Historic Indai Devi Temple Indave, Sakri, Dhule

Although Indai Devi is a local deity, she is considered a form of Yamai Devi. The Adi Shakti Yamai Devi, the Kuldevata (family deity) of many dynasties in the state, has her original seat (Moolpeeth) in the village of Aundh in Satara district. It is believed that the Shiva-Shakti form of Yamai Devi represents the combined worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. There are many temples of various forms of Yamai Devi in Maharashtra and other states, and one of the most important and famous among them is located at Indave. It is said that the village was named Indave after the Goddess. 

The legend of the temple states that hundreds of years ago, the idol of Indai Devi appeared here after a lightning strike, and hot water springs began to flow from beneath the Goddess’s feet. Later, the Rashtrakuta dynasty excavated the site and built a Kunda (water tank). It is said that the lake adjacent to the hot water spring was excavated by the Yadava King Singhandev in the 12th century. In the past, if rice tied in a cloth was placed in this hot water spring, it would cook instantly. Even today, devotees believe that bathing in the water of this Kunda cures many ailments.

This temple of Indai Devi is located in the heart of Indave village. One enters the temple courtyard through a welcome arch in the perimeter wall. The spacious courtyard is paved with paver blocks, making the premises look clean and beautiful. Adjacent to the temple is a pavilion with a gajaprishtha (elephant-back) shaped roof supported by iron pillars. Near the entrance of this pavilion, there is a Yajna Kunda with a double-tiered roof. Additionally, there is a Yajna Kunda and a tortoise idol in the center of the main hall (Sabhamandap). For the convenience of devotees, a queue system for Darshan has been arranged in the hall. The enclosed hall has windows for light and ventilation. The walls of the hall are adorned with paintings of various deities and saints, and the ceiling features raised circular carvings. 

In the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha), the four-armed idol of Indai Devi is placed on a Vajrapitha in the center. In her Mahishasuramardini form, the Goddess is seated on a tiger. In her hands, she holds a sword, a trident, an elixir pot (Amrit Kalash), and an Asura. On both sides of the Goddess are the idols of her Shaktis, Riddhi and Siddhi, who also hold swords and shields. All three idols are adorned with fine garments and jewelry. The Goddesses wear crowns topped with umbrellas. Behind the idol is a decorative silver Prabhaval (halo) featuring peacock and floral motifs. Along the three walls of the sanctum are ancient idols of Ganpati, Shailaputri, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Katyayani, Mahakali, Vishnu, Shri Krishna, Mahadev, and others. It is said that these idols were found in the large Kunda located in the temple courtyard. 

The temple roof has a parapet, and the sanctum roof features a square Shikhara (spire). All four walls of the Shikhara are decorated with peacock feather motifs. At the top, there is a Panchakumbhi Kalash and flag banners. The square hot water Kunda in the courtyard has steps on two sides for descent and safety railings on the other two sides. This is the only hot water spring in the district.

Further ahead is an ancient stone temple of Mahadev built in the Hemadpanti architectural style. In the dilapidated hall of the Shiva temple, some ornate pillars and foundation stones stand as witnesses to its ancient glory. In the center of the roofless hall, there is a Yajna Kunda. In the sanctum, a Nandi is placed on a Vajrapitha, with the Shiva Linga in front of it. A brass serpent holding an umbrella and an Abhisheka vessel (dripping water) are suspended from the ceiling over the Shiva Linga. On a wall bracket, there is a vermilion-smeared idol of Panchmukhi Ganesha. The roof of this temple features a dome-shaped Shikhara topped with an Amalaka and Kalash. There are many ancient hero stones (Veergals) in the courtyard. 

Chaitra and Sharadiya Navratri are the main annual festivals celebrated at the temple. Thousands of devotees visit to witness the bullock cart races held during the Chaitra Jatra and to seek the blessings of the Goddess. Various programs are organized during the annual festivals. Devotees believe that the awakened Indai Devi is one who grants wishes and responds to the calls of her devotees.

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