Thane and Vasai Road Station. There are lots of extra and special buses organized by the Maharashtra State Transport during holidays and special festivals.

Routes from eastern and western suburbs of Mumbai

People who visit Vajreshwari through the western suburbs of Mumbai should take the Western Express Highway – Dahisar Checknaka – National Highway No. 8 to Shirsad – State Highway – Vajreshwari route.
People who wish to visit from Mumbai's eastern suburbs should take the Eastern Express Highway – Mulund Check Naka – Nasik Road – Bhiwandi Bypass Toll – Bhiwandi Junction – Vajreshwari route.
Virar, Nalasopara is the nearest railway station on Western Railway for Vajreshwari. ST buses fron Virar, Nalasopara and Vasai (west) are go to Vajreshwari.

Other temples of goddess Vajreshwari

• A small shrine at Gunj and Katai in Wada taluka, Maharashtra, where the original temple stood
• Vajreshwari temple, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh: A Shakti Peetha, where a part of the body of goddess Sati (first wife of Shiva, who was reborn as Parvati - Shiva's nominally second wife) fell.
• Vajreshwari Temple, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh

 

Vyadeshwar, Maharashtra

Shri Dev Vyadeshwar (देवनागरी: श्री देव व्याडेश्वर) is an ancient shiva temple  located at Guhagar,  a well known Taluka place in Ratnagiri District of Maharashtra State in India. It is considered to be the Kuladevata or clan god of many Chitpavan Families from Konkanregion.

Story

According to Hindu myth, Bhagwan Parshurama reclaimed the land of Konkan  after donating the earth to Maharshi Kashyap. Then he requested different Gods and Goddesses to settle in the newly created land and to take responsibility of various clans. Parshuram, being a devotee of Shri Shiva, requested Bhagwan Shankar to give him 'Darshan' everyday, while he is living in the newly created land. Lord Shiva accepted his request.Lord Parshuram also brought 60 'Vipras' to settle in Kokan.One such Vipra named 'Vyad' installed a Shivlinga at Guhagar.
After 'Shriramavatar' and 'Shrikrushnavtar' Lord Vishnu came with his 'Kalki' manifestation. In this era, since evil thoughts are supposed to prevail, Gods are to remain in their invisible forms. Accordingly Lord Shiva decided to remain in invisible form in the Shivalinga installed by Vyad Muni. The same Shivalinga is this well known Vyadeshwar Thus, Lord Shiva stays at Guhagar in the 'Vyadeshwar' Shivalinga from years together. According to another myth, in the era of King Sakuran, the Vyadeshwar Shivalinga was re-invented and the Temple, which we see today, was constructed.

Style of Construction

The temple style is called 'Panchayatan'. A Panchayatana temple has four subordinate shrines on four corners and the main shrine in the center of the podium, which comprises their base Here, the main shrine at the center is of Shri Vyadeshwar (Shri Shiva) and the other deities at the surrounding are: The Sun, Shri Ganesh, Shri Parvati and Shri Vishnu along with goddess Lakshmi at South-East, South-West, North-West and North-East respectively. Statue of Nandi(So called 'VEHICLE' of Shri Shiva) is installed in front of the main shrine.The plan of the temple   is shown in the adjacent photograph. 

There are Three entrances to the temple. One each from East, West and South side. After we enter from the East entrance, there are two statues of Garud and Maruti from inside of the temple.

Incarnations of Shri Vyadeshwar

It is said that once upon a time, three small pieces were chipped out from the main or Core part of the Pindi. One piece reached at Borya Adoor,  the second piece went to Asgoli and the third one reached Anjanwel.  So three Shiv Temples were erected at those locations. These temples are known as Talkeshwar, Balkeshwar (Valukeshwar)  and Udaleshwar (Uddalakeshwar) respectively. Also these three Shiv Pindis are called as 'Incarnations of Shri Vyadeshwar'. The photographs are available in the gallery. It is said that the devotees of Shri Vyadeshwar should visit these three temples as well.

