Shree Jagadamba Mata Mandir, hakari, Akole, Ahilyanagar

The ancient sculpted temple of Jagdamba Mata at Tahakari, situated on the banks of the Adhala River, adds further grandeur to Akole taluka in Ahilyanagar district, which is famed as the ‘Heaven of Maharashtra’. Due to its sculptural magnificence, this temple is often compared to the Gondeshwar Temple in Sinnar and the Ambarnath Shiv Mandir in Thane district. The massive stone chandelier suspended from the ceiling (vitana) above the Sabhamandap (assembly hall) and the Antarala (vestibule) of this temple is considered a fine specimen of unique artistic craftsmanship.

The legend of the temple goes that Tahakari and its surrounding region were once part of the sacred Dandakaranya forest. After Ravana abducted Goddess Sita, Lord Rama, anguished by separation, was passing through this region in search of her. At that time, on Mount Kailash, Lord Shiva (Mahadev) was deeply engrossed in chanting “Shri Ram…. Shri Ram….”. Angered by this, Goddess Parvati asked Lord Shiva, “Why are you meditating upon Ram, who cannot even protect his own wife?” Lord Shiva replied, “Your thinking is incorrect. You may test Shri Ram if you wish.” Accordingly, Goddess Parvati assumed the form of a beautiful woman and attempted to enchant Shri Ram in the Dandakaranya forest. However, Lord Rama immediately recognized Goddess Parvati and offered his humble prostrations (Dandavat) to her. Thus, Goddess Parvati realized why Mahadev held such supreme devotion for Shri Ram. Pleased, Goddess Parvati then guided Shri Ram on his journey to find Sita. Lord Rama requested Parvati to reside at this sacred spot in the form of Goddess Jagdamba for the welfare of devotees. Since then, Goddess Parvati has dwelt here as Jagdamba Mata, and the place came to be known as the Jagdamba Mata Temple of Tahakari.

Nestled in a lush, natural environment, the sculptural beauty of this ancient Jagdamba Mata Temple is truly mesmerizing. Due to the innumerable unique sculptures carved on its walls, it is also known as the ‘Sculptural Temple of Tahakari’. Sanctified by the holy feet of Lord Rama and Goddess Parvati, this site is immensely dear to devotees owing to the divine presence of Goddess Jagdamba. Devotees firmly believe that this shrine of Jagdamba is spiritually vigilant (jagrut) and that the Goddess fulfills the vows of all who pray to her.

Facing north, the temple is built in black stone in an octagonal, Hemadpanti architectural style. It features an open courtyard surrounded by a stone wall approximately 7 feet in height. The temple follows a Trikuta design (consisting of a Sabhamandap, two smaller side mandapas, an Antarala, and a Garbhagriha/sanctum). All three mandapas are adorned with spires (shikharas). Built without the use of mortar, the stones of the temple are interlocked together seamlessly. The entire temple stands on a 4-foot-high Jagati (plinth).

The Sabhamandap features beautifully carved pillars. Sculptures of geometric patterns, mythological episodes, elephants, horses, and other animals, alongside figures of Yakshas, Apsaras, and deities such as Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh, Ganesha, and Chamunda are carved here. The beautiful maidens depicted in these sculptures are carved in various graceful poses—including dancers, charming Surasundaris in elegant attire, and women adorned with delicate ornaments. The ceilings of the Sabhamandap and Antarala are richly decorated with carving work. Their dome-shaped ceilings (vitana) feature exquisite stone-carved floral patterns resembling a hanging stone chandelier. The entrance to the sanctum sanctorum is also intricately carved.

Inside the sanctum stands a wooden idol of Mahishasuramardini with 18 arms holding various divine weapons, depicted standing atop a tiger. In front of this idol rests the Goddess’s Tandala (a natural mask-like, unformed divine stone form). The smaller eastern and western mandapas house the idols of Goddess Mahalakshmi and Goddess Bhadrakali respectively.

The exterior wall of the temple is multi-angled. In the Devakoshtas (outer niches) of the sanctum, there are icons of Chamunda Mata, Nritya Shankar (dancing Shiva), and other deities. Niches set between two carved pillars contain sculptures of Surasundaris, including figures such as Darpana (maiden with mirror), Putravallabha (mother with child), and Vivastradha (unclad maiden). A unique female sculpture wearing an open coat-like garment and holding a parasol over her head is also carved here.

To drain holy water from the sanctum, a Makaramukha (mythical crocodile-face spout) is carved instead of the usual Gomukha (cow-face spout). Intricate carvings are featured on this Makaramukha as well. The stones of the plinth (Jagati) depict relief sculptures of singers, instrumentalists, dancers, and erotic figures (Maithuna sculptures). Steps lead down to the river from the front side of the temple, and an ancient inscription is carved on a sculpted pillar along that pathway. Nearby, there is another shrine featuring sculptures of Sheshnaga and Sheshashayi Vishnu.

A grand festival of the Goddess is celebrated at the temple on Chaitra Purnima. On this occasion, the silver crown and idol of the Goddess are placed in a beautifully decorated chariot and taken out in a procession through the village. A procession of the revered ceremonial pole (Manachi Kathi), adorned with the Goddess’s flag and peacock feathers, is also taken out on this day, with hundreds of devotees participating enthusiastically.

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