Shree Tulja Bhavani Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Bhavani also known as Parvati located in Tuljapur, Dharashiv district, Maharashtra, India. It is 45 kilometres from Solapur. Maratha Mahamandaleshwara Mradadeva of the Kadamb dynasty built the temple in the 12th century CE.

The Palikar Bhope clan, descendants of Mradadeva, control the temple’s management and priestly rights. In different parts of the world, Bhavani is known as Tulaja, Turaja, Tvarita, Durga, Parvati, Tripura Sundari, Bhawati, Amba (Mother of the Vedas), and Jagadambaa (Mother of the Universe).

The Story Behind Tulja Bhavani Temple

Bhavani is a manifestation of the Goddess Parvati who is revered in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Telangana, Northern Karnataka, and Nepal. “Bhavani” literally means “giver of life,” and refers to the power of nature or the source of creative energy. She is regarded as a mother who provides for her devotees while also dispensing justice by killing Asuras. Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha kingdom, was said to visit this temple frequently to seek blessings. The temple’s history can be traced back to the days of the Skanda Purana, as it is mentioned in that holy text.

According to the legends, there was a sage named “Kardam” and his consort “Anubhuthi” with an infant in this area. Following his death, his wife “Anubhuthi” performed penance for the goddess Bhavani on the banks of the river “Mandakini” to care for her child. A demon (Rakshasa) named “Kukur” tortured her. The demon was then killed by Goddess Bhavani, who rescued Anubhuthi.

The goddess settled on the hill of “Bala Ghat” at the request of her favourite devotee. Since that time, the Mother Goddess has been known as Bhavani of Tuljapur or Tulja Bhavani. Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha empire, was blessed by the Goddess at the Bhavani temple.

History of Tulja Bhavani Temple

Tulajapur is 45 kilometres from Solapur. This temple was constructed in the 12th century CE. In Chhattisgarh, another Tulja Bhavani temple was built between 1537 and 1540. In Gujarat, there is a third Tulja Bhavani temple in the village of Patnakuva Gandhinagar. This Goddess, according to the priest, came here from Tuljapur in the 14th century. The Goddess is described as swayambhu (self-emanation).

For many Maharashtrian Maratha clans, the Goddess is kuldevi (clan goddess). At various levels of social hierarchy, many other Marathi castes either revere or worship the Goddess.

Architecture of Tulja Bhavani Temple

The temple’s main entrance is named after Sardar Nimbalkar. The other two entrances are named after Chhatrapati Shivaji’s parents, Shahaji and Jijabai. On the right as one enters the Sardar Nimbalkar entrance, there is a temple dedicated to Markandeya Rishi. The main Tulja Temple is visible after descending the stairs. In front of the temple is a yagna kund (Holy fire pit).

Two libraries, Shree Santh Dnyaneshwar Dharmik Library and Shree Tukaram Dharmik Library, are located on the floor near two main gates (Raja Shahaji Mahadwar and Rajmata Jijau main gate). After exiting the stairs, you will see ‘Gomukh Theerth’ on the right and ‘Kalakh’, also known as ‘Kallol Theerth’ on the left.

Devotees take a dip in these holy places (shallow tanks of “holy” water) before entering the Goddess’s sanctum sanctorum. On the premises, there is also an Amruth Kund and a Datta temple. On the left side of the main gate, there is a Siddhi Vinayak temple, and on the right, there is a temple dedicated to Aadishakti, Aadimata Matangadevi.

The main complex also includes a temple dedicated to the goddess Annapurna. Goddess Tulja Bhawani’s devotees believe her idol swayambhu’ (“self-manifested” or “that which is created by its own accord”). The three-foot-tall granite idol has eight arms holding weapons and the head of the slain demon Mahishasura.

The Goddess is kuldevi (clan goddess) for the Maratha clans of Maharashtra. Many castes revere or worship the Goddess, including Bhope, Dhangar, Mali, Deshastha Brahmin, Bharbhunja, Burud, Kolhati, Gavli, Jogi, Johar, San Teli, Gavandi, Pangul, Sonar, Lonari, Kasar, Bhute, Kalar, Aagri, and Koli. Adi Maya The Adi Shakti temple is located north of the Tulajabhavani temple. This pooja is performed first, and then the pooja of Tulajabhavani is performed.

Facts about Tulja Bhavani Temple

• Tulja Bhavani Temple is a Hindu temple in the Maharashtra town of Tuljapur. Tuljabhavani Devi is known as Maharashtra’s Kuldevi. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a frequent visitor to this temple.
• Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of Hindavi Swarajya, is said to have blessed the establishment of Hindavi Swarajya by bestowing Bhavani Talwar.
• This Goddess is worshipped in the form of a three-foot-tall granite statue. She has eight arms, each with a weapon and the head of the demon Mahishasura.
• The Sri Tuljabhavani Temple has two main entrances. Raje Shahaji Mahadwar is one entrance, and Rajamata Jijau Mahadwar is the other.
• The Tulja Bhavani temple is reached via stone steps. After descending the steps, devotees bathe and wash their hands and feet before proceeding to Gomukh Tirtha for darshan.
• The main body of the temple’s door is covered in silver sheet and has a beautiful carving on it.
• Sri Tulja Bhavani Devi’s idol is Chal Murti. Instead of the festival idol procession, the actual idol of Sri Tuljabhavani Devi is placed in a palanquin and carried around the temple.

Famous Festivals In Tulja Bhavani Temple

Millions of people visit this temple every year to celebrate all of the festivals that are held here. Some major festivals held here are

• Durga Puja. (Winter) – Devotees celebrate Navaratri at this temple in the month of Ashwin (Sep-Oct) and celebrate the triumph of the Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon (Mahishasura).
• Navaratri. (Summer) – They celebrate other Navaratri in the fortnight of the Chaitra (March-April). Every nine days, they worship Navadurga (nine Durgas).

How to Reach Tulja Bhavani Temple

Sri Tulja Bhavani Temple is located in Tuljapur, Dharashiv district, Maharashtra, India.

By Air: The nearest airport is Osmanabad, which is 15 kilometres from Tulja Bhawani Temple.

By Rail: Tulja Bhawani Mandir is 15 kilometres from the nearest railway station, Ummed.

By Road: Tuljapur is 294 kilometres from Pune and 441 kilometres from Mumbai. Private vehicles and government buses are also available for transportation to the temple.

Also Read – Tripura Sundari Shaktipeeth