Shri Jagadamba Maata Mandir, Vaanee, Dindoree, Naasik

Goddess Jagadamba Mata of Vani village is revered as the sister or the original form (Moolroop) of the Goddess residing atop Saptashrungi Gad, which is considered a half Peetha among the three and a half Shakti Peethas of Maharashtra. According to legend, Mata Jagadamba assumed the form of Saptashrungi to slay the demon Mahishasura. After annihilating Mahishasura in this form, the Goddess resided on Saptashrungi Gad to rest. Devotees firmly believe that a pilgrimage to Saptashrungi Gad remains incomplete without seeking the divine blessings of Jagadamba Mata at Vani.

Vani village is nestled at the foothills of Saptashrungi Gad on the Nashik-Saputara highway, near the border of Maharashtra and Gujarat states. Villagers say that the name Vani evolved as a corruption of the word ‘Vana’ (forest), referring to the dense bamboo groves that once existed here. Vani village is located about 15 km from Saptashrungi Gad, where this ancient temple of Mata Jagadamba is situated. An archway adjacent to the main road leads into the temple premises. This ancient two-story temple of the Goddess features extensive use of wood in its construction.

It is recorded that the idol of Goddess Jagadamba in this temple was consecrated by Parvatibai Punekar. During the Peshwa era, the temple and holy water tanks (Kundas) were constructed in this region. Subsequently, the temple underwent renovation several times. A newly built Sabhamandap (assembly hall) stands in front of the main temple, and right inside near the entrance, there is a six-foot-tall idol of Goddess Jagadamba smeared with vermilion (Shendur).

As the original idol made of paper pulp had deteriorated over time, a new idol crafted from copper was consecrated (Prana Pratishtha) in 1951. Beneath the ground, at a depth of 10 to 12 feet, lie the self-manifested (Swayambhu) four Chiranjeevs. Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh, and Narayan are considered the four sons of the Goddess, and sacred stone slabs representing them are present here. This chamber was filled with turmeric, kumkum, gulal, and bhandara, upon which the Goddess was established. Similar to Mata Renuka of Chandwad, only the head (Shir) of Goddess Jagadamba is present here. The deity is adorned with divine adornments, including a silver crown on Her head, silver earrings, a gold nose ring embedded with pearls, and a Mangalsutra.

Historical records mention that Ahilyadevi Holkar and Gautamibai Gujrathi made donations for the Dharmashala (pilgrim rest house) in the temple complex. The temple premises also house the Math (ashram) of Ramanand Swami, a Shiva temple, and a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. A spacious Bhaktaniwas (pilgrim guest house) has been constructed by Shri Saptashrungi (Jagadamba) Devi Trust, offering lodging facilities to devotees at nominal rates.

Just like the Chaitrotsav and Navratri festivals of Goddess Saptashrungi on the hill fort, a grand fair (Yatra) is held in Vani village as well. Thousands of devotees undertake a foot pilgrimage (Padyatra) to arrive for Darshan during this fair. According to tradition, pilgrims visiting the fort proceed further only after seeking the blessings of Goddess Jagadamba here. As it is a convenient place for fulfilling vows (Navas), rituals for vow fulfilment continue regularly at the Jagadamba Mata Temple. During Navratri, thousands of female devotees observe the sacred fast of ‘Ghati Basane’ in the temple premises. The Temple Trust provides lodging, light refreshments (Faral), and other necessary amenities for these women devotees.

Devotees can have Darshan of Mata Jagadamba daily from 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM. During the holy festival of Navratri, Darshan remains open 24 hours a day for pilgrims. Daily rituals include Panchamrut Mahapuja at 7:00 AM, Morning Aarti at 9:00 AM, Midday Aarti at 12:00 PM, and Evening Aarti at 7:30 PM. It is said that over five lakh devotees visit to seek the blessings of Mata Jagadamba during the Navratri festival.

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