Khondai Devi Temple

Khondai Devi Temple

Khondai Devi (M. Po. Mutha – Shedgewadi Malgaon, Tal. Mulshi, Dist. Pune)
Glory of Khondai Mata Devi (Incarnation of Mahalaxmi)
The world-famous ancient temple of Vaishno Devi is located in Katra, a town in the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir. It stands at an elevation of 5,200 feet. In this cave, the self-manifested three idols of Mata Rani Vaishno Devi are present: Kali Mata on the left, Saraswati Mata on the right, and Bhagyalakshmi Devi in the middle, all in the form of three pinds (idols). This temple is located in Jammu. Similarly, on the high hills of Shedgewadi in Malgaon, there is an ancient temple approximately 8.90 feet high. This temple dates back to the Pandava era. During their exile, the Pandavas halted on this hill and had a vision of the goddess, witnessing a three-faced idol in a cave. The Pandavas decided to restore this temple and build it with large stones. They constructed the temple in one night, but as they were finishing, a rooster crowed, signaling the start of Brahma Muhurta, leading them to stop their work and leave. This temple does not have a door; it is a large cave temple. The idol of the goddess has three faces and is the embodiment of Mahalaxmi Devi. This goddess is known as Khondai Mata. The temple of Kal Bhairavnath is located by the river. In earlier times, devotees used to go to Panashet (in Velha Taluka) through this cave of Khondai Mata. Inside, there were seven tunnels, as well as wells with intricate carvings, but now they are filled with soil. Previously, when offerings and cooking utensils were requested to present naivedya (food offerings) in the temple, the goddess would provide the utensils herself. However, due to the mischievous minds of some individuals who stole the utensils, they have now vanished. Whoever seeks refuge in Khondai Mata has all their wishes fulfilled. During Navaratri, the festival of this goddess is celebrated for nine days. The villagers say that this journey for the goddess starts after the sacred pot (ghat) is installed and lifted during Navaratri, at dawn, after Dussehra. After this, the marriage of Kal Bhairavnath and Jogeshwari Mata takes place. This wedding is held at the Kal Bhairavnath temple on the banks of the Mutha River at dawn. On the third day of the wedding, the procession of the deity departs in the form of a palanquin, heading to the temple in the cave of Khondai Mata on the hill, with celebrations along the way. The Khondai Sanstha and Bhairavnath Friends Association grandly welcome the palanquin in Shedgewadi and Malgaon. After the aarti (ritual of worship) of the goddess is performed there, the deity takes a view and then returns to Malgaon, performing sword dances. Many villagers and devotees from outside come to witness this performance. After the play, the palanquin is taken back to the Kal Bhairavnath temple by the river, where arrangements are made for meals for all the devotees.
The picturesque surroundings there uplift the spirit, and one is fortunate to have the darshan (sight) of Khondai Devi. Therefore, one should visit at least once a year. This festival is celebrated after Dussehra.

Photos: Ranjit Mohol
Information collected by: Ranjit Mohol
Information collected by: Chandrakant Mohol
President, Mamasahab Mohol Wrestling Federation
International Wrestling Referee