Tulja Bhavani Temple

Tulja Bhavani Temple

Tulja Bhavani of Tuljapur
Tulja Bhavani Temple
Location in Maharashtra
Coordinates:
Name
Proper name: Tulja Bhavani Temple
Location
Country: India
State: Maharashtra
District: Osmanabad
Location: Tuljapur
Architecture and culture
Primary deity: Bhavani
Architectural styles: Hemadpanthi style

An article related to
Hinduism

HinduHistory

Hinduism Portal
Hindu Mythology Portal

Tulja Bhavani Temple (Marathi: श्री क्षेत्र तुळजा भवानी देवस्थान) is a Hindu temple of Goddess Bhavani. It is located in Tuljapur in Osmanabad district of Maharashtra is considered as one of the 51 Shakti Pithas. It is situated 45  km from Solapur.

Contents

History

The temple was built in c. 12th century CE. Another Tulja Bhavani temple was built during 1537-1540 CE in Chittorgarh.[1]

The legend states that the face of Goddess Sathi fell here when Vishnu cut her body with the sudarshana chakra while Shiva carried her burnt body across India in grief. That is why, for darshan the alankar is done such that only the face of Tulja Bhavani is visible.

Chatrapati Shivaji was a devotee of Tulja Bhavani. It is widely believed that goddess had bestowed him with a sword. It is popularly known as Bhavani Talwar and is located now in London museum.

Daily puja rituals

Chaughada (holy drumming ritual at morning): - At 5 AM, the morning before the Puja starts, the large drums in the Drum house (Nagarkhana) of Tuljabhavani temple are drummed loudly. The meaning of this drumming is that, the devotees should prepared and come before the puja. The drums are drummed (Chaughada) three times during the day.

Charantirtha (sacred water ritual of goddess feet and mouth):- The puja performed at 5:30 morning is called Charantirtha. This puja is performed by the hands of Mahant Vakoji Bua. At the time of Charantirtha puja, the representative of Karvir (Kolhapur) princely state is present. The Mahanta washes goddess mouth and feet with hot water, odoriferous oil, Dudhkhir (milk), Pan (food). Devotees sing the Arti (Holy songs). After this Bhaji-Bhakri the Nevaidya (holy meal) is offered to the goddess. The descendant representative of the devotee Uparkar offers this Nevaidya. Later the Nevaidya of Kheer by the representative of Karvir (Kolhapur) princely state is offered.

Abhishek (holy bath ritual to goddess) Puja (prayer):- At 9 o'clock in the morning the goddess has a bath of Panchamrut and curd. Honey, banana and sugar is rubbed to goddess' mouth. The Gomukh (holy pond of the goddess) water is used for goddess' bath. During this puja some people bathe the holy throne of goddess by curd, mango liquid, shreekhand. After the bath, Mahanevaidya (big holy meal) by the Karvir (Kolhapur) princely state is offered to goddess.

Dhup arti:- at 12 noon, the clergy and devotees praise the goddess by singing holy songs and lighting the dhup and karpur (camphor).

Abhishek (holy bath ritual to goddess):- at 6 o'clock that evening, the goddess is bathed by Panchamruta and water from Gomukha, and puja is performed. The arrangement of these materials is done by the Karvir (Kolhapur) princely state.

Shejarti (nightly sleep songs ritual) and Prakkshal: - At night the Prakkshal ritual is performed using the holy water from the Gomukha and the Nevaidya of Tup (Indian liquid butter) and Bhat (cooked rice) is offered.

During every Aarti ritual musical instruments such as Tal, Dimdi and Zanj are played. Gondhali plays the Sambal instrument as Chaughada (Drums) are drummed.

Tuljabhavani Temple Trust

The day to day affairs of the temple are looked after by the trust which is headed by District Collector. MLA, Nagaradhyaksha, Dy Collector and Tahsildar are other trustees.

Pujaris

The main pujaris in the temple are Bhope, they are in 16 ana system have differant PALI like Parmeshavar, Dinoba, Udaji, Barve and some Patil's. PALI etc

Transportation

Pilgrims can reach this place by road, rail or airways.

Roadways

Pilgrims coming from Southern parts can reach this place by roadways through Naladurga. Pilgrims from northern and eastern regions can reach Tuljapur through Solapur while those coming from eastern regions can take a highway through Nagpur or Latur.

State owned and private bus services are available from the neighbouring states, with the journey breaking at places mentioned above. Pilgrims can also travel to this place by their own vehicles.

Railways

Solapur station, located 45 Kms away, is the nearest railway station to Tuljapur. Pilgrims can reach here through road from the station.

Airways

The nearest airports to Tuljapur are Pune and Hyderabad. Pilgrims can reach here from these airports through roadways.

References

External links