Divine Mesai Devi Temple, Kanhur, Shirur, Pune

Mesai Devi is renowned as the Goddess who rushes to answer the calls of her devotees and fulfills their prayers. This temple is located in Kanhur, in the Shirur taluka. For many families in this taluka and across Pune district, Mesai Devi is their Kuldevi (family deity). Situated on the Rajgurunagar-Shirur road, the temple is located 30 kilometers from Rajgurunagar and 28 kilometers from Shirur.

According to Puranic references, Lord Parashurama, following the command of Jamadagni, severed the head of his mother, Renuka. However, Jamadagni later repented for his actions and decided to bring Renuka back to life. Since Renuka’s head could not be found, he severed the head of a Matangi who appeared before him and attached it to Renuka’s body. Parashurama then granted her a boon that the Matangi would be worshipped before Renuka. This Matangi is known in some places by the names Mayarani, Mesko, and Mesai.

Mesai is an avatar of Mahakali. The Goddess appeared in Kanhur in the form of a young girl. Since the Goddess chose the cremation ground outside Kanhur village as her abode, she is also called Smashan-Nivasini (the dweller of the cremation ground). The Goddess has seven forms, and Mahakali is one of them, known as Mesai Devi. The legend of the Goddess states that one day, these seven avatars—the seven sisters—gathered together. Each decided on a different fort as her abode. All the Goddesses settled on their chosen forts, but Mesai Devi did not find a place. When Mesai Devi asked her sisters, “Where should I go?”, they jokingly replied, “Go to the cremation ground (masan).” To this, she replied, “Yes, I will go to the cremation ground. What difficulty do I have?” and began her journey. On her way, she saw a Lamani Tanda (nomadic group). With their help, the Goddess traveled from Nashik to Dhagegaon. The Goddess gave a vision to a gardener there, saying, “Drop me off at Kanhur.” With the help of the gardener, the Goddess settled in Kanhur. It is a popular legend that the Goddess established her seat in the cremation ground.

The entrance of the Mesai temple is intricately carved. The colorful painting on the shikhara (spire) makes the temple look radiant. The temple has a spacious sabhamandap (assembly hall), which was renovated in the year 2020. In front of the sanctum sanctorum, there is a well-sculpted lion, and inside, there is a beautiful idol of the Goddess. The crown, saree, jewelry, and peacock feather further enhance the beauty of the Goddess. A unique feature of this temple is that only widowed women are permitted to enter the sanctum sanctorum for darshan. They are also the ones given the honor of performing the Goddess’s puja. Other devotees can have darshan of the Goddess only from outside the sanctum.

Every day, Dnyaneshwari Parayan (recitation) takes place in the temple from 7 to 10 in the morning. There is a discourse from 4 to 6 in the evening, and Haripath is held from 7 to 8 at night. Devotees can have darshan of the Goddess between 7 in the morning and 6 in the evening.

It is the firm belief of all that Mesai Devi rushes to the call of her innocent devotees. The temple fair is held for two days during Chaitra Purnima. On this day, thousands of devotees from the taluka and the district come here for darshan. During these two days, various programs like bhajans, kirtans, bharud, dhol, and lezim are performed. At this time, gold and silver ornaments are offered to the Goddess. For devotees coming from outside, there is a Bhakta Niwas (pilgrim accommodation) near the temple.

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.

Devotee Guide & Travel Information

• Located 30 km from Rajgurunagar and 28 km from Shirur
• A holy site on the Rajgurunagar-Shirur road
• ST bus service available from many places to reach here
• Private vehicles can reach the temple premises
• Bhakta Niwas and breakfast facilities available in the temple area
• Contact: Temple Committee: 9975974106

Sacred Darshan Gallery