Ancient Durga Devi Temple Durganagar, Malkapur, Malkapur, Buldana

The city of Malkapur is blessed with an ancient history. Located adjacent to the town’s ancient fortification wall is the sacred shrine of Goddess Durga. Devotees devoutly believe that Mother Durga, who manifested in the form of a holy arrow (Baan) on the banks of the Nalganga River flowing through the town, has been protecting this city for centuries. Revered as the Gramdevi (presiding deity) of the town, She is also affectionately called ‘Badi Mata’. Driven by the faith that devout service to the Goddess fulfills all heart’s desires, devotees travel from far and wide for Her divine Darshan. Many couples pray to the Goddess here seeking the blessing of a child. During the Sharadiya Navratri festival, the temple premises transform into a vibrant fair. This area earned the name Durganagar due to the presence of this holy temple.

Goddess Durga is worshipped as the supreme manifestation of Adi Shakti. According to the ‘Devi Mahatmya’ (also known as the ‘Durga Saptashati’) from the Markandeya Purana, when the demon Mahishasura gained a boon, conquered Swargaloka (heaven), and defeated the Devas, all the gods including Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh emitted the divine radiance (‘Tejas’) from their bodies for the destruction of the demons. From this unified effulgence manifested a supreme, luminous divine power—Goddess Durga. Lord Himalaya presented Her with a lion as Her mount (vahana), Lord Vishnu gave Her the Sudarshana Chakra, Lord Shiva conferred His Trident (Trishula), and other deities bestowed their celestial weapons, transforming Her into Ranchandi (the goddess of war). The Goddess then fought Mahishasura for nine days and slayed him, earning Her the title ‘Mahishasuramardini’ (slayer of Mahishasura).

In the Mahabharata, it is mentioned that Dharmaraja Yudhishthira offered prayers to Goddess Durga in the ‘Virata Parva’ for the success of their period of exile (Agnatavas), and Arjuna chanted Her praises in the ‘Bhishma Parva’ to seek victory before the onset of the great war. Furthermore, the holy text ‘Shrimad Devi Bhagavata’ extols Her as ‘Bhuvaneshwari’ and the Creator of the Universe. In the Vedas too, particularly the ‘Devi Sukta’ (Vagambhrini Sukta) of the Rigveda, lies the foundation of Shakti worship, wherein the Goddess Herself proclaims, “I am the Sovereign Queen of the Universe and the supreme divine power of the Supreme Being.”

Malkapur city is home to several historic temples, including Raje Nemivanta’s Shri Ram Temple, the Mallikarjun Temple, and the Gaurishankar Temple. The Durgadevi Temple is one of these revered shrines. The historic fortification built around this town in 1729 during the reign of Muhammad Malikhan still stands today, and this temple is situated right beside these ramparts. According to a local legend regarding the Goddess in the Durganagar area of the old city, in ancient times, a community from Rajasthan migrated due to Mughal oppression and sought refuge here. Many among them later enlisted in the army of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and several were also part of the forces of Raghunathrao and Daulatrao Shinde. Many years ago, during the auspicious period of Navratri, a member of this community noticed a dazzling radiance at this spot in the dead of night. Upon approaching, he beheld the holy Baan (arrow) embodying Mother Durga. He alerted the villagers, and the assembled crowd witnessed the Goddess’s Baan rising from the earth. Several people attempted to dig around it, but they were unable to extract the divine arrow completely. In due course, a temple was consecrated at this sacred site. Originally a modest structure, the temple underwent several restorations over the passage of time.

The temple architecture consists of a Sabhamandap (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The entrance to the Sabhamandap features a graceful cusped archway, with auspicious symbols such as roses, Swastikas, and Kalash carved onto the door pillars flanking the entrance. Inside the Sabhamandap, on a small raised platform facing the sanctum sanctorum, stands the idol of the Lion, the divine vehicle of the Goddess. The ceiling of the hall is adorned with exquisite glass Meenakari decoration. An image of Lord Ganesha graces the Lalatabimba (central lintel) of the sanctum’s doorway, flanked by paintings of sacred Mangal Kalash on either side. Inside the sanctum sanctorum, resting upon a grand Vajrapitha (pedestal), is the holy Baan of the Goddess, adorned with a silver mask (Mukhwata). Behind the deity is an ornate halo (Prabhavali), flanked by two swords on either side.

A golden-painted domed Shikhara (spire) crowns the temple’s Sabhamandap. The tall spire above the sanctum sanctorum features carved Devakoshtas (niches) and sacred Kalash, topped with a two-tiered Amalaka and Kalash. Beneath a sacred Peepal tree in the temple complex lies a Hanuman shrine, behind which rests a Shivling. Shrines dedicated to Shitala Mata and Bhairavnath are also located within the precinct.
Devotees firmly believe that this benevolent Goddess answers every vow and never sends anyone away empty-handed. Devotees making vows tie coconut torans (garlands) before the Goddess and return to offer homage upon the fulfillment of their prayers. Many childless couples offer a silver cradle to the Goddess, and after the child is born, the baby is brought to Her holy feet to seek Her divine blessings. The Sharadiya Navratri festival is the grandest celebration here. Hundreds of devotees visit during this period for Her Darshan and offer ‘Oti’ (traditional devotional offerings). Various religious programs are organized throughout all nine days, with sacred Hom-Havan (fire rituals) performed on Ashtami and Navami.

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