Sacred Ekvira Devi Temple Nandgaon, Nandgaon, Nashik

The Ekvira Devi Temple here is renowned as the Gramdaivat (presiding village deity) of Nandgaon city. Situated at the confluence of the Shakambhari and Lendi rivers, the idol of Ekvira Devi in this temple stands at an impressive height of 11 feet. A magnificent 31-foot-tall Deepmal (lamp tower) standing in front of the main temple is another key feature. This is an ancient temple dating back nearly 350 years. The Goddess is famed as a vigilant deity (‘Jaagrut’) who fulfills the earnest vows of her devotees.>

According to temple legend, in the 17th century, the Goddess appeared in a divine dream vision to Brahmanand Maharaj, directing him to renovate the old temple. When the Maharaj conveyed this to the Peshwas, they undertook the complete restoration of the temple. Constructed entirely from finely carved stones, the temple structure remains strong and sturdy to this day. Located within walking distance from both the Nandgaon railway station and bus stand, the Ekvira Devi Temple is enclosed by stone boundary walls on all four sides. An arched doorway on the eastern wall leads into the temple’s spacious courtyard. With paver blocks laid across the entire courtyard, the premises look clean and neat. Facing east, directly in front of the temple stands the tall Deepmal, beneath which is a shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha. On Tripurari Purnima, this lamp tower and the temple complex are beautifully illuminated with traditional lamps. Devotees offer prayers at this Ganesha shrine before entering the main temple for darshan. Constructed of stone, the temple features two stone domes. The Sabhamandap (assembly hall) of the temple is adorned with paintings depicting various deities and revered saints.

The main Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) houses the divine idol of Ekvira Devi. The idol features 18 arms holding various sacred weapons, seated majestically upon a tiger, with the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha beneath her feet. Her divine posture and form resemble Goddess Saptashrungi Nivasini. Originally, a six-foot-tall original idol stood in the sanctum, but this new idol was consecrated in its place. Beside Ekvira Devi are the idols of Mata Renuka and Lord Ganesha. A three-day annual Yatra (fair) of Ekvira Devi is held in the month of Chaitra. During this period, the Goddess’s sacred Tandala and crown are placed in a Palkhi (palanquin) and carried in a grand procession through the town. Traditional wrestling competitions (‘Kushti Phad’) are also held. Additionally, the event of pulling ‘Bara Gadya’ (twelve carts) takes place starting from Chhatrapati Shri Shivaji Maharaj Chowk in front of the Municipal Council. (In this event, twelve bullock carts are linked together without bullocks; several children sit inside them while devotees pull the carts all the way to the temple.) The entire temple and its surroundings are decorated with attractive lighting during this period.

During the Sharadiya Navratri festival, as well as for 9 days starting from Chaitra Shuddha Pratipada, grand celebrations take place here. Ghatasthapana is performed in the temple. During this divine period, many men and women observe ‘Ghati’ (residing within the temple premises to perform sacred rituals, sing praises of the Goddess, recite stotras, chant mantras, recite the Durga Saptashati, and most importantly, chant the holy name of the Goddess continuously for nine days). Over these nine days, the Goddess is adorned in nine different Paithani sarees, with new sacred decorations (‘Shringar’) offered daily. Devotees devoutly believe that Ekvira Devi’s form changes daily, granting darshan in three distinct divine manifestations each day. Throughout the festival, the Goddess is adorned with precious gold and silver ornaments and a grand crown.

Devotees hold profound faith in this presiding deity. Many devotees testify that seeking her darshan fulfills their heart’s desires. The privilege of conducting ritual worship (‘Puja-archa’) of the Goddess belongs traditionally to the local Gurav family. Daily prayers, worship, and Aarti are performed faithfully. Special worship services are organized on Tuesdays and Fridays, drawing a large number of devotees from the surrounding region. Devotees can visit the Ekvira Devi Temple for darshan from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

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