Ancient Kulaswamini Renuka Matanimadari, Junnar, Pune

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Junnar in Pune district has been declared as a nature tourism taluka. Located in the nature-abundant surroundings of Nimdari village, a short distance from Junnar city, is the famous temple of Kulswamini Renuka Mata. The unique feature of this temple is that the sacred masks of Renuka Mata and her son Parashurama are enshrined in the same sanctum sanctorum. This temple of mother and son is considered rare.

Situated on the banks of the Meena River, the surroundings of this temple appear serene and picturesque. Located right by the main road, this Peshwa-era temple requires descending a few flights of stairs to enter. After walking around a wall to enter the temple, one gets the blissful and uniquely distinctive darshan of the sacred masks of Renuka Devi and Parashurama. These two masks are positioned side by side within a golden arch in the sanctum.

The temple complex also houses a Dattatreya temple, a Mahadeva temple, a Shitala Mata temple, and a Kashi Vishveshwara temple. Stone platforms and stone steps leading down to the river have been constructed. On those steps near the riverbank lies an idol of Lord Shankara. Since Renuka Mata is the Kuladevata (family deity) of many families in Junnar and the surrounding region, the temple is always bustling with devotees.

The legend of the temple is as follows: The original abode of Renuka Devi is at Kanhesar in Rajgurunagar taluka. A Brahmin from the Erande family in Junnar would regularly ride a horse to Kanhesar for the darshan of the Goddess. However, due to old age, it later became difficult for him to travel there. He prayed to the Goddess, saying, “Mother, as I have now grown old, I am unable to come to your abode for worship.” That very night, the Goddess appeared to the Brahmin in a dream and said, “I am ready to come with you; come and take me from here.” However, while telling him this, the Goddess laid down a condition that he must not look back, otherwise she would vanish right there. The Brahmin could not resist his temptation and, near the village of Nimdari at the current temple site, he looked back. It is at that very spot that the Renuka temple now stands.

Devotees from Maharashtra as well as in large numbers from Madhya Pradesh visit to have the darshan of the Goddess. Grand celebrations are held in the temple during Chaitra Purnima and Navaratri. Various packed programs are held throughout the nine days of Navaratri. On the first day, Abhisheka and Maha Aarti at seven o’clock take place. Afterward, a ceremonial procession of the Goddess in a Palkhi is taken through the village. Programs such as Harijagar, Kirtan, Pravachana, and Bhajan are held in stages.

It is the firm belief of devotees that skin diseases are cured by taking a bath in the Meena River at Nimdari, where Renuka Mata resides. Therefore, even today, many devotees take a bath in the river before having the darshan of the Goddess. Devotees can have the darshan of the Goddess from five in the morning to seven-thirty in the evening. The Aarti of the Goddess takes place at seven in the morning and seven in the evening. On Tuesdays and Fridays, Kaul (seeking divine permission/oracle) is offered to the Goddess from five-thirty to nine in the morning. Annadana (food donation) programs are also held on a large scale here. Facilities for Bhakta Niwas (pilgrim accommodation) are available within the temple premises.

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