Pavitra Kamakshi Mata Mandir, Kawanai, Igatpuri, Naasik

The Kamakshi Mata Temple, known as the ‘Goddess who fulfills vows’ (Navsala Pavnari Devi), is considered a highly awakened (Jagrut) pilgrimage site. The temple is situated near the Kapildhara Tirtha at the foothills of the Kavanai Fort in Igatpuri Taluka. The significance of this temple is said to date back to the Puranic era. The four Shakti Peethas of Kamakshi Mata are believed to be Kanchipuram, Guwahati, Kavanai, and Karanjgaon (Shegaon). This temple is considered the third among these Shakti Peethas.

The legend of the temple states that after Sita was abducted by Ravana, Lord Shriram, while searching for her, found the bird Jatayu injured at Taked. After granting salvation (Moksha) to Jatayu, Shriram proceeded into the Dandakaranya forest in search of Sita. At that time, on Mount Kailash, Lord Mahadeva was chanting ‘Shriram… Shriram…’. Seeing this, Goddess Parvati asked Mahadeva in anger, “Why are you meditating on a Rama who could not even protect his own wife?” Lord Shankara replied, “Your thinking is incorrect. You may test Rama yourself.” At that moment, in the Dandakaranya forest, Parvati took the form of a beautiful woman and tried to entice Shriram. However, Shriram recognized Parvati and bowed down to her. Thus, Parvati realized why Mahadeva worshipped Shriram. Pleased, Parvati then showed Shriram the path forward to find Sita. Shriram requested Parvati to stay there in the form of Kamakshi Devi for the sake of her devotees. Since then, Parvati has remained here in the form of Kamakshi Mata. This place is known as the Kamakshi Mata Temple. The ‘Valmiki Ramayana’ mentions this Kamakshi Mata, who came to witness the ‘Kama-Iccha’ (desire/intent) of Rama.

While traveling on the Nashik highway towards Ghoti-Igatpuri, there is a turn-off for Kavanai on the right side near Khambale village. As you travel along that road, the Kavanai Fort becomes visible. Below the fort, in the village of Kavanai, amidst a nature-rich landscape, lies the temple of Kamakshi Mata. The temple structure consists of a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). In the Sabha Mandap, there is a statue of a lion, the vehicle of the Goddess. In the Garbhagriha, there is a stone idol of Kamakshi Mata. This idol, which appears somewhat fierce, is carved from stone. The Goddess holds a sword in one hand and a trident in the other. In her other two hands, she holds a mace and a dagger-like weapon. Devotees firmly believe that vows made at this Shakti Peetha are fulfilled; hence, many devotees come here to make vows and many return to fulfill them.

The Peshwa chronicles mention that after achieving victory in battle, Nanasaheb Peshwa offered gold and silver ornaments to Kamakshi Devi to fulfill his vow. These ornaments are still available at the temple and are adorned on the idol during the Navratri festival and Chaitra Purnima. It is said that the renovation of this temple was carried out by the Peshwas between 1750 AD and 1765 AD.

The festival of the Goddess is celebrated here during Navratri and Chaitra Purnima, during which a large number of devotees are present. Kavanai, sanctified by the touch of the feet of Shriram, Shankara, Parvati, Kapilmuni, Hanuman, Shukracharya, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Samarth Ramdas, and Gajanan Maharaj, is the original site of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela. The Kumbh Mela was held here in the past. It is believed that Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj performed penance in this area.

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