Tuljabhavani

About Tuljabhavani
Tuljabhavani is important and most revered godess in Maharashtra. It is located at Tuljapur District Osmanabad in Maharashra. It is family godess (kuldaivata) of many families in Maharashtra and other states also. Tuljabhavani also known as 'Turja' is amongst three and half (sade teen) godess centres (shaktipeethas) of Maharashtra and fifty one shakipeethas of India. The pilgrims come to Tuljapur from entire Maharshtra and other states also.

In ancient India there was a king named Dushyanta. His son's name was Bharat. India is named after this Bharat. In the ancient India there were two forests named Naimishya Aranya and Dandakaryna. Marathawada which is part of Maharashtra is situated in this ancient Dandakaryna. This was known as Yamunachala Parvat (mountain) alias Balaghat. Tuljapur is situated in the hilly area of Yamunachala. In this area the self immerged idol (Swaymbhu Murti) which is made of Shaligram (non perishable stone) is situated. The installation (Sthapana) of the godess is not static but dynamic as compared to other temples. In other temples idol is fixed or static. But here the idol is not static but it is 'chala' i.e. it can be moved. The installation ceremony of this idol was done by Adya Shankaracharya on Sriyantra in ancient times. By nonstatic or 'Chala' it means that this idol is taken out from SriYantra thrice a year for pradakhina and once the pradaskina or pratikrama is done by the idol along with SriYantra, Mahadeo and Khanderao.

Tuljabhavani Temple

The architecture of the Tuljabhavani temple is of Hemadpanti style, which was prevailant and famous in early Indian era. While entering the Tuljabhavani temple there are two big gates or Mahadwars. After entering the temple first we observe Kallol Tirtha which is a combination of one hundred and eigth tirthas or sacred waters. After walking down few steps ahead we come to Gomukh Tirtha, from where water flows continueously. Ahead of Gomukh there is temple of Siddivinayaka. Thereafter we come accross a well designed and decorated gate which was constructed by Sardar Nimbalkar . After entering the gate we find idol of sage (Rishi) Markendeya on left side and big drum (Nagara) on right side. Thereafter there is 'Hom kunda' or fire vessel. At the bottom of Homkunda there lies 'Rakta Bhairva' who is among the eight bhairavas or guards of deity. There is one brass gate which is facing towards south. After entering main room (Gabhara) one can see original (Swayambhu) idol of Tuljabhavani which is installed on throne and studded with ornaments. The 'Darshan' or observation of idol pleases our mind. There is one silver cot (Palang) near main room on which Bhavani sleeps or goes for 'Nidra'. Opposite of Palang there is idol (Pind) of Mahdev. One can observe Bhavani and Shankar sitting opposite of each other. The temple is of Hemadpanti style. There is silver ring (Kadi) on one of the pillars. There is a legend regarding this pillar. If there is ache in any part of body because of hitting, the touch of this ring for seven days will reduce the body pain. When we come out we observe godess Yallama. Nearby there is idol of god Narsinha who is 4th Avatara of Lord Vishnu. Devotee of this deity is Nandibuwa who is Brahmin. Then we can observe deity Rudravatar Khanderaya which is near west facing gate of the temple. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj used to come for Darshan through this gate. There is one stone sphere named as Shakunwanti. People believe that this is a magic stone. If hand is gently kept on this stone and question is asked intitutively the answer yes or no will be indicated by movement of stone sphere. If answer is positive the sphere will turn rightwards . If the answer is negative turns left. If the sphere remains static it implies that the desired work will be done slowly. Above are beliefs of devotees. After passing by this magic stone there is idol of Lord Datta which is Ekmukhi i.e. having one head. All the ornaments of godess are kept in 'Jamdarkhana'. This ornaments are worn by godess at the time of festival. One of the ornaments is gold chain of 108 gold idols i.e. 'Putlees' which is donated by Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Idol of Tuljabhavani

The idol of the deity is the original idol (Swaymbhu Murti) which is made of Shaligram (black non perishable stone). The installation of the idol of deity is of 'Devipanchayatana' type. The idol is having eight hands. One hand is holding the hairs of a monster or Daitya and other hand contains Trishula or trident which is piercing the chest of the monster or Daitya. Below the leg of the idol lies Daitya or monster Mahishasura in whose chest the Trishula or trident appears to be inserted. This shows that the deity is killing the monster Mahishasura. On the right hand of the idol a lion is there which is 'Wahana' (vehicle of the deity on which the deity usually rides). Near the idol one can see the sage or Rishi Markendeya who is reciting Puranas or Hindu mythology. There is image of moon near the idol. One can see the image of sun on the right hand of the idol. In each hand of the idol one can see weapons or Ayudhas like Chakra, Gada, Trishula, Ankush, Dhanu, Pash. On the right side of the idol one can observe lady Anubhuti worshiping the deity. The lady Anubhati was the wife of Brahmin Kardama. Above the head of the idol there is small idol or 'Pindi' of lord Mahadeva. Also there is Swayanbhu Muguta or self immerged crown on the head of the deity.

History of Tuljabhavani

The history of the deity dates back to Puranas or Hindu mythology. One can find references about Tuljabhavani in Markendeya Purana. 'Durga Saptashati' which is Sanskrita epic about the godess contains thirteen chapters or Adhyaayas and seven hundred Shlokas or rhymes. This epic is a part of Markendeya Purana or mythological work by sage or Rishi Markendeya. In this treatise the spiritual meaning and way towards Karma - doings, Bhakti - devotion and Dyana - Knowledge has been shown. Other source of history is Devi Bhagvata.

Story of Tuljabhavani

There lived in "Krityuga" simple Brahmin sage by name Kardama. The name of his wife was Anubhuti. She was endowed with beauty like Rati & many good qualities. When her died, she begain preparation for " Sutee". At that juncture Divine Broadcast advised " that woman with young child need not go " Sutee". Thereafter she changed her mind & decided to practice penance in the beautiful surroundings of the river MANDAKANI. Anubhuti was Yogi. KUKAR the king of Deman saw her while she was in state of SAMADHI.Gaging at her charming beauty, sinful desire of lust sprang in the mind of KUKAR. At first he tried to win her with sweet word & having failed in attempt, with his brute force tried to commit breach of her chastity & also of her penance. Then Anubhuti prayed the GODDESS for mercy & begain to cry for help. Tulja Bhavani reponded to call & appeared immediately at the place of penance to kill the Demon KUKAR. When Tuljabhavani determined to kill the demon Kukar & began to with him, the KUAKR changed the form & assumed form of a buffalo ( MAHIASH ) & began to dance on the battlefield. On Ashwin Shudha 10, the goddess killed KUAKR & hence the day is celeberated as " VIJAYA DASHAMI. As goddess responded & rushed in haste for the protection of her devotees ,so she is called " TWARITA". Tulja is Marathi form of Twarita & goddess is known as Tulja Bhavani.

Nine Rupa's of Tuljabhavani

In mythology nine Rupa's or forms of the deity are referred.

1. Shailaputri
2. Brahmacharini
3. Chandraghanta
4. Kushmanda
5. Skandhamata
6. Katyayani
7. Kalratri
8. Mahagauri
9. Sidhhiratri

Getting there
By rail: The pilgrims visiting Tuljapur by train must come to Solapur on South Central Railway, the nearest railway station from Tuljapur. Solapur is about 44 KM from Tuljapur.
By road: Bombay-Tuljapur 452 kms via Solapur.

For more details and photographs of Goddess log on to: http://www.tuljabhavani.com/

Reference: Above details are taken from above website.

Tulja Bhavani and Shivaji

This is a temple town which rose to prominence during the Maratha regime and the goddess was a family deity of the Bhosle rulers. Chhatrapati Shivaji used to take her blessings for success in his military campaigns. It is believed that the Tulja Bhavani presented Shivaji with the Bhavani sword.

Accommodation

The accommodation to the pilgrims is provided by the temple trust. The temple trust has started a new Dharamshala where the pilgrims can stay free of cost. The pilgrims have other accommodation facilities in the town Tuljapur. The lodging facilities in Tuljapur are provided by the private organizations having their own Dharmashalas for nominal charges. There are hotels providing lodging and boarding facilities.

Reference: http://osmanabad.nic.in/html/tuljapur.html