Shree Renuka Mata Temple HUDCO, Shivneri Colony, N 9, Sidako, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

The Renuka Mata Temple, located in the Cidco N-९ area of the historic city of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar—often referred to as the City of Temples—is a sacred place of worship for thousands of devotees. This temple is renowned as ‘Pratimahur’ (a replica of Mahur). Hundreds of devotees visit daily to seek the blessings of Renuka Mata, who is enshrined in this temple known for its exquisite craftsmanship. In the year २०११, the sanctum sanctorum of this temple was plated with २०० kilograms of silver, which was later gilded with gold. During the Navratri festival, thousands of women visit daily to offer ‘Oti’ to the Goddess.

This two-story structure is situated along the roadside on the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar-Jalgaon highway, three kilometers from the Cidco bus stand. The temple was established in १९८९ by Param Pujya Yogiraj Hansateerth Swami, also known as Anna Maharaj, from Sonai. Built in the South Indian architectural style, the temple stands at a height of ४० to ४५ feet. Upon entering the temple premises, one is immediately struck by the temple spire (Shikhara) and the beautiful sculptures and carvings on the outer walls. These walls are adorned with carvings of various deities. The arch connecting the Renuka Mata Temple to the adjacent Kalbhairav Temple is also intricately carved, with an idol of Durga Mata placed in a niche in the center.

The temple features a grand assembly hall (Sabhamandap) with the sanctum sanctorum located to the left. Near the entrance of the assembly hall, there are statues of women holding whisks (Chawris) on both sides. A statue of a tortoise is placed in the assembly hall near the entrance. One wall of this hall provides information about the nine forms of the Goddess: Shailaputri, the daughter of the Himalayas; Brahmacharini, the ascetic form of Parvati Mata; Chandraghanta, who bears the crescent moon on her forehead; Kushmanda, the mother of the universe; Skandamata, the mother of Kartikeya; Katyayani, the daughter of Sage Katyayana; Kalaratri, the destroyer of evil forces; Mahagauri, the fair-complexioned; and Siddhidatri, the bestower of all accomplishments.

There are separate queues for men and women visiting for Darshan. Devotees can view the Goddess while standing near the platform in front of the sanctum sanctorum. On both sides of this platform are statues of lions, the vehicle of the Goddess. The sanctum sanctorum is covered with gold-plated silver sheets featuring attractive craftsmanship. The halo (Prabhaval) around the idol is also beautifully carved, with Jay and Vijay depicted at the bottom and the Sun and Moon at the top. Inside the sanctum, the ‘Tandala’ (a naturally formed stone idol) of Renuka Mata is enshrined on a platform. The four-and-a-quarter-foot-tall idol, anointed with vermilion, is adorned with a crown, a large bindi on the forehead, jewelry, a nose ring, and a canopy over the head. The idol is enclosed by a glass wall.

According to the legends of Renuka Mata, Parashurama beheaded Renuka Mata at the command of his father, Jamadagni. Seeing Parashurama’s obedience, Jamadagni was pleased and asked him to seek a boon. Parashurama requested that his mother be brought back to life, which Jamadagni granted. He instructed Parashurama to place Renuka’s body into the sacrificial fire so she could emerge in a divine form, with the condition that Parashurama must not look back. After placing the body in the fire, she began to manifest, but Parashurama looked back in doubt. Consequently, she stopped manifesting fully. Therefore, she is worshipped in the form of a ‘Tandala’, and Mahur is her abode. The temple in Mahur also houses a ‘Tandala’ of the Goddess, which closely resembles the one here. This idol is also adorned with a gold crown, Makara Kundala (earrings), and a nose ring, which is why this temple is known as Pratimahur.

On one of the walls of the sanctum sanctorum, there is a portrait of the temple’s founder, Param Pujya Yogiraj Hansateerth Swami. Formerly known as Param Pujya Hariharanath Maharaj, or Anna Maharaj, he belonged to the tradition of Shiva-Shakti worship. He had taken the ‘Hansa’ initiation, a type of Sannyasa. Among the four types of Sannyasis, a ‘Hansa’ is one who stays in a village for one night, in a city for five nights, and lives on alms for ११ months of the year. The other three types are: ‘Kutichaka’ (those who live in huts and wear saffron robes but eat at the homes of relatives), ‘Bahudaka’ (those who renounce kin and survive by begging at seven other homes), and ‘Paramahansa’ (those who renounce the sacred thread and daily rituals). Yogiraj Hansateerth Maharaj was a devotee of Jagadamba and Renuka Mata. He attained Samadhi in १९९९ on Paush Vadya Ekadashi. His Samadhi site is the Renuka Darbar in Sonai, Ahilyanagar.

Various religious programs are held throughout the year at this Renuka Mata Temple in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Additionally, social events such as health camps, eye and blood donation camps, and community marriage ceremonies are also organized. Devotees can perform various pujas and rituals here, including voluntary Abhishek, Purnima Abhishek, Kumkumarchan, Saptashati Path, Shrisukta Abhishek, Bhogi Puja, and Shendur Lepan. (Contact: Dhananjay Puranik, Guruji, Mobile: ८४४६१२४०६७)

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