Ancient Harsiddhi Mata Temple Harsul, Chatrapati Sambhajinagar

The ancient temple of Harsiddhi Mata is located in Harsul, in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, which is known as a historic city. This temple, considered the abode of Tulja Bhavani Mata, the Kulswamini (family deity) of Maharashtra, was built by the legendary Emperor Vikramaditya. It is said that this is the only temple of Harsiddhi Mata in Maharashtra. Built in the Hemadpanti architectural style, the Goddess here is renowned for fulfilling the vows of her devotees. Because of this, lakhs of devotees visit for darshan during the Navratri festival and the annual fair held on the eve of Kartik Purnima.

There are various legends regarding this Goddess, who is the Gram-Daivata (village deity) of Harsul. It is said that Goddess Parvati came here after becoming upset following her defeat in a game of dice against Lord Shiva. When Lord Shiva later appeared before her here, the Goddess came to be known as Harsiddhi Mata. According to another legend, the demons Chanda and Prachanda once tried to forcibly enter Mount Kailash. Nandi stopped them, and in the ensuing battle, Nandi was injured. Following Lord Shiva’s command, Chandi Devi slew these demons, which pleased Lord Shiva. Since then, the Goddess has been called Harsiddhi. Nandi had supported the Goddess in this battle, which is why Nandi is placed before the Goddess here. This story is mentioned in the Skanda Purana.

Harsiddhi Mata was the presiding deity of King Vikramaditya of Ujjain. To please her, he attempted to sacrifice his own head. The Goddess was pleased by his devotion and, with her blessings, he became a legendary emperor. The first temple of Harsiddhi Devi built by King Vikramaditya in India is in Ujjain, and the second is in Harsul. King Vikramaditya arrived in the then-Khadki (now Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) in 1111 AD. In those days, one had to enter the city through the Delhi Gate. However, as the gate was closed at night, the King had to stay in Harsul. Enchanted by the surroundings, he decided to build a temple for Harsiddhi Mata here. The construction of the temple took about five years. A Sanskrit inscription on one of the temple walls mentions that this temple was built in 1111 AD. Later, the temple was renovated during the era of Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar.

There is a stone lamp pillar (Deepmal) in front of the temple. In front of the main temple of the Goddess is a small water tank called Suryakund. The beautiful idol of Nandi situated upon it draws attention. During Navratri and the fair, devotees worship this tank with great devotion. Generally, Nandi is found in front of a Shiva temple, but in this temple, a large idol of Nandi is placed before Harsiddhi Devi. The Harsiddhi Mata temple consists of a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The temple features a spire with attractive craftsmanship. The interior of the stone-built sanctum is mostly painted in vermilion. Harsiddhi Mata is seated here in a gold-plated throne (Makhar). In the center of the ornate throne, ‘Shri Harsiddhi Mata Darbar’ is inscribed. There are lions on both sides at the top of the throne. The idol of the Goddess, carved from black stone, is about three and a half feet tall. Adorned with clothes and ornaments, the Goddess wears a silver crown and a nose ring (Nath), and her weapon, the Trishul, is placed near the idol. Below the idol is a Panchdhatu (five-metal) idol of a lion, her vehicle. There is a Shiva Linga near the feet of the Goddess. The Goddess’s Padukas (footprints) are placed for darshan on a stainless steel railing in front of the idol.

The temple premises, spanning over five acres, house a complex of ancient temples. To the left of the main temple is a Lakshmi-Narayan temple, and to the right is a Dattatreya temple. In front, there is another tank called Ramkund. It is said that after being defeated in the game of dice and coming here in anger, Goddess Parvati washed her saree in this tank. The temple complex also includes a Pataleshwar Mahadev temple. Since there is a natural water spring beneath the ground, the Shiva Linga here remains submerged in water throughout the year. Devotees believe that by touching the Linga from both sides and clapping twice while chanting ‘Om Namo Shivaya’, their wishes are fulfilled.

Near the temple is an ancient temple of Renuka Mata. There is a tradition of not visiting this Goddess after consuming sour food items. Near the Chandrakund in front of this temple stands an idol of Nandi. During the famine of 1972, the Chandrakund quenched the thirst of the entire Harsul village. Legend has it that Goddess Parvati drank water from this tank. The area also features a Ganesh temple, a South-facing Hanuman temple, and temples dedicated to Saint Gadge Baba. In one of the temples here, there are small shrines dedicated to Ramlal Baba and Gendai Maharaj of Paithan. The Samadhi of Saint Jankiram, who served at the Harsiddhi Devi temple a hundred years ago, is also located here. As the Goddess is known for fulfilling vows, devotees from various regions come here for her darshan. The Ram Navami festival is also celebrated here. During the month of Shravan, holy water is taken from the tank in front of the Harsiddhi Mata temple to perform Abhishekam at the Mahadev temple in Khadkeshwar. Hundreds of devotees participate in this Kawad Yatra.

During the Navratri festival, the Goddess is worshipped at 5:30 AM. The Aarti takes place at 7:00 AM. Evening worship is held at 5:30 PM, followed by an Aarti at 7:00 PM. A Homa-Havan is performed on the eighth day (Ashtami). During the festival, the Goddess is adorned in new attire. Religious programs like Bhajans and Kirtans are held throughout the nine days. Devotees line up from dawn for the Goddess’s darshan. On the day of Vijayadashami, local devotees visit the temple carrying the sprouted grains from the Ghats established during Navratri and Apta leaves (symbolizing gold). During this festival, the temple trust also organizes health and eye check-up camps in the area.

On the eve of Kartik Purnima, which coincides with Guru Nanak Jayanti, a grand fair of Harsiddhi Mata is held here. During the fair, a palanquin (Palkhi) of the Goddess is taken out from Diwan-Dewadi to Harsul. Another palanquin departs from the residence of the Autade-Patil family in the nearby Aisabai Nagar. Once these palanquins reach the temple, a Maha-Aarti is performed. There is a tradition of organizing animal competitions and wrestling matches during this fair. People from the village who have settled in various places for work make it a point to return to the village for the fair. Married daughters of the village (Maherwashini) also come here to offer ‘Oti’ to the Goddess. The Dattatreya Jayanti festival is also celebrated in this temple.

Once upon a time, this area was extremely prosperous. Traces of this can be seen while walking through the vicinity. It is said that the village was named Harsul after the Goddess Harsiddhi Devi. A short distance from the temple stands an ancient structure known as the Sati Mahal. This stone-built palace is closed off on all four sides. According to legend, in ancient times, women would seclude themselves in this palace before performing Sati. The area features walls built in ancient times, with fortifications and bastions on all four sides.

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