Other Holy places nearby

Various other holy places nearby are on account of the presence of different deities namely : Garamath, Velneshwar, Tarakeshwar, Taldeo, Kartikeya, Someshwar, Sapteshwar, Karneshwar, Karhateshwar, Kutakeshwar, Hrudakeshwar, Saptakotishwar, Dalbhyeshwar, Harihareshwar, Bhairav, Rameshwar, Chyavaneshwar, Urfata Ganesh, Durgadevi.

Holy Aarti

Aarti is a holy prayer in the name of a specific god. Aarti for Shri Vyadeshwar is shown in the last picture while the same can be listened using the above link.

Shri Vyadeshwar Mantra

In Sanskrit language, the holy prayer for chanting is called as Mantra. Following is the Vyadeshwar Mantra^[11]:

 

Guhagar (Marathi: गुहागर) is a census town in Ratnagiri district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The town is known for its virgin beach, coir items, coconuts, betel nuts and mainly Haapus Alphanso mangoes. The nearest city and railhead is Chiplun, about 44 kilometres (27 mi) away. The economy of Guhagar boomed after the Dabhol Power Company, a few kilometres north was commissioned in the early 1990s. Hotels sprung up and residents were given well-paid jobs.

 

Walkeshwar Temple, Maharashtra

Walkeshwar Temple, also known as the Baan Ganga Temple, is a temple dedicated to the Hindu god, Shiva located in Walkeshwar, near Malabar Hill neighborhood, in South Mumbai precinct of the city of Mumbai, India. It is situated at the highest point of the city, and close to the temple, lies the Banganga Tank.

Legend

Legend has it that Hindu god, Ram paused at that spot on his way from Ayodhya to Lanka in pursuit of the demon king, Ravana who had kidnapped his wife, Sita. Then Lord Rama was advised to worship Shiv linga and he is said to have constructed the original linga of sand, after getting tired of waiting for his brother, Lakshman to bring an idol. The name is etymologically derived from the Sanskrit word for an idol made of sand -- Valuka Iswar, an Avatar of Shiva.
As the story progresses, later when Ram was thirsty, as there was no fresh water readily available (only sea water), he shot an arrow and brought Ganges over here. Hence Bana (arrow in Sanskrit) Ganges. The water that feeds the tank stems from an underground spring at that spot, despite its proximity to the sea.

History

The temple and the attached fresh water Banganga Tank were built in 1127 AD by Lakshman Prabhu, a Gaud Saraswat Brahmin minister in the court of Silhara dynasty Kings who ruled Thane, and the islands of Mumbai during 810 to 1240 AD. The temple was destroyed by the Portuguese during their reign over Mumbai (Portuguese Bom Bahia) in the 16th century. It was rebuilt due to the generosity of Mumbai businessman and philanthropist, Rama Kamath, another Gaud Saraswat Brahmin (known in British records as 'Kamati') in 1715. The main temple has been substantially reconstructed and many smaller temples have come up around the Banganga Tank. By 1860, the temple started attracting greater crowds and 10 to 20 other temples had come up around it and 50 dharamshalas.
Even today the temple itself and much of the property in the complex belongs to the Gaud Saraswat Brahmin Temple Trust.

Worship

The temple is generally busy every month only during the full moon, and at Amavasya (new moon). In the past it was a favorite of the Malabar pirates who used to frequent the islands during the 16th and 17th centuries.
It is currently the site of an annual Hindustani classical music festival, which in 2005 featured musicians like classical singers Rajan and Sajan Mishra, and Santoor maestro Shivkumar Sharma. Branches of Shri Kavle Math and Shri Kashi Math, famous religious seats of Gaud Saraswat Brahmins, are located on the northern and western banks of the tank, respectively.

 

Yamai, Maharashtra

Yamai devi or Shree Yamai devi temple is situated in a hill complex in the town of Aundh, Satara district, Maharashtra. It is said that Goddess Mahalaxmi of Kolhapur and Lord Jyotiba called her as "Ye Mai"(in marathi) which means "Come mother" in English. Hence, She is known as Yamai Devi. There are steps which take you to the top of hill. A rather perilous road can also be used to reach the top by car. The idol of Devi Mahishasur Mardini Yamai in black stone is almost 2 meters high. The temple is the family shrine (kuldaiwat) for a large number of Marathi families.
The temple complex also houses the Shri Bhavani Museum established from the private collection of the Maharajas of Aundh. The museum holds paintings by M. V. Dhurandhar, Baburao Painter, Madhav Satwalekar and Raja Ravi Varma as well as a sculpture by British artist, Henry Moore

The town of Aundh is situated 26 mi. S.E. of Satara

 

Yamai Devi, Rashin Ahmednagar

ugdamba Temple (Yamai & Tukai Devi) Rashin, Ahmednagar
The Jagdamba Mata temple in Rashin comes in the Taluka Karjat in the district of Ahmednagar. The temple is to the east of Pune at a distance of 114 km. This is a very ancient temple well known for the Yamai and Tukai Deity, the Avatar Swarup of Mata Renuka. Rashin Devi is the Kuldevta of many people in Maharashtra. At present no known and detailed scripts or books are available giving more information of the place except for the locally published book in Marathi known as the "Shri Jagdamba Mata Rashin Charitra" which has been formulated by the devi bhaktas in Rashin. This book is available at Rashin with the Gurav Pujari of Rashin. As mentioned in the book, the legend behind the sthapana of the devi mandir in Rashin goes like this.
As per the original legend in the Skanda Puran our beloved earth mother was being ruled over by dytyas and unholy powers. Everywhere it was the rule of adharm, torture and brutal killings of innocent people. Even the gods in the heaven were left helpless and powerless over the situation. With the rule of the daityas there was no faith, no sadachar rather the Brahmins, innocents creatures, and beings were made to live a miserable torturous life. The mukya diatya among these was the daitya named "Rakta Beej".
Rakta Beej had a special boon from Bhagwan Shankar, due to which he became more powerful and was misusing his powers by causing harm to everyone. His place of ruling was in Rashin where he caused more harm and trouble. Everyone residing in Rashin was helpless and could not do anything about this unjust ruling. Nobody dared to put up resistance against Rakta Beej, and feared for their lives. Even Harihar (Vishnu & Shankar) were not powerful enough to conquer Rakta Beej. Hence as a solution all the devas started praying to Jugdamba Mata.
All the gods and rushi munis prayed to the adimata shakti to uplift them and protect them from Rakta Beej. "O' Goddess O' Mother please relieve us from the torture and suffering caused by Rakta Beej. We pray to thee as you are our saviour our mother please hear our prayers and relive us from our sorrow and suffering. Hey Vishnu Shakti hey durga devi please relive us from our troublesand give us your protection and safety".
Hearing their prayers Ma Jugdamba was very pleased. She spoke to them, "Whenever this world will be troubled and tortured by unholy powers and daityas, during that every time I will take Avatar to relieve this world and all the beings of this world from those unholy powers". As the goddess was pleased, she descended as Devi Yamai, from the pawan skhetra of Tuljapur. Ma Tuljabhavani of Tuljapur took the Avatar in Rashin of Devi Yamai and so began the battle between the goddess and the daitya Rakta Beej. In the ferocious battle there was a big heap of the corpses of the daityas but still the diatyas weren't being outnumbered. There were more and more of them. Seeing this situation the devas and the rushi munis prayed Ma Renuka of Mahurgad to come and assist Devi Yamai. That's when Devi Renuka of Mahurgad took the Avatar of Ma Tukai.
Seeing both the devis in the battle field, Rakta Beej sent out a roar of wicked laughter and arrogantly he said I can kill you both and resume my power over the earth. That is when there was an akash vani "You fool, you are forgetting that your end is near".
Rakta Beej ignored the akash vani and in his own sense of arrogance went on to fight the devis. Once again the voice in the sky warned the daitya, "Do not commit the mistake of fighting the devis, still you have time to seek their ashirvaad and back out from the battle". But the daitya ignored the warning and went on to battle with his full strength. The battle scene was full of so much action and breathtaking, even I do not have the right words to describe it. Who can stand against the ultimate shakti, who can face the mahishasur Mardnini, the shumbha Nishumbha tarini. All the gods and rushi munis prayed to the goddess for protection in full strength. The devi answered their prayers. She killed the daitya and liberated the earth, liberated Rashin from the evil daitya.
That's when the Gods and the Rushi Munis prayed the Devi again. "O devi O Shumbha Nishumbha Mardini Riding the lion you killed Mahishasura you took upon the Kalika Avatar and you killed chanda Munda and took upon the name Chamunda You killed the Rakhta Beej we bow before you. We are grateful to you. Jay Ma Ambe Jay Ma Ambe".
Now only Sudrik the minister of Rakta Beej was left. Devi Yamai, threw her weapon upon the left over demons and they were converted into beautiful Lotuses. A rope was tied around the neck of sudrik and he was made to stand in front of the Devi. The devi looked upon him and manifested her Avatar of Adimaya to him. Seeing her Virat Rupa Sudrik was mesmerised in a trance. He took sharan of the devi and prayed to her "O devi forgive me, please save me. You are the greatest power of all the powers in the world, please forgive me. I bow down to your virat Rudra Rupa. This world the entire tribhuvan is your play ground. I deserve to be punished, but please forgive me, please protect me. I will stay wherever you order me to stay, will eat whatever you give me to eat, will live the way you order me to live. I will become your humble servant and serve you. I am a sinned creature, but there is nobody else apart from you whom I can pray for my liberation and well being. Apart from you I have no other protector and saviour. I cannot go anywhere leaving your lotus feet. " Listening to these humble words of Sudrik, Devi Yamai took a motherly rupa, she felt content and satisfied at his words. She asked him to go back to his land as a protector of his place. He became like a guard on duty, a guard who protects and takes care of his place. That's why there is a temple on the east of Rashin of Sudrik. All the Bhaktas of Rashin, take his darshan and become purified of their sins just like Sudrik became cleansed of all his sins.
This is the importance of the Rashin skhetra. Mata Yamai and Tukai both reside here to protect and liberate their Bhaktas from all their sins.

Temple routine

The entire temple is cleansed and washed every month. The Nitya Pooja of the devi is done two times in the day. The temple Mahadvars open 4 am. Current Temple Pujari is Arun Sadashiv Renukar (Gurav). Gurav pujari performs the morning pooja, and wakes up the devi from her sleep. He bathes the devi with yogurt, milk, honey panchamrut. Then he decorates the deity with a beautiful mahavastra. He beautifies her forehead with chandan. Offers her haldi and kumkum. Every day he garlands her with flowers. During the kakad arti in the morning and the aarti during the night before the deity sleeps, the pujari offers her a naivaidya of Pedas.
At 12 noon the devi is offered a maha naividya. The good part is that all the programs of the temple are run strictly as per schedule. Gurav Pujari has looked after the temple well and performs his duties with utmost love and bhakti to the devi. Also people from out of town who visit Rashin are received with warmth and utmost respect. Unhappy things like money extortion or troubling the out of town people do not happen in Rashin  Every businessman of rashin starts his works after the yamai devies darshan and by taking pavitra prashad.to the east of yamai mata mandir thetre is a temple of laxmi mata mandir at Karmala, dist solapur and at west there is the temple of lord ganesha ( siddhi vinayak, sidhatek). The real birthplace of jugdambaa was kuldharan nearly 20 km from rashin

Ahmednagar  is on the west bank of the Sina river, about 120 km northeast of Pune and 120 km from Aurangabad.

Om Tat Sat

                                                        

(Continued...)                                                                                                                              

(My humble  salutations to the great devotees ,  wikisources  and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the collection )