Prasanna Shree Waghajai Mata temple Bhor, Bhor, Pune

Bhor is the largest taluka in Pune district in terms of area. The original abode of Shri Waghjai Devi, known as the presiding deity of this taluka, is situated on the hilltop of Rohideshwar Fort. This Goddess is referred to as the ‘Upper Waghjai’. It is said that, pleased by the devotion of a follower, the Goddess came down to the village to reside with him. Therefore, as a Goddess who walked into the village on her own, this temple is a place of faith for thousands of devotees here. The Goddess is renowned everywhere as one who fulfills the vows of her devotees.

According to a legend, there was a devout follower of Goddess Waghjai Devi from Bhelkewadi, Bhor, located near here. Every day, he would traverse through valleys and ravines to reach the temple of the Goddess situated on the hill of Rohideshwar Fort for her darshan. Due to old age, it became impossible for him to climb up and down the mountain, which left him deeply distressed. He wondered how he would be able to have the darshan of the Goddess now. While he was contemplating this, the Goddess appeared to him in a vision and said, “Come to visit me on the mountain just once; after this, you will not have to come to the mountain. I myself will come with you to reside in your village.” However, while saying this, the Goddess laid down a condition that he must not look back until he reached the village. Accordingly, the journey began with the devotee walking ahead and the Goddess following behind. Upon reaching the foothills, the devotee stopped hearing the sound of the anklets on the Goddess’s feet, so he looked back. Immediately, with a loud crack, the Goddess vanished from that spot, and a stone idol of the Goddess appeared in that very place. Streams of water also began to flow near this idol. At that same location, the villagers built a small temple of Goddess Waghjai. The water springs here can still be seen flowing today.

The temple of Goddess Waghjai is situated in the Waghjai Nagar area to the south of Bhor city. One enters the temple premises through a beautiful arch. The entire area has been paved with tiles, and a beautiful garden has been developed. The ornamental and flowering plants make this area appear charming and serene. The temple structure consists of a Darshan Mandap, a Sabha Mandap, and a Garbhagriha. The temple attained its current form after renovations carried out in the year 2013. The entire Sabha Mandap is paved with marble, and the ceiling features exquisite craftsmanship. The Garbhagriha is situated within this spacious Sabha Mandap, and the idols of Goddesses Waghjai and Kaleshwari are enshrined in the sanctum. There is a circumambulatory path (Pradakshina Marg) around the Garbhagriha from within the Sabha Mandap. Behind the temple, there is a Deepmal and water tanks. Additionally, there are temples dedicated to Lord Ganpati and Lord Maruti in the vicinity.

This premises is spacious, and various amenities have been provided by the Trust for the devotees. A garden with play equipment has been set up in the area for small children to play. A cultural hall has been constructed here for seating arrangements for devotees and for the religious and other rituals of the villagers.

Along with the daily rituals at the Waghjai Temple, the Navratri festival is celebrated every year with great enthusiasm. During this time, religious programs such as Ghatasthapana, Mahapuja, Abhishekam, Bhajans, Kirtans, Hom-Havan, Palkhi Pradakshina, and Mahaprasad are organized. The fair held here on Maghi Purnima is considered one of the largest fairs in Bhor. Thousands of devotees are present on this occasion. During the Palkhi procession, the traditional sacred poles (Kathya) are danced, and devotees offer Torans (coconuts, flowers, sweets) in fulfillment of their vows. Along with religious activities, the Trust provides educational materials and financial assistance to underprivileged students. For the city residents, health camps are organized, and free eye examinations and surgeries are performed by expert doctors.

This temple has been included in the state government’s ‘C’ grade list of pilgrimage sites. (A temple that receives more than one lakh and up to four lakh devotees annually for darshan is granted ‘C’ grade pilgrimage status by the state government.)

Apart from this temple, the ancient temple of Bhoreshwar Mahadev in Bhor city and the grand memorial of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj located in the city’s market area are famous. This Bhor taluka has given many heroic gems to Hindavi Swarajya. These include Baji Prabhu Deshpande, Yesaji Kank, Jiva Mahala, Kanhoji Jedhe, and Sambhaji Kavji Kondhalkar.

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