Sacred Mahiji Devi Temple Mahiji, Pachora, Jalgaon

Situated on the banks of the Girna River in the Pachora taluka, the village of Mahiji is renowned for the powerful and awakened Mahiji Devi temple located here. The village derives its name from this very Goddess. Devotees hold a deep faith that this Goddess, who is a manifestation of Durga Devi, fulfills the desires of the heart and rushes to the aid of those who call upon her. The fifteen-day fair held at this temple, which was established in the eighteenth century, is considered the largest fair in the Khandesh region.

The legend of this Goddess is recorded in the ‘Jalgaon Gazetteer’ as follows: About 300 years ago, a woman named Maheji from the Tilori Kunbi community lived in Hiwari, near Jamner. Due to the harassment she faced at her in-laws’ home, she left and became a sadhvi (ascetic). After receiving initiation from a sage on the Toranmal hills, she began traveling across the country. Seeing the sanctity and purity within her, many people began to make vows to her even during her lifetime. After her travels, she began living in Chinchkhed. After residing there for about 12 years, she took Jivant Samadhi (living burial). Following this, a grand temple was built in her honor at that site. It is said that Chinchkhed was renamed Mahiji after her. 

A distinct legend regarding Mahiji Devi is told at the temple here, which states that about 300 years ago, a woman from the nearby village of Bornar came to this village with her younger sister. Being from a strange village, she appeared frightened. Because of this, the local children began to mock them by throwing stones at them. Finally, the woman lost her patience and, turning back, stared intensely at the children. Upon doing so, the children fell unconscious. From this, the villagers realized that this woman was someone She is an incarnation. At the request of the villagers, she brought these children back to consciousness. Since then, people began to worship her, considering her an incarnation of Jagadamba. After some time, she took Jivanta Samadhi here. Before doing so, she had told the villagers that when vermilion-colored arrows emerge from her Samadhi, they should install her at this site. Accordingly, the villagers built her temple at this place. It is said that because the Mother (Goddess) manifested right here in their village, the village came to be known as Mayaji, and subsequently, through linguistic evolution, it became known as Mahiji. 

The village of Mahiji is located near Nandra on the Jalgaon-Pachora road. This grand temple is situated in a sprawling area near the outskirts of the village. The courtyard surrounding the temple is paved with paver blocks. There is a Havan Kund in front of the temple. One enters the assembly hall (Sabhamandap) of this temple, which stands on a high plinth, by climbing eight steps. There are Tulsi Vrindavans on both sides of this stairway. Excluding the assembly hall, the vestibule (Antaral), and the circumambulatory path (Pradakshina Marg) The temple is designed as a two-story structure with a sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha). The temple attained its current appearance following a renovation carried out a few years ago. The assembly hall (Sabhamandap) here is semi-open in nature. It features numerous pillars upon which the second floor is situated. There is a staircase leading from this assembly hall to the hall on the second floor. 

The Antarala (antechamber) and Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) here are situated at a higher elevation than the Sabha Mandapa (main hall). One enters the Antarala by ascending eleven steps. Near the entrance of the Antarala, on the inner side, there is a sculpture of a tortoise (Kasav-shilpa). Beyond this, in the Garbhagriha, are the idols of Goddess Mahiji and her sister. The idol of Goddess Mahiji appears somewhat fierce. The deity is depicted with loose hair, a nose ring (nath), vermilion (kumkum) on her forehead, and adorned with jewelry. Below this idol is another idol wearing a golden mask, also adorned with a nose ring, jewelry, and vermilion on her forehead. There is a circumambulation path (pradakshina marg) around this Garbhagriha. From this path, one can get a view of the Girna River. Above the Garbhagriha of the temple stands a shikhara (spire) approximately 30 feet in height, topped with a kalasha. 

A grand pilgrimage festival (Yatra) is held here for 15 days, starting from Paush Shuddha Chaturdashi. Devotees from Maharashtra, as well as Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, arrive to participate in this festival. On the day of Paush Purnima, the worship of the Padukas (footwear) of Mahijidevi takes place at 5 o’clock in the morning. Following this, a Palkhi procession is taken out through the village. During this Yatra, various programs such as Homa, Havan, Satsang, and Bhajan are organized. It is said that in the past, this Yatra used to continue for three consecutive months. Traders from Burhanpur, Mumbai, and Bhiwandi would make it a point to visit for this festival. According to records in the Jalgaon District Gazetteer, the Yatra was interrupted for four years following a calamity in 1803. Since then, the festival has been held here on a grand scale every year to this day. In the year 1869, transactions worth 1,58,175 rupees and in 1879, transactions worth 2,24,326 rupees were recorded during this Yatra. Devotees coming to fulfill their vows offer a saree, blouse piece, and bangles to the Goddess. Women who have been blessed with children after making a vow perform the ‘Nimsada Pailu’ ritual. During this Yatra period, special ST buses are operated for devotees from Pachora, Jalgaon, and Erandol.

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