Sri Tulja Bhavani Temple: History, Architecture, Festivals & Puja Rituals

Tulja Bhavani Temple is situated in Tuljapur, Dharashiv District of Maharashtra. It is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Bhavani, an avatar of Mata Durga. Sri Tuljabhavani Mandir is one of the four Shakhti Peets situated in Maharashtra and 51 Shakti Peeth in India. Maa Tulja Bhavani is also known by the names Tulaja, Durga, Turuja, Parvati, Amba (Mother of the Vedas), Tvarita, Bhagawati, Jagadamba (Mother of the Universe), and Tripura Sundari.

Temple History:

Maharaja Shivaji the founder of the Maratha Kingdom used to visit the temple before every war to seek blessings from Goddess Bhavani. It is believed that Goddess Bhavani gave him a sword 'The Bhavani Talwar'. The history of the temple is mentioned in Skanda Purana. There are many stories about the incarnation of Maa Tulja Bhavani. According to legends, a demon known as Madhu-Kaitabh created havoc in the world. All the devotees went to Lord Brahma. He advised them to take help from Mata Parvati. Upon the request of the devotees' Mata Parvati took the form of Goddess Bhavani, powered by other (Sapta) Mata Varahi, Vaishnavi, Brahmi, Saambhavi, and Kaumari Indrani. Goddess destroyed the demon and restored peace. Legend also states that Goddess Bhavani destroyed Mahisha, a demon disguised in the form of a buffalo. Mahisha took on the Yamuna Chala Hill, a part of the Balaghat mountain range. The Tuljabhavani temple is situated on this hill.

Another story mentioned a sage known as “Kardam”. After his death, his wife Anubuti performed penance on the banks of river Mandakani to request Goddess Bhavani to look after her child. A demon known as Kukur tried to torture her. But Maa Bhavani came to her rescue and killed the demon. From that day Goddess Bhavani is known as Tulja Bhavani.

Temple Architecture:

It is said that the temple was built in the 12th century CE by Maratha Mahamandaleshwara Maradadeva of the Kadamba Dynasty. There are three gates, the main entrance is named after Sardar Nimbalkar, and the other two are named after the parents of Chhatrapati Shivaji. According to the devotees the idol of Goddess Bhavani is self-manifested. The idol is made of granite and is three foot tall. Goddess has eight arms holding weapons and the head of demon Mahisha. It is said that back at the hills of the Temple Mata Parvati and Lord Shiva come there to play Chausar. 

Temple Puja, Festivals and Rituals:

There are a set of rituals followed by the priest starting from offering a daily bath, change of clothes, offering food to the deity four times a day, and offering daily prayers. Other than this chaughada is played three times a day.

Ganesh Chaturthi, Tuljapur Bhavani Festival, Diwali, and Holi are the main festivals celebrated in the Temple. Tulja Bhavani Festival is also known as Dirga Puja and Navratri. It is celebrated twice a year. This festival symbolises the power of a woman and the win of good over bad.

Darshan timings:

Darshan Timings for Sri Tulja Bhavani Temple are from 05:00 am to 08:00 pm.

Can't find the time to physically visit the temple? Don't worry because we offer the best online puja services which can be availed from our online puja website or our online puja app.