Sacred Asara Devi Temple Gaigaon, Shegaon, Buldana

In Indian culture, the worship of Shakti holds unparalleled significance. Gaigaon, in Shegaon Taluka of Buldhana District, is revered as one of the few awakened abodes of the 64 Yoginis. The 64 Yoginis here are believed to be manifestations of Adi Maya Shakti herself. Nestled amidst a beautiful natural setting, this Asra Devi Temple is a revered pilgrimage site for thousands of devotees across Vidarbha. It is a popular belief that these Yoginis have been protecting this region since ancient times. Due to the divine presence of these Goddesses, who manifested from the earth in the form of arrows, the village has earned the unique identity of ‘Village of Fairies’.

In the tradition of spirituality and Shakti worship, the 64 Yoginis are considered extremely powerful aspects of Adi Maya Shakti. According to the ‘Devi Mahatmya’ of the Markandeya Purana, when demons like Shumbha, Nishumbha, and Raktabija threatened creation, these Yoginis emerged from the effulgence of Devi Bhagawati or from the Ashtamatrikas to vanquish them. As each Matrika had eight assisting Shaktis, their total number became sixty-four. Various Puranas mention that these Shaktis are not merely confined to warfare but control all actions from the creation to the dissolution of the universe.

These Yoginis also hold immense importance in Tantra Shastra and Yoga Vidya. They are considered the presiding deities of the 64 different arts or dimensions of creation. In rural culture, these Yoginis are still known as ‘Asra’ or ‘Sati Asra’ and are considered companions of Mata Parvati. Representing various forces of nature, these Goddesses are motherly deities who rush to the aid of their devotees and protect them in difficult times. Not only ascetics and renunciates but also common devotees pray to them with devotion for the fulfillment of their desires. The worship of these Yoginis holds the miraculous power to destroy the six enemies of the human mind, such as kama (lust), krodha (anger), and lobha (greed), bestowing spiritual peace and strength.

The legend behind the presence of the 64 Yoginis in Gaigaon is that in ancient times, the entire region of Saptashringigad, Melghat, and Tadak (today’s Tadoba Sanctuary) was extremely rugged and desolate. This area was dominated by people of ‘Nishichar’ tendencies, as mentioned in the Puranas – meaning unrighteous and evil forces – who troubled Rishis and common folk with their misdeeds. During such a time, Mata Parvati herself, while journeying south from the Himalayas, was accompanied by 64 Yoginis and a sacred cow. To destroy the demonic tendencies in this region and re-establish Dharma, the Mother commanded her 64 Yoginis and that cow to reside in this very land. Entrusting this great work of public welfare to her companions, Mata Parvati herself proceeded towards Mallikarjuna.

Following the Mother’s command, during the auspicious period of Navratri, these 64 Yoginis manifested in this sacred earth in the form of vermilion-colored arrows. Their divine radiance annihilated the negative forces here, and the area became safe. The cow that came with the Yoginis also took permanent residence here. It is said that this is why the village later came to be known as ‘Gaigaon’ (Village of Cows). Initially, at this spot beneath an ancient tree, villagers began to experience the miracles of the Goddesses. As the glory of the Devi spread far and wide, the influx of devotees also increased. From the devotion of the devotees, a small temple was later built under a tree.

After renovations a few years ago, the temple acquired its present form. In front of the temple is a large courtyard paved with paver blocks. The outer walls of the temple are adorned with beautiful carvings. The temple consists of a sabhamandap (assembly hall) and a garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). Two cradles are placed in the sabhamandap here. Many couples make vows before the Goddess for the blessing of children. Upon the birth of a child, these couples bring their newborns for the Goddess’s darshan. These children are kept in these cradles for some time. There is also a palanquin of the Goddess in the sabhamandap. The garbhagriha, located in the center of the sabhamandap, has beautiful carvings. In front of the entrance to the garbhagriha is a vermilion-smeared idol. Inside the garbhagriha, on a large, horizontal platform, is the vermilion-smeared arrow-shaped abode of the Goddesses. Each abode has a silver crown. The prabhavali (arch) at the back is beautifully carved. Above the garbhagriha of this east-facing temple is a square shikhara (spire) that tapers upwards, adorned with miniature replicas of smaller shikharas. There are two amalakas (finials) on the shikhara, topped by a kalasha (pinnacle).

Small pilgrim accommodations have been built in the vicinity for devotees coming from afar. Managed by the Asra Devi Sansthan, regular pujas and rituals are performed in this temple. As the Goddess is renowned for fulfilling vows, many devotees come for her darshan. Devotees also believe that if a mentally ill person is brought for darshan, they recover. Wednesday is considered the day of the Goddess, so there is a large crowd of devotees on this day. During Navratri, various religious programs are organized for all nine days. A large fair is held here on Gudi Padwa. Thousands of devotees from far and wide attend this fair. Queues for darshan extend late into the night. Special buses are also operated by the Shegaon and Khamgaon depots of the State Transport Corporation for this fair.

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