Mohata Devi – The Self-Revealed Goddess of Mohatagad Hill

Location

Village: Mohata, near Pathardi and Shevgaon
District: Ahmednagar, Maharashtra
Access: About 9 km east of Pathardi town, situated on a hillock known as Mohatagad

Presiding Deity

Main Deity: Mohata Devi, revered as an incarnation of Renuka Mata, the mother of Lord Parshuram
She is worshipped as Jagadamba, the universal mother and Kuldevi (family goddess) by Maratha, Dhangar, Banjara, and Koli communities

Temple Complex

A smaller shrine exists atop the hill, while the main temple is a grand South Indian-style structure built with Jaisalmer stone
The complex includes:

Temple Significance

Spiritual Power: Believed to fulfill vows related to marriage, fertility, health, and prosperity
Historical Roots: Linked to the myth of Renuka Devi’s chastity and resurrection by Parshuram, making it a site of deep mythological resonance

History & Legends

Ancient Origins: The temple is believed to be over 1,000 years old, with roots in the worship of Renuka Devi, mother of Lord Parshuram.
Mythological Connection: According to legend, Renuka Devi was beheaded by her son Parshuram under his father Jamadagni’s command. After intense penance, she was resurrected and became immortal—a tale deeply tied to Mohata’s spiritual aura.
Local Revelation: A revered devotee, Bansibaba Dahiphale, once prayed for Renuka Devi’s presence during a pilgrimage. A divine vision led him to a hilltop where a white cow mysteriously disappeared, revealing the radiant form of Mohata Devi. This miraculous event marked the site as sacred.
Navratri Tradition: Since that vision, devotees have brought Ganga water from Paithan on foot to perform abhishekam during Ashwin Shuddha Ekadashi, a tradition still alive today.

Architecture

Style: The temple is built in South Indian Dravidian style, using Jaisalmer yellow sandstone for its grandeur and durability.
Craftsmanship: Over 15 artisans worked for 1.5 years on intricate carvings and sculptural details. The temple’s pillars and mandap showcase traditional motifs and divine iconography.

Rituals & Worship Practices

Abhishekam: Devotees perform sacred bathing of the deity, especially with Ganga water from Paithan, brought on foot during Navratri.
Offerings: Farmers offer the first produce of their harvest to the goddess as a mark of gratitude.
Vow Fulfillment: Devotees often conduct Annadanam (mass feeding) or special pujas after their wishes are fulfilled.
Bhajan & Kirtan Mandaps: Regular devotional singing and spiritual discourses are held in the temple’s dedicated halls.

Major Festivals

Annual Utsav: Held with great fervor, attracting lakhs of devotees from Maharashtra and neighboring states.
Kojaagiri Pournima: Marks the culmination of Navratri with special night-long prayers and moonlit darshan.

Beliefs & Devotional Power

Kuldevi Worship: Mohata Devi is the family goddess for many Maratha, Dhangar, Banjara, and Koli communities.
Wish-Fulfilling Goddess: She is believed to grant boons related to:

Spiritual Awakening: Locals believe that even those who forget dharma are spiritually awakened by her grace.
Self-manifested (Swayambhu): The deity is considered jagrut (ever-awake), responding to sincere prayers and vows.

Temple Hours

Getting There

Location: Mohata village, near Pathardi, Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra
By Road: Well-connected via Ahmednagar–Pathardi route; local buses and autos available from Pathardi
By Rail: Nearest major station is Ahmednagar Railway Station (~50 km away)
By Air: Closest airport is Aurangabad Airport (~120 km away)

Accommodation

Tips

Sanatana Vibes