Historic Mhalsa Devi Temple Pimpalwad, Chalisgaon, Jalgaon

The famous temple of Mhalasa Devi, who is the Mohini form of Lord Vishnu and the consort of Lord Khandoba, is located at Pimpalwad in Chalisgaon taluka. Recognized as the Kulswamini (family deity) of Khandesh, this Goddess is the ancestral deity for many families in Western Maharashtra, Goa, and North India. Many newlywed couples from Khandesh begin their married life by seeking the blessings of this Goddess. Devotees believe that the awakened (Jagrut) Mhalasa Devi in this newly renovated temple fulfills the vows and prayers of her followers. 

According to the eighth canto of the Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana, Khandoba is an avatar of Lord Shiva. In this avatar, Mhalasai and Banai were his two wives, with Mhalasai being his first wife. Mhalasai is also known as Jogeshwari and Bhairavi. She is also famous as the Mohini avatar. During the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), to obtain the nectar (Amrit) from the demons, Lord Vishnu assumed the form of Mohini (a beautiful woman) and attracted the demons. Enchanted by Mohini’s beauty, the demons handed over the vessel of nectar to her, which allowed the gods to consume it. However, at that time, even the gods were captivated by the divine form of Mohini.

One day, Lord Shiva insisted that Lord Vishnu show him the Mohini form. Vishnu initially refused, but Shiva persisted. Finally, Vishnu assumed the Mohini form for Shiva. Seeing that form, Shiva became enchanted by her. At that moment, Mohini entered the body of Goddess Parvati. Seeing Parvati in the form of Mohini, Shiva named her ‘Mhalasa’. When Shiva was attracted to the Mohini form, Mohini promised Shiva that in the future, when he would incarnate on Earth as Martand Bhairav (Khandoba), she would incarnate as Mhalasa and become his wife.

A wealthy Lingayat Vani named Timsheth lived in Nevase Budruk. He was childless and a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva. Shiva suggested to Mhalasai that she should be born in his house. One day, while Timsheth was absorbed in worship, Goddess Parvati appeared before him. Parvati asked Timsheth to close his eyes. When he did, Parvati took the form of a baby girl. Timsheth named this girl ‘Mhalasa’. When she came of age, Lord Shiva appeared in Timsheth’s dream one night and instructed him to marry Mhalasa to Khandoba. As per Shiva’s instructions, the wedding of Khandoba and Mhalasa took place on Paush Purnima at Pali in the present-day Satara district. The Mohini form of Vishnu, through which all this transpired, is worshipped as Mhalasa Devi in many places, and one of the most important and famous sites is here at Pimpalwad.

The temple of Mhalasa Devi is situated on the outskirts of Pimpalwad village. One enters the temple premises through an arched gateway. In this courtyard, there is a small Hanuman temple and remnants of several ancient sculptures. There is a sacrificial altar (Havan Kund) in front of the main temple. The temple structure consists of a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall), Antaral (vestibule), and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) surrounded by a circumambulatory path (Pradakshina Marg). The Sabha Mandap of this temple, which stands on a slightly elevated platform, is semi-open. In the center of the Sabha Mandap, on a high pedestal, is a marble statue of Nandi. From here, one enters the Antaral through an arched doorway. The Garbhagriha is located in the center, surrounded by the circumambulatory path. Here, on a high pedestal, are the silver footprints (Paduka) of the Goddess. In front of them is the idol of Mhalasa Devi. The idol, adorned with a saree and blouse, wears a silver crown on her head. On the wall behind the idol are sculptures of two tigers, and there is a silver canopy over the Goddess. 

Navratri is the main festival celebrated here. During this time, newlywed couples bring offerings of Puran Poli and Oti (a traditional offering of cloth, coconut, and grains) to the Goddess. Thousands of devotees visit for Darshan during this festival, giving the entire area the atmosphere of a fair. The wedding of Khandoba and Mhalasa took place on Paush Purnima, and a festival is also celebrated here on that day.

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