Location
- Temple Name:
Renuka Mata Devi Temple
- Village:
Kedgaon
- District:
Ahmednagar, Maharashtra
- Proximity:
~1 km from Ahmednagar Railway Station
- Best Season to Visit:
September to February (Winter)
Main Deity
- Goddess Renuka Devi
– A powerful incarnation of Maa Durga, revered as a symbol of
maternal strength and protection.
- The idol is self-manifested
(Swayambhu) and resembles the form of Renuka Devi from Mahur,
one of the Saptashakti Peethas.
Subshrines &
Associated Deities
- Tulja Bhavani
– Installed beside Renuka Devi, representing fierce protection
- Mahadev (Shiva)
– Located to the right of the main sanctum
- Vitthal-Rukmini Temple
– A small shrine within the temple complex
- Bhairavnath Temple
– Symbolizing guardian energy
- Paduka Shrine
– Marks the spot where devotee Bhavani Gurav turned to see the goddess
before she vanished
Temple Significance
- Historical Roots:
Built during the Peshwa era by royal patrons and local sardars
- Sacred Legend:
- Devotee Bhavani Gurav,
blessed with a child by Renuka Devi, served her with deep devotion.
- On returning from Mahur, the goddess
promised to accompany her. Upon reaching Kedgaon, Bhavani turned around
and the goddess disappeared—leaving behind a Swayambhu idol at
that very spot.
- Miraculous Event:
- Saint Nimbaraj Maharaj,
returning from Kashi with Ganga water, was blessed with a divine vision
of the goddess in the form of a milkmaid.
- He poured the sacred water into a
nearby stepwell (Barav) which still retains water even during peak
summer.
- Navratri Celebrations:
- Women observe Ghata Sthapana
and stay in the temple premises.
- On the 7th day, a grand Yatra
is held.
- Navami
features a large Homa, and Dussehra includes Shastra
Puja and adorning the goddess with traditional ornaments.
- Architecture:
- Surrounded by tall fort-like walls
- Features a Deepmala (lamp
tower) and a spacious courtyard
- Includes guest quarters (Ovaryas)
for devotees and pilgrims
History
- The temple dates back to the Peshwa
era, built by royal patrons and local sardars of Ahmednagar.
- It has long been revered as a jagrut
sthaan (awakened shrine) of Maa Renuka Devi, attracting
devotees from across Maharashtra.
- The temple’s location near dense
groves once resembled a forest, where even tigers were said to roam
freely.
Legends
- Bhavani Gurav,
a devout woman blessed with a child by Renuka Devi, served the goddess
with unwavering devotion.
- On her return from Mahur, the
goddess promised to accompany her. Upon reaching Kedgaon, Bhavani turned
to look back—and the goddess vanished, leaving behind a Swayambhu idol
at that very spot.
- The place where Bhavani turned is now
marked with Padukas, and the idol closely resembles the one at
Mahur.
- Another legend involves Saint
Nimbaraj Maharaj, who encountered the goddess in the form of a
milkmaid while returning from Kashi. He poured sacred Ganga water into a
nearby stepwell (Barav), which miraculously retains water even
during peak summer.
Architecture
- The temple is surrounded by tall
fort-like walls, giving it a protected and ancient aura.
- A Deepmala (lamp tower) stands
outside, used during festivals.
- The complex includes shrines for Tulja
Bhavani, Mahadev, Vitthal-Rukmini, and Bhairavnath,
reflecting a rich devotional ecosystem.
- There are Ovaryas (guest quarters)
for pilgrims and a beautiful garden used during the annual yatra.
- The temple courtyard is spacious, designed to accommodate large gatherings during Navratri, Dasara, and Seemollanghan celebrations.
Daily Rituals
- Abhishekam:
Performed early morning, typically around 6 AM, using milk, curd,
turmeric, and sacred water.
- Alankaram:
The goddess is adorned with traditional sarees, flowers, and ornaments.
- Aarti:
Held twice daily—morning and evening—with devotees gathering for darshan
and bhajans.
- Naivedyam:
Offerings include rice, jaggery, coconut, and seasonal fruits.
Major Festivals
Navratri (Shardiya)
- Ghata Sthapana:
Women stay in the temple premises for nine days, observing strict vrat and
devotional routines.
- 7th Day (Saptami):
A grand Yatra is held, drawing thousands of devotees.
- Navami:
A powerful Homa (fire ritual) is performed for universal peace and
prosperity.
- Dussehra (Vijayadashami):
- Shastra Puja:
Weapons are ritually worshipped.
- The goddess is adorned with traditional
gold ornaments.
- Seemollanghan:
Symbolic crossing of boundaries, performed by respected community
members.
Renuka Chaturdashi
- Celebrated with special kumkum
archana, believed to fulfill wishes.
- Locals report mystical signs like bells
ringing on their own or kumkum emerging from the idol, seen as
divine blessings.
Ganga Barav Ritual
- Devotees visit the stepwell
(Barav) where Saint Nimbaraj Maharaj poured Ganga water.
- It’s believed that the well never
dries, even in peak summer—a sign of the goddess’s eternal presence.
Beliefs & Miracles
- Swayambhu Idol:
The self-manifested form of Renuka Devi is said to resemble the idol at
Mahur, one of the Saptashakti Peethas.
- Paduka Shrine:
Marks the spot where devotee Bhavani Gurav turned to see the goddess
before she vanished.
- Tiger Legend:
In ancient times, tigers were said to roam the temple grove and attend
evening aarti, symbolizing divine protection.
- Milkmaid Darshan:
Saint Nimbaraj Maharaj had a vision of the goddess as a milkmaid, offering
him sustenance during his pilgrimage.
Temple Hours
- Opening Time:
6:30 AM
- Closing Time:
9:30 PM
- Best Time for Darshan:
Early morning (Abhishekam) and evening aarti
- Special Days:
Extended hours during Navratri, Chaturdashi, and Dussehra
Getting Here
Location
- Village:
Kedgaon
- District:
Ahmednagar, Maharashtra
- Landmark:
Near Ambika Bus Stand (~1.4 km away)
Nearest Transport Hubs
|
Mode |
Nearest Point |
Distance |
|
Railway |
Ahmednagar Railway
Station |
~1 km |
|
Bus Stand |
Ambika Bus Stand |
~1.4 km |
|
Airport |
Shirdi International
Airport |
~87 km |
Tips
- Dress Code:
- Men:
Dhoti, kurta, or formal shirt & trousers
- Women:
Saree, half-saree, or salwar kameez
- Avoid:
Sleeveless tops, shorts, low-waist jeans
- Do’s:
- Bathe before entering the temple
- Respect ancient customs and fellow
devotees
- Carry water and light snacks if
visiting during festivals
- Don’ts:
- Smoking, drinking, chewing tobacco
or gutka inside temple premises
- Loud behavior or photography during
rituals
Accommodation
- Temple Guest Quarters (Ovaryas):
- Available for pilgrims during
festivals like Navratri
- Basic bedding and shared washrooms
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