Mahurgad Devi Temple

Introduction to Mahurgad Devi Temple

The Mahurgad Devi Temple is the abode of Renuka Devi, otherwise known as Mahurgad Devi. She is the mother of Parasurama, an incarnation of Vishnu. The temple is located in Kinwat, Nanded, Maharashtra. It lies on a hilltop surrounded by carved caves. This popular religious spot is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths in Maharashtra. Mahur Renuka Devi Shakti Peeth temple and Mahurye Ekaveerika temple are other names for it.

Renuka Devi is also known as Yellamma, the Mother of the Universe. Yellamma is an incarnation of Kali. Mahur is the birthplace of Renuka.

Legend of the Mahurgad Devi Temple

Renuka was the wife of Sage Jamadagni. Once, King Sahastrarjuna visited Jamadagni's abode. The hospitality of the sage surprised him. When asked about it, the sage replied that it was possible because of the divine cow, Kamadhenu, that fulfilled his needs and desires. He also added that the king of Gods, Indra, had gifted Kamadhenu to him.

Hearing this, King Sahastrarjuna became greedy and tried to seize Kamadhenu from the sage. The sage died in the scuffle, and his wife Renuka suffered twenty-one wounds.

On coming to know about the incident, Parasurama, the son of Jamadagni, rushed there. He vowed to defeat and punish the king twenty times. Renuka asked him to cremate his father. He carried his father's corpse and mother to Mahur. Parasurama cremated his father in Mahur. Renuka committed sati.

The Architecture of the Mahurgad Devi Temple

The Mahurgad Devi Temple is an ancient temple, about 800 years old. Yadava, the king of Devagiri, built the temple in the 13th century. It follows Chalukya and Rashtrakuta architectural styles.

The temple's sanctum is unique. As the presiding deity, Renuka Devi graces in the form of swayambhu with the head alone. She is adorned with various gold ornaments. People believe that all three lords are in the sanctum without forms. Acharya Sankara had installed a Banalinga and the idol's head here.

The full form of Renuka Devi is in the form of a sculpture on the wall, along with the idol of the sage Parasurama. Sage Jamadagni is present here in the form of a Shiva linga. Many great souls had performed penance in Mahur. Ganapathi Muni performed penance in Mahurgad Devi Temple. The temple has beautiful sculptures.

Ganesha, Siddheshwara, Eknath, Mallikarjuna, and Parasurama shrines are on the temple premises. Visitors can see the Sahyadri ranges from the Mahurgad Devi Temple. Priests offer Pan and Supari as Prasad to the deity.

Festivals in the Mahurgad Devi Temple

The temple conducts a big fair every year on the occasion of Vijayadashmi. Devotees are allowed to perform Aarti by themselves at Mahurgad Devi Temple. There are around 250 steps to reach the temple. People who cannot climb can hire Dolis to reach the top.

Navratri, Vijayadashmi, Diwali, Gudi Padwa, Pousha Purnima, Naga Panchami, and Dattatreya Jayanti are other festivals celebrated here grandly.

Benefits of Worshipping at the Mahurgad Devi Temple

Worshipping at the Mahurgad Devi Temple can bring peace, prosperity, and success in life. People believe Renuka Devi can help them overcome obstacles, protect them from negative energies, and fulfill their desires.

The Prasad offered in the temple is sand. The sand is taken on Aani Tirumanjanam day in June-July. People mix it in water, pray to her and consume it for progeny blessings and relief from stomach pain. Many claim that it is very effective.

Realizing their prayers and wishes, devotees offer coins equal to their weight, a ritual called Thulabaram.