Divine Marimata Temple Saundla, Telhara, Acola

The famous temple of Marimata, considered a fierce deity who alleviates epidemics, is located in the village of Saundala in Telhara taluka. Countless devotees have deep faith in Marimata, who has been enshrined here since ancient times. Hundreds of devotees visit to seek the blessings of this ‘Jagrut’ (awakened) Goddess, who is known for fulfilling vows. During the fair held here on the day after Hanuman Jayanti, thousands of devotees from various districts of Vidarbha, as well as from states like Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, arrive for darshan. During this fair, there is a tradition of rolling on thorns and piercing the body with needles to fulfill vows.

According to entries in the Marathi Vishwakosh, ‘Mari’ originally refers to epidemics like cholera and smallpox. A Goddess is imagined for this once-deadly epidemic and is worshipped as Mariaai. She is known by various names in different regions, such as ‘Mariamma’, ‘Mari’, ‘Marimay’, and ‘Maribhavani’. Just as ‘Mari’ represents cholera, ‘Jari’ refers to fever epidemics, and the Goddess of this disease is called Jariaai. The shrine of this Jari-Mari is usually located in a corner of the village or on its outskirts. Her priest is called a Potraj or Poturaja, also known as Kadaklakshmi. They travel from village to village carrying the shrine of Mariaai. It is a widespread belief that the Potraj is a devotee of Mariaai and through him, one can appease the Goddess. There is a folk belief that by satisfying Mariaai, the threat of disease is averted from the village.

The idol of the Goddess is either smeared with vermilion or carved in wood. In many regions, animals like roosters, buffaloes, and goats are sacrificed before her. During her fair, many devotees, upon the fulfillment of their vows, perform acts of physical penance such as piercing their bodies with needles or walking barefoot over fire. It is said that this Marimata temple in Saundala is extremely ancient. Over time, the temple has undergone renovations several times. The temple acquired its current form after a recent renovation.

The temple, located in the central part of Saundala village, is surrounded by a high boundary wall. One reaches the entrance gate within the boundary wall by climbing about 15 steps. This two-storied entrance, designed like a ‘Darshan Mandap’, has four pillars on its facade. These pillars are connected to each other by arched gateways. There are seating arrangements (kakshasan) on both sides of the staircase. On both sides of this entrance, peacock motifs are painted on the walls, along with niches for lamps. There is a ‘Nagarkhana’ (drum house) on the upper floor of the entrance.

Through this entrance, one enters the paved courtyard of the temple. The courtyard features cloister-like structures along the surrounding boundary walls. In the center of the courtyard, the temple of the Goddess stands on a high plinth. After climbing five steps, one enters the semi-open assembly hall (sabhamandap) of the temple. The temple structure consists of a sabhamandap and a sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha). Similar to the main entrance, the four pillars on the facade of the sabhamandap are connected by arched gateways. The sanctum sanctorum is located at the rear of this compact sabhamandap. In this sanctum, the Goddess is enshrined on a high pedestal. On this pedestal, there are seven vermilion-smeared, rice-shaped idols of the Goddess. Eyes, noses, and lips are carved onto them. In a niche in the center of this pedestal, there is an ancient vermilion-smeared idol of Ganpati. The roof of the temple has a stainless steel railing. In the center of this railing, above the sanctum, is an ornate ‘Shikhara’ featuring a lotus-shaped ‘Amalaka’ topped with a ‘Kalash’.

Every day, many devotees come for the darshan of the awakened Goddess. The Navratri festival is celebrated here with great enthusiasm. A large fair of the Goddess is held here on the day after Hanuman Jayanti. Thousands of devotees from various parts of Vidarbha as well as from states like Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh come for this fair. On the day before the fair, a ‘Shegdi’ procession is taken out in the village. On the second day, the Goddess’s procession leaves the village at 8 o’clock in the morning. From 10 o’clock in the morning, many devotees whose vows have been fulfilled perform simple prostrations (lotangan) before the Goddess. Devotees who have made vows or whose vows have been fulfilled wear garlands around their necks. From 2 o’clock in the afternoon, the rolling on thorns begins. For this, the thorns of a plant called ‘Ringani’ are soaked in buttermilk. It is said that this reduces the sharpness of the thorns. These thorns are spread in front of the Goddess’s temple. Many devotees roll on these thorns. Water is sprayed forcefully on the bodies of those performing the prostrations, and musical instruments are played. Devotees claim that even after rolling on the thorns, there are no wounds or any pain on their bodies. After 5 o’clock in the evening, the program of pulling the Goddess’s chariot begins. For this, seven carts are tied tightly together with ropes. People of all ages from the village sit in these carts. Then, the devotees pull these carts to the village border. Previously, the Potrajs used to pull these carts. Now, the carts are pulled under the leadership of the Bhagat. At 12 o’clock at night, many devotees whose vows have been fulfilled pierce their bodies with a type of wire. This ritual is called

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