Shakti Peeth Temples of Maharashtra
Tuljapur Tuljabhavani Devi Temple :
We have a total of 51 Shakti Peeth temples in India. These 51 Shakti Peetha temples are the form of Mahadev's wife Sati (Adishakti). Goddess Sati and Mahadev are forms of Shiva and Shakti. Due to this Shivisum and Shaktisum emerged. 51 Shakti Peetha temples are symbols of Shaktisum.
Maharashtra has a total of three and a half Shakti peeth temples and Tuljapur is one of them. Tuljapur temple is located in the Usmanabad district, Tuljapur temple is just 45 km from Solapur. It is said that Tuljabhavani herself appeared on the hills of Balaghat. Tuljapur Tuljabhavani Devi was the kuldaiwat of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and today Tuljabhavani Devi is the deity of many families in Maharashtra. The two entrances of Tuljapur Tuljabhavani are named after Shivaji Maharaj’s father Shahaji Raje and his mother Jijabai.
Kallol Tirtha in Tuljabhavani temple is very famous. It is said that in Kallol Tirtha, the water of three Tirthas has come together which is used for the bathing of the Goddess. Tuljabhavani Devi has 8 arms and holds a Trishul, Bhicha, Ban, Chakra, Shank, Dhanushya, Panpatr, and demon's hair in her hands. Under Tuljabhavani’s feet the dead body of the demon, Mahishasura is placed.
Navratri festival is celebrated with great passion in Tuljapur. Many people from far come to Tuljapur with a palkhi of the Goddess Tuljabhavani devi. On the day of Ghat
(घट) sthapna Ghat is installed in the Tuljabhavani temple.
Vani Saptashring Devi Temple :
Saptashringi Devi Temple is located in the city of Nashik in Maharashtra. The people of Nashik know this temple as the goddess Vani. It is said that the idol of Saptshringi Devi was self-manifested in the Sahyadri mountain ranges of Nashik. Saptashringi Devi is surrounded by the Seven peaks of Sahyadri hence she is called Saptashringi Devi. Goddess Vani killed the demon Mahishasura in the Saptashringi mountains. The festival of Navratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm at the fort of Vani as Saptashringi Mata was fighting with demons for 9 consecutive days and killed the demon Mahishasura. Saptshrinig mata is also known by the name Mahishasurmardhinii because she killed the demon Mahishasura.
Vani Saptashringi devi temple is built on a height of 4600 feet and 500 steps are made to reach the Saptashringi mata’s Idol. For pilgrims, a convenient rope-way facility is started to reach the temple. Just 50 INR, you can take the experience of the ropeway. Saptashringi devsthan trust also started many facilities for pilgrims like accommodation, food facilities, hospitals, etc. They also improve the roadway for the devotee's convenience. At Saptashringi devi temple maha prasad yojna is available, timing of maha prasad is 11 Am to 2:50 Pm and 7 Pm to 9:30 Pm.
Daily 4 types of Arti performed at Vani Saptshringi Devi Temple :
Panchamrity Mahapuja: 7 to 9 Am
Mahanaivedya Arti: 12 Pm Afternoon
Places to Visit Near Saptashringi Devi Temple :
- Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga temple
- Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
- Shree Nivrutinath Maharaj Samadhi Temple
- ShaniShingnapur