Pavitra Ghaatanadevee Mandir Aavalakhed, Igatapuree, Naasik

The Shri Ghatan Devi Temple is located in Kasara Ghat, also known as Thal Ghat, on the Mumbai-Nashik Highway. This temple possesses a rich history dating back to the Vedic period. Situated on the crest of the Sahyadri ranges near the Tringalwadi Fort, it is nestled amidst the majestic peaks of Harihar, Durvar, Untwad, and Trimbak. The glory and significance of the nine forms of Goddess Durga are described in the holy text ‘Shri Durga Saptashati’. These divine forms include Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Kalaratri, Mahagiri, Mahasiddhi, Mahagouri, Riddhi, Siddhi, and Durga. Ghatan Devi is venerated as the Goddess in her ‘Shailaputri’ form. According to temple tradition, while traveling from Vajreshwari toward Bhimashankar, the Goddess chose this spot for rest. Drawn to the mountains and enchanted by the lush natural beauty nestled in the lap of the hills, she made this place her abode as Shri Ghatan Devi. The first manifestation of Durga is known as ‘Shailaputri’, revered as the first among the Navadurgas. Special worship and prayers are offered to her on the first day of Navratri. As the daughter of King Himavat of the Himalayas, and due to her love for mountain ranges, she is also lovingly addressed as ‘Himavati’.

It is said that while Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was passing through after securing the treasure of Kalyan, he encountered a deep valley. The camels used to carry the treasure were set free at this location, owing to which the place came to be known as ‘Untdari’ (Camel Valley). The Bhatsa River originates in Untdari itself. The Ghatan Devi Temple is situated near Untdari. Historical records note that the treasure acquired by Shivaji Maharaj was counted inside this temple, during which Maharaj performed ritualistic and scriptural worship of Ghatan Devi. Thus, the temple holds immense historical importance as well.

Upon approaching the temple, one passes through an archway featuring a carved idol of Lord Ganesha at its center. At the entrance, two grand lion statues flank the gateway. The temple features a circular dome and an open, airy Mandapa (hall), which gives it a unique architectural appeal. Inside the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), the pure white marble idol of the Goddess radiates divine grace and splendor. Seated upon a lion, the Goddess is eight-armed (Ashtabhuja), holding sacred weapons in her hands, including a Trident (Trishula) in her right hand and a Lotus flower in her left. At the feet of this idol lies a Tandala (a natural, unshaped sacred stone smeared with vermilion, representing the primary divine form). This represents the original form of the Goddess.

A short distance from here lies the shrine of the original Ghatan Devi Temple. Surrounded by dense foliage, this is a serene, modest temple. Here, in front of the sanctum, stands a large statue of a lion, placed similarly to Nandi in Shiva temples. Surrounded by mountain cliffs, deep valleys, and endless ranges stretching to the horizon, the atmosphere here is profoundly peaceful.

The Goddess is also revered as the bestower of self-knowledge (Atmagnan-vardhini). Locals hold deep faith in her as the divine power that inspires spiritual wisdom. It is firmly believed by the villagers that through her divine grace, calamities are averted from the village and road accidents are prevented. Sacred ceremonies such as a child’s first haircut (Jawale), Satyanarayana Puja, recitation of the Durga Saptashati, and holy scriptures are regularly performed in the temple. Devotees hold strong faith that the Goddess answers their earnest prayers (Navas). As a tradition of fulfilling vows, devotees offer brass bells to the temple. To mark the beginning of any auspicious endeavor, devotees break a coconut to seek her divine blessings.

Shri Ghatan Devi is revered as the Gramadevata (presiding village deity) of Igatpuri Taluka. Being an active and vibrant shrine (Jagrut Devasthan), hundreds of devotees visit every day for Darshan. A grand fair (Yatra) takes place here during the nine days of Navratri, with the highest congregation of devotees on Mahanavami and Vijayadashami. The temple was renovated in the year 1980.

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