Tuljapur Sri Bhavani Temple - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 39 km from Akkalkot, and 46 km from Solapur, Sri Tulja Bhavani Temple is a Hindu temple located in Tuljapur in Dharashiv district of Maharashtra, India. It is one of the top places of pilgrimage in Maharashtra, and among the prominent places to visit near Hyderabad.

Dedicated to goddess Bhavani, Sri Tulja Bhavani Temple is considered as one of the 51 Shakti Pithas in India. Goddess Bhavani, literally translates to 'giver of life',is considered to be a mother who provides to her devotees and also plays the role of dispensing justice by killing Asuras. The temple was built in 12th century CE by Maratha Mahamandaleshwara Maradadeva of the Kadamb dynasty.

The temple of Bhavani at Tuljapur along with the temples of Renuka at Mahur, Mahalaxmi at Kolhapur, and Saptashringi at Vani forms the four great Shaktipitha in Maharashtra. Goddess Bhavani of Tuljapur is known as the Kulswamini of Maharashtra, and the inspirational deity of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It is believed that goddess Bhavani gave him a' Bhawani sword' that brought success in his various expeditions.

Several legends are associated with the temple. According to one legend, a demon, Madhu-Kaitabh, who was wreaking havoc upon both the gods and humans. Unable to find any solution, they turned to Lord Brahma for help, who advised them to turn to the Goddess Shakti. She took up the form of a destroyer, and powered by the other Sapta Matas, vanquished the demon and restored peace. Legend also states that goddess Bhavani finished another demon that had taken up the disguise of a buffalo (Mahisha), and took shelter on the Yamunachala Hill which is part of Balaghat mountain range. The Tuljabhawani temple is located on this hill. Another legend mentions that a sage known as 'Kardam' After his death his wife Anubuti had performed a penance at the banks of river 'mandakini' for Bhavani mata to look after her infant child. While performing the penance the demon known 'Kukur' tried to disturb her penance during which the Goddess came to the aid of 'Anubuti' and killed the demon 'Kukur'. From that day onwards the Goddess Bhavani came to be known a Tulaja Bhavani.

There are two major entrances to enter Sri Tuljabhavani Temple. One entrance is named as Raje Shahaji Mahadwar and the other door as Rajamata Jijau Mahadwar. There are stone steps leading to the temple of the goddess. After descending the stairs, one sees the main temple which houses the 3-feet toll idol of goddess Bhavani, and is said to be swayambhu. There is yagna kund (Holy fire pit) in front of this temple. There is Gomukh Theerth and Kallol Theerth, and devotees take a dip in these holy ponds before entering the sanctum sanctorum of the Goddess. There are also Amruth Kund and a Datta temple on the premises. There are also shrine dedicated to Siddhi Vinayak, Aadishakti, Aadimata Matangadevi, and goddess Annapurna.

Ganesh Chaturthi, Tuljapur Bhavani Festival, Diwali, and Holi are the main festivals celebrated in the temple. Tulja Bhavani Festival is also known as Durga Puja and tNavratri. Celebrated twice a year, his festival symbolizes the power of a woman and the win of good over bad.

Timings: 4 AM - 10 PM

Aarti Timings: 4:30 AM - Kakad Aarti, 11 AM - Dhup Aarti, & 9:30 PM -Dhup Aarti Night