Discover the Spiritual Abode of Tulja Bhavani Temple at Tuljapur

TuljaBhavani Temple is a popular destination for travellers and devotees in Tuljapur, Maharashtra, India. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Bhavani, who is believed to be a manifestation of the divine feminine power or Shakti. Tulja Bhavani Temple is one of the Goddess’s 51 Shakti Peethas (holy shrines) and one of Maharashtra’s most important pilgrimage sites because Shree Tulja Bahavni is kuldaivat (family deity) of many families of Maharashtra.

The temple’s rich history, ancient architecture, and spiritual significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Hindu culture and tradition. This Temple Guide will provide a detailed guide to Tulja Bhavani Temple, including its history, significance, and the best time to visit.

Story of Tulja Bhavani Temple

The temple of Bhavani in Tuljapur is one of the four great Shaktipitha in the state of Maharashtra. The other three are the temples of Renuka in Mahur, Mahalaxmi in Kolhapur, and Saptashringi in Vani.

There are many stories about the temple. In one story, a demon named Madhu-Kaitabh was causing trouble for both gods and people. When they couldn’t figure out what to do, they asked Lord Brahma for help. He told them to ask Goddess Shakti for help, so they did. Goddess Shakti took the form of a destroyer and, with the help of the other (Sapta) Mata Varaahi, Brahmi, Vaishnavi, Kaumaari Indraani, and Saambhavi, defeated the demon and brought peace back to the world.

Hindu Puranas say that Bhavani killed Mahisha, a demon who posed as a buffalo, and hid on Yamunachala Hill, part of the Balaghat mountain range. This hill is where the Tuljabhawani temple is found.

In another myth, the story of a wise man named “Kardam” is told. After he died, his wife, “Anubuti,” did penance on the river “Mandakini” so that Bhavani mata would care for their baby. “Kukur,” a demon, tried to get in the way of her penance while she was doing it.

The Goddess came to help “Anubuti” and killed the demon “Kukur.” From then on, the name of the Goddess Bhavani was changed to Tulja Bhavani.

Tuljapur Bhavani Temple History

Tulja Bhavani Temple, located in Tuljapur in Maharashtra, has a rich and fascinating history that dates back several centuries. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Tulja Bhavani, who is considered to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. According to local legends, the shrine was built by the King of the Yadava dynasty, Raja Bhimdev, in the 12th century. Over the years, the Mandir has undergone several renovations and restorations, and the current structure is believed to have been built in the 16th century by the Maratha ruler, The great Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

The Mandir played an essential role in the Maratha Empire and symbolized the Maratha’s pride and courage. The shrine is also associated with the great bhonsla dynasty, devotees of Goddess Tulja Bhavani. It is said that the Bhonsles visited the Mandir regularly and made several offerings to the Goddess. The Mandir was also an important center for the Bhakti movement, a religious and social reform movement that originated in Maharashtra in the 13th century.

Today, the Tulja Bhavani Temple is one of Maharashtra’s most revered and visited temples. It attracts thousands of devotees every year who come to seek blessings from the Goddess and participate in the various rituals and customs associated with the shrine.

The Mandir’s rich history, magnificent architecture, and religious significance make it a must-visit destination for travelers and devotees alike.

The architecture of Shri Tulja Bhavani Temple

The name of Sardar Nimbalkar is on the front door of the shrine. The other two entrances are Raja Shahaji Maharaj and Rajmata Jijau, after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s parents. On the right side of the Sardar Nimbalkar entrance is a Mandir for Markandeya Rishi.

When you get to the bottom of the stairs, you can see the main Tulja Temple. In front of this shrine is a yagna kund, also called a “Holy Fire pit.” On the floor are two libraries called Shree Santh Dnyaneshwar Dharmik Library and Shree Tukaram Dharmik Library.

They are near two main gates called Raja Shahaji Mahadwar and Rajmata Jijau main gate. As you come down the stairs, “Gomukh Theerth” is on the right, and “Kalakh,” also called “Kallol Theerth,” is on the left. Here, devotees dip in these theerths before entering the Goddess’s holy area (Shallow tanks of “holy” water). Amruth Kund and a Datta temple are also on the grounds. On the left side of the main gate is a temple to Siddhi Vinayak. On the right is a temple to Aadishakti, Aadimata Matangadevi. The central area also has a shrine to the goddess Annapurna.

Bhavani’s followers think that the statue of Goddess Tulja Bhawani is “swayambhu” (“self-manifested” or “that which is created by its own accord”). The three-foot-tall, three-foot-wide, eight-armed granite idol has the head of the demon Mahishasura, who was killed. It has eight arms that hold weapons. The Goddess is also called Tulaja, Turaja, Tvarita, and Amba, among other names.

Tuljapur Temple Darshan Time

The Tulja Bhavani Temple is open to visitors from 5:00 AM to 9:30 PM. Visitors can choose between two darshan options: Dharam darshan and Mukh darshan.

Dharam darshan allows visitors to enter the Garbha griha, where the deity is housed, but it takes longer than Mukh darshan, which allows visitors to see the idol from about 30 feet away.

Visitors should be wary of individuals who offer quick darshan for money and should avoid them.

Ritual Timing at TuljaBhavani Temple

Darshan Dress Code

The Tulja Bhavani Temple holds great religious and cultural significance, so visitors are expected to dress appropriately while visiting the shrine. Devotees are advised to wear clean, modest, and conservative clothing to show respect for the deity and the place of worship. Revealing clothes such as shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops is not considered appropriate attire for the temple visit.

Moreover, according to local beliefs and customs, married women are supposed to wear green bangles when they visit the shrine. The green bangles signify the longevity and well-being of their husbands. While this is not mandatory, wearing green bangles signifies devotion and respect for the deity.

Visitors must follow these customs and traditions to show reverence and honour to the Goddess and the local culture.

Festivals Celebrated at Tuljapur Temple

Tulja Bhavani Mandir, located in Tuljapur, Maharashtra, celebrates several festivals yearly. Two of the most important festivals celebrated at the shrine are Gudi Padva and Navrathri/Vijayadashami.

Gudi Padva is celebrated in March or April and marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. It is a time of renewal and rejuvenation, celebrated with great enthusiasm at Tulja Bhavani Temple. The shrine is adorned with flowers, rangolis, and colorful decorations during this festival.

Navrathri/Vijayadashami, on the other hand, is celebrated in October and lasts for nine days. The festival is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and signifies the victory of good over evil. During this festival, the shrine is decorated with lights and flowers, and a grand procession is held, in which the idol of the Goddess is taken out in a beautifully decorated palanquin.

Thousands of devotees visit the shrine during these festivals to seek blessings from the Goddess and participate in the celebrations.

Best Time to Visit Tulja Bhavani Temple

The Tulja Bhavani Temple in Tuljapur, Maharashtra, can be visited annually. However, the best time to visit the shrine is during the winter months, from November to February. The weather during this time is pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 10-30 degrees Celsius, making visiting the temple and exploring the surrounding areas comfortable.

Visiting the shrine during the monsoon season, which lasts from June to September, is not advisable as the region receives heavy rainfall, and the roads leading to the temple can become slippery and dangerous.

It is also worth noting that the shrine sees a massive influx of devotees during Navrathri and Gudi Padva. So, visitors who wish to avoid crowds and long waiting times should plan their visit accordingly.

In conclusion, the best time to visit Tulja Bhavani Temple is during the winter months, from November to February, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. However, visitors should plan their visit considering the festivals and avoid visiting during the monsoon season.

How to Reach Tuljapur Temple in Maharashtra

The Tulja Bhavani Temple in Tuljapur, Maharashtra, can be reached by air, rail, and road. Here’s how to get there:

Location Map of Tuljapur Temple

By Air

The closest airport to the Tulja Bhavani temple is in Osmanabad, 15 kilometers away.

By Train

The nearest train station to the Tulja Bhavani Temple is in Umaid, 15 kilometers away.

By Bus

The distance between Mumbai and Pune, and Tuljapur is about the same. People can also get to the shrine in their cars or on state-run buses.

Quick Distance Reference to Tuljapur Devi Temple

• From Mumbai: the distance between Mumbai and Tulja Bhavani Temple is approximately 445 kilometers. The travel time may vary depending on the mode of transportation and traffic conditions. By road, it takes around 8-9 hours to reach Tuljapur from Mumbai, while the train takes around 6-7 hours. There are several state transport and private buses that operate between Mumbai and Tuljapur, and also, regular trains run between Mumbai and Solapur, from where you can take a taxi or bus to reach Tuljapur.
•  From Shirdi: The distance between Shirdi and Tulja Bhavani Temple is approximately 372 kilometers. The travel time may vary depending on the mode of transportation and traffic conditions. By road, it takes around 7-8 hours to reach Tuljapur from Shirdi, while by train, it takes around 6-7 hours with a changeover at Solapur. There are several state transport and private buses that operate between Shirdi and Tuljapur, and also, regular trains run between Shirdi and Solapur, from where you can take a taxi or bus to reach Tuljapur.
•  From Solapur: The distance between Solapur and Tulja Bhavani Temple is approximately 47 kilometers. The travel time may vary depending on the mode of transportation and traffic conditions. By road, it takes around 1-1.5 hours to reach Tuljapur from Solapur.

Tuljapur Devi Temple – Nearest Hotel, Restaurant, Medical Store, ATM

Tulja Bhavani Temple – Address, Official Website, Contact Number, Email, Live Darshan