Prasanna Shree Ambabai Sansthan rapur, Motala, Buldana

The ancient temple of Amba Mata, believed to have been established in the Dvapara Yuga by the renowned King Harishchandra, famous for his generosity, integrity, and charitable nature, is located in Tarapur, Motala Taluka. There is a legend that this village is the maternal home of King Harishchandra’s wife, Taramati, and it is said that the village was named Tarapur after her. Countless devotees have immense faith in this Goddess, whose temple is nestled in a picturesque region, enveloped by the dense forests of the Satpuda mountain ranges and the Dnyanganga Sanctuary. Hundreds of devotees come here for the darshan of this awakened Goddess, who fulfills the vows of her devotees. It is customary to offer ‘Kalnachi Bhakar’ (a type of bread) and ‘Mirchicha Thecha’ (a spicy chili paste) as Naivedya to this Goddess.

Many legends are associated with this temple. According to one legend, to test King Harishchandra’s integrity, Sage Vishwamitra appeared in his dream and demanded his kingdom as a donation, instructing him to go into exile. The King readily agreed. To fulfill the donation made in his dream, King Harishchandra left his kingdom the very next day and went into exile with his wife Taramati and son Rohit (Rohidas). During their parikrama (pilgrimage) in exile, they resided in this area for some time. At that time, King Harishchandra consecrated Amba Mata here and built a small temple.

According to another legend, during his exile, King Harishchandra wished to perform a donation, so he conducted a Yajna here. The Goddess, who manifested at that time, asked the King to seek a boon. At that moment, the King said, ‘I possess nothing now. Having donated all my wealth, I have become a mendicant. However, I still desire to make a donation.’ The Goddess then said, ‘Tathastu’ (So be it). A short while later, when the King rang a bell, a ‘man’ of gold fell down. The King donated this gold. It is said that Sage Vishwamitra performed penance for seven thousand years in the vicinity of this temple, and his cave is also nearby. There is also a belief that the Vishwaganga River, flowing some distance from the temple, was named after Sage Vishwamitra. There is also a legend that the village of Rohinkhed in Buldhana district was named after King Harishchandra’s son, Rohidas.

In the 12th-13th century, a temple was constructed in the Hemadpanti architectural style at the site of the temple built by King Harishchandra. There was also a temple dedicated to King Harishchandra within the premises of this temple. Over time, both these temples fell into disrepair. A few years ago, this temple was renovated through the initiative of Radheshyam Chandak, the founder of ‘Buldhana Urban Bank’. This temple is situated in a picturesque natural environment. One enters the courtyard of this elevated temple by ascending approximately 20 steps. On both sides of the stairway leading to the courtyard, there are sculptures of lions, the vehicle of the Goddess. The presence of numerous trees in this courtyard makes the area appear beautiful. Within the courtyard, there are many ancient idols, remnants of the old temple, a well, and a stone deepstambh (lamp pillar).

The temple’s structure comprises a Darshanmandap (viewing hall), a Sabhamandap (assembly hall), and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). Ascending seven to eight steps from the Darshanmandap, one enters the spacious Sabhamandap. In this Sabhamandap, there is a Homkund (sacrificial fire pit) in front of the Garbhagriha. On the northern side of the Garbhagriha, which is in front of the Homkund, there is an image of Ganesha. Inside the Garbhagriha, on the ground, there is an idol of the Goddess, smeared with vermilion and in the form of a ‘tandala’ (an aniconic representation). This idol has carved lips, eyes, and a nose, and it is adorned with a silver crown. Above it, there is a silver Chhatra (umbrella/canopy). On the platform at the rear of the Garbhagriha, there are ancient idols of many deities, including Ganesha. Here, there are also idols of Nagoba, Rohidas Bal, King Harishchandra, Ganesha, and Taramati. The Garbhagriha of the temple is crowned with a beautiful Shikhara (spire). On the roof portion of the temple, there is a bashingi kathada (a type of railing/parapet), and the shikhara rests on a large square tier. Above this tier, there are two more square tiers. In the devkoshtakas (niches for deities) carved into the uppermost of these tiers, there are some idols.

Behind the temple, there is a man-made hillock. A legend is also associated with this hillock. According to it, in earlier times, there was a five-foot-tall golden idol of the Goddess in this temple. At that time, foreign invasions frequently occurred in this region. Once, upon receiving information about an impending foreign invasion, the villagers covered this golden idol with their stones and bricks to protect it. This hillock was formed by these stones and bricks. At the summit of this hillock, there is a small shrine of Kalika Mata. Devotees also believe that there might be another ancient temple inside this hillock.

Daily rituals are performed in this temple. Countless devotees from the ‘Panchkroshi’ (surrounding region) have faith in this Goddess. This Goddess is also the Kuldevata (family deity) of many tribal families in the area. Many devotees come here daily for darshan. The number of devotees is higher on Tuesdays and Fridays. Various religious programs are organized here throughout the year. During the Sharadiya Navratrotsav, the area takes on the appearance of a ‘Yatra’ (pilgrimage fair) for nine days, and various religious programs are held here for nine days. During this time, a garland of specific flowers is offered to the Goddess.

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