Tulja Bhavani Temple

History and the story of Tulja Bhavani Temple 

The history of the temple as seen today in Tuljapur can be traced back to the 12th century. The story goes back to the times  when great Rishis and Munis purified the earth with ceaseless meditation and penances. Maa Bhavani made this Her abode after killing a demon named Matanga. In the forests around what is now Tuljapur, there lived many Rishis, Munis and other ascetics. They were constantly harassed by this demon –  Matanga. Unable to retaliate, they asked Lord Brahma to help. Lord Brahma asked them to pray to Adi Shakti Maa Bhavani. Earlier Maa Bhavani had killed the demon Mahishasura in another form, giving Her the name Mahishasuramardini. After killing Mahishasura the Goddess agreed to stay in Yamunachala hill for the welfare of devotees. Now when Matanga was disrupting the peace  Now Maa Bhavani appeared in the combined form of seven goddesses – Varahi, Brahmi, Vaishnavi, Kaumari, Indrani, and Shambhavi. After a fierce battle Matanga was killed and Rishi-Munis could continue their activities in peace, without fear.

In later days Kardam Rishi lived in these forests with his wife Anubhuti. Due to some misfortune, Kardam Rishi died. His wife felt Rishi Kardam’s penance was incomplete and she should complete it for him. Anubhuti had a young son who had to be looked after. She prayed to Maa Bhavani to look after the child so that she could complete her husband’s penance. Maa Bhavani is known for Her ferocious forms, but is also the Kindest  Mother when needed. Anubhuti devoted herself to penance knowing her child was safe. Another demon named Kukur saw she was alone and began harassing her. But Maa Bhavani was protecting Anubhuti and killed Kukur without delay. Anubhuti requested Her to stay here and Maa Bhavani manifested Herself as an idol and came to be known as Tulja Bhavani. A temple was built and the pilgrimage came into being.

The ages changed, but Tuljapur temple was not forgotten and continued as a pilgrimage. The temple as seen today was first built in the 12th century. In later centuries Maa Tulja Bhavani became the family deity of the Marathas and they preserved and renovated the temple from time to time. Chhatrapati Shivaji was an ardent devotee of Maa Tulja Bhavani and visited regularly. It is believed he was given a sword by the Goddess, with which he won many battles. The sword was known as ‘Bhavani Khadga’.  Besides the Marathas, Tulja Bhavani is highly revered by many other castes like Brahmins, Mali, Koli and many more. She is the universal Mother. The idol enshrined in the sanctum of the temple is about three feet tall. Maa Tulja Bhavani can be seen with eight arms holding the head of the demon Mahishasura and various weapons. She is also known as Turaja, Tvarita and Amba.

The main entrance to the temple is known as Sardar Nimbalkar. There are a few smaller temples within the temple complex. These are dedicated to Markandeya Rishi, Siddhi Vinayak, Guru Dattatreya, Annapurna Devi and Adi Shakti Adimata Matanga Devi. Just in front of the temple is the sacred yagna kund. Three water bodies known as Amrut Kund, Gomukh Tirth and Kallol Tirth are also within the complex. The main festivals celebrated here are Navratri (September/October), Dussehra and Shakambhari Navratri in December/January.

Importance of Tulja Bhavani Temple 

Maa Tulja Bhavani temple in Tuljapur is one of the Shakti Peeths of India.  Shakti Peeths are temples dedicated to the ‘Para’ or Adi Shakti that is an inseparable part of Param Brahm.  These inexhaustible fountains of spiritual energy are the places devotees visit with the unshakeable faith that they will be blessed and protected by the benevolent Mother. 

Best time to visit Tulja Bhavani Temple 

Tuljapur can be visited all through the year, but summers are quite hot, so winter months are the best time to visit.

How to reach Tuljapur

The nearest railway station is Osmanabad railway station which is about 30 km from the temple.

The nearest airport is Nanded Airport and is about 213 km from the temple.

Pune Airport is about 294 km from the temple.

Puja in Tulja Bhavani Temple

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Nearby Attractions

• Ghatshila Temple
• Kallol Tirth
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Temple Location