Pavitra emauli Temple Ambavane, Gargoti, Kolhapur

In the Hindu Vedic tradition, there is an ancient custom of worshipping water deities. Varuna, described in the Rigveda, is the presiding deity of water, while his consort, Varuni, is believed to be the goddess of water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and ponds. It is a religious belief that the deity Varuna brings good rainfall to the earth, while the Goddess Varuni protects the water reserves. Like Goddess Varuni, there is also a tradition of worshipping the Saptamatrikas or Mauli goddesses as water deities. Consequently, temples of water deities are found on the banks of many rivers, lakes, and ponds. The Talemauli temple, situated in Ambavane in Gargoti Taluka, is one such ancient sacred site.

Regarding the Goddess Talemauli, it is said that her original abode is on the Rangna Fort. Rangna, also known as Prasiddhagad, is a historically famous hill fort in the Kolhapur district, standing at an altitude of 3000 feet above sea level. Some historians believe that this fort was built by the Shilahar King Bhoja. However, based on its construction, it is said to belong to the Adilshahi period. During the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, it was under the control of the Adilshahi chieftain Sawant. In the year 1666, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj conquered this fort. Later, the Mughals could never capture it until the very end.

On the bank of the lake on this fort, there is a temple of Goddess Rangnai. According to the reference in the third volume of the ‘Devikosha’ by Pralhad Krishna Prabhudesai, ‘Just as the goddess in Shivneri Fort was named Shivai after the name of the fort, the goddess in Rangna Fort was named Rangnai.’

The legend of the temple in Ambavane village states that in ancient times, there was a devout follower of Goddess Rangnai here. He often used to go to Rangna Fort for the Goddess’s darshan. At other times, he would perform devotion and meditation near the lake in Ambavane village. Pleased by his devotion, Goddess Rangnai appeared before him and asked him to seek a boon. He expressed his wish that the Goddess should reside permanently in Ambavane village. Fulfilling her devotee’s wish, the Goddess said, “Tathastu” (So be it). Since then, the seat of Goddess Rangnai has been here. As the goddess near the lake, she came to be known here as Talemauli. The villagers believe that this goddess protects the water bodies in this region.

The famous temple of Goddess Talemauli is located in a lush green area 4 km from Ambavane village. This temple is said to be 700 years old. The temple acquired its current form after a renovation carried out a few years ago. There is a spacious parking area in front of the temple. The temple structure consists of a Mukhamandapa (entrance hall), Sabhamandapa (assembly hall), Antarala (vestibule), and Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). To enter the Mukhamandapa of this temple, which stands on a high plinth, there are five steps each on the left and right sides. Although the Sabhamandapa here is of an enclosed type (Gudhamandapa), it has many windows to ensure light and ventilation. There are entrances to the Sabhamandapa on the left and right sides of the Garbhagriha. The Garbhagriha is designed with a circumambulation path (Pradakshina marg) in the Antarala. In the center of the Garbhagriha is the stone idol of Goddess Talemauli in the form of a Tandala (aniconic stone). The seven-layered roof of the Garbhagriha tapers upwards. On the top layer of the Shikhara is an Amalaka with a lotus motif, topped by a Kalasha.

Every full moon (Paurnima), the Rangna Mauli Paurnima festival is celebrated here. On this day, a Maha-Abhishek of the Goddess is performed in the morning. A Maha-Prasad is provided for devotees from 6:00 to 7:30 in the evening. Additionally, a Kirtan is held between 8:00 and 10:00 at night. Thousands of devotees attend this festival. During annual festivals like Chaitra Padwa, Chaitra Navratri, Sharadiya Navratrotsav, Diwali, and Tripurari Paurnima, thousands of devotees come here for the Goddess’s darshan. During these festival periods, programs such as Bhajans, Kirtans, discourses, Jagaran, and Gondhal, along with Maha-Prasad for devotees, are organized at the temple. Devotees can visit the temple and have darshan of Talemauli only on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays of the week.

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