Ancient Girija Devi Temple Mhaismal, Khulatabad, Chatrapati Sambhajinagar

Mhismal (Taluka Khuldabad, District Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), famous as the mini-Mahabaleshwar of Marathwada, is home to the sacred and awakened seat of Girijadevi. It is believed to be one of the sub-seats (upapithas) of the three-and-a-half Shakti Peethas of the Goddess in Maharashtra. Renowned as a Goddess who grants the wishes of her devotees, Girijadevi attracts many pilgrims from every corner of the state for her darshan. The annual fair held here on Maghi Purnima for the past 300 years is considered one of the largest in the taluka.

Girijadevi of Mhismal is mentioned in ancient texts such as the Padma Purana, Kashikhand, and Shivalaya Mahatmya. According to the Padma Purana, one day, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were playing a game of dice. Parvati lost the game, and the assembled gods laughed. Angered by this, Parvati left Mount Kailash and came to this mountain peak. Here, she performed severe penance. Lord Shiva, searching for her, also arrived here, which is why this mountain is called Maheshadri. As the plateau where Lord Mahesh (Shiva) resided, the place came to be known as Maheshachi Maal, or Mhismal. Mhismal is also known as Kamyakavan or Umavan. The Ela River originated from the peak of Maheshadri. Because Girija (Parvati) came here and performed penance to attain Maheshwar as her husband, this place is also famous by the name Umavan. In the 49th chapter of the Kashikhand, it is mentioned that Shiva resided here with Parvati.

Girijadevi’s shrine is situated at an altitude of 913 meters above sea level. This place is also significant from a tourism perspective as a hill station in Marathwada. Nestled within mountain ranges, the location appears rich in nature, surrounded by lush greenery and hills. The pleasant climate throughout the year attracts many tourists. Remains of caves and rock-cut structures have been found in the Mhismal area, proving that there has been human settlement here since ancient times.

Upon approaching the temple, one is greeted by a grand entrance gate. There is a Nagarkhana (drum house) on the upper floor of this two-storied structure. Entering through it leads to the spacious temple courtyard. In the courtyard, there are the samadhis of several saints and a dharmashala (pilgrim rest house) at the rear. The entire temple premises are paved with blocks, making the area look clean and beautiful. The temple attained its current form after a recent renovation. The temple spire is 51 feet high and features exquisite craftsmanship. The temple is structured with a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The Sabha Mandap is open-air, and in the center, on a raised platform, stands a Panchadhatu (five-