Bhavani Temple
Worship of the
primeval energy Shakti in the form of the mother Goddess is seen in the four
Shakti Peethas of Maharashtra -
Tuljapur
enshrining
Bhavani,
Kolhapur
enshrining
Mahalakshmi,
Mahur
enshrining
Mahamaya Renukaand
Saptshringi enshrining
Jagadamba.
Other Shakti temples in the state are those at
Ambe Jogai
and
Aundh. (also see
Daksha Yagna).
Bhavani was
the tutelary deity of
Maharaja
Shivaji the valiant Maratha ruler and
is held in great reverence throughout the state of Maharashtra. Bhavani is
considered to be an embodiment of the ugra or ferocity, as well as a
Karunaswaroopini - filled with mercy.
The Bhavani temple in Tuljapur
is located on a hill known as Yamunachala, on
the slopes of the Sahayadri range in Maharashtra near Sholapur. The temple
entrance is at an elevation and visitors need to transcend a flight of steps to
reach the shrine. Historic records speak of the existence of this temple from as
early as the 12th century CE.
Bhavani
is worshipped in the form of a three foot high granite image, with eigh arms
holding weapons, bearing the head of the slain demon Mahishasura. Bhavani is
also known as Tulaja, Turaja, Tvarita and Amba.
Legend
has it that a demon by name Matanga wreaked havoc upon the devas and the humans
who approached Bhrahma for help and upon his advice turned to the Mother Goddess
Shakti, who took up the form of the destroyer, and powered by the other (Sapta)
Maataas Varaahi, Bhrahmi, Vaishnavi, Kaumaari, Indraani and Saambhavi and
vanquished him to enable to peace to reign again.
Legend
also has it that Bhavani vanquished another demon who had taken the form of a
wild buffalo (Mahisha), and took abode on the Yamunachala hill, which is now
home to the temple.
Four
worship
services are offered each day here. The festivals of significance here are Gudi
Padva in the month of Chaitra, Shriral Sashti, Lalita Panchami, Makara Sankranti
and Rathasaptami. The deity is taken out in procession on Tuesdays. Navaratri
is also celebrated with great fanfare, and it culminates in Vijaya Dasami.
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