Sacred Padmavati Temple OJharde, Wai, Satara

In the village of Ozharde, located near the town of Wai in Satara district, lies an ancient and spiritually vibrant shrine of Mother Padmavati. Devotees believe that the idol of Goddess Padmavati in the temple is self-manifested (Swayambhu) and that the Goddess grants the wishes of those who pray to her with faith. The temple is renowned as the presiding deity (Gramadevata) of the Ozharde region. A unique feature of this temple is the Palkhi procession of Goddess Padmavati, which takes place every Tuesday and on every full moon day (Pournima). This tradition dates back to the pre-Shivaji era and is still observed today after hundreds of years.

A legend regarding Goddess Padmavati states that a devotee from the barber community used to walk to Rajapuri every day to seek the Goddess’s blessings. One day, pleased by his devotion, the Goddess told him that she would come to his village. Accordingly, the Goddess arrived at the banks of the Chandraganga River near Ozharde village, where she disappeared, and her idol manifested at that spot. Believing that the Goddess wished to reside there, the devotee built a temple around this self-manifested idol. Although the exact period of the temple’s construction is unknown, locals believe it has existed since the pre-Shivaji era.

The Padmavati Temple is located in the central part of Ozharde village. The grand entrance of the temple is made entirely of stone and stands at a height of 50 to 60 feet. There are two platforms on the right and left sides of the entrance, with idols of Lord Ganesha at their base. An idol of Ganesha is also carved on the lintel of the entrance, and there are several sculptures carved on the upper part of the door frame. Above this entrance is the Nagarkhana (drum house). A narrow stone staircase leads up to the Nagarkhana. Inside, along with various musical instruments, there is a large bell weighing about 250 kilograms. During festivals, drums and bells are played here. From a small window in the Nagarkhana facing the temple, one can see the entire temple premises, and through three arched windows on the outer side of the entrance, one gets a panoramic view of Ozharde village.

Descending five to six steps from the entrance, one enters the temple courtyard. The entire area is paved, and in the center stands the ancient Hemadpanti-style temple of Goddess Padmavati. There are two stone lamp towers (Deepmala) next to the temple, and a Tulsi Vrindavan in front of it. The temple structure consists of a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). In the Sabha Mandap, there is a Nandi carved from a single stone and the Palkhi of the Goddess. In the sanctum, the vermilion-anointed idol of Goddess Padmavati is enshrined within a decorative frame on a large platform. The Goddess’s crown and eyes are made of silver.

Every Tuesday and on full moon days, the Palkhi of Goddess Padmavati visits the nearby Tukai Devi, Lakshmi Mata, and Maruti temples. Hundreds of villagers participate in this weekly procession. Legend has it that the honor of being the primary Gramadevata of the village once belonged to Tukai Devi, who voluntarily bestowed this honor upon Goddess Padmavati. Since then, Goddess Padmavati has been the presiding deity of the region.

The annual fair (Yatra) is held on Chaitra Shuddha Chaturthi and Panchami. On the first night at 9 o’clock, the idol of Mother Padmavati is placed in a silver palanquin, which is decorated with various flowers. Devotees crowd the streets of Ozharde village to catch a glimpse of this Palkhi. Devotees become immersed in the rhythm of Dhol, Lezim, and cymbals. During the two days of the fair, thousands of devotees gather at the temple to make and fulfill their vows. On the second day of the fair, wrestling matches (Kusti) are organized, in which many renowned wrestlers from the district participate.

On Phalguna Shuddha Chaturthi, a procession of costumed performers (Songe) is held. The Sange festival of Ozharde is famous throughout the district. In these performances, some dress as the Goddess, while others portray Shri Ram, Shri Krishna, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and other deities. A procession of all these performers is taken out. This festival continues throughout the night and attracts a large crowd.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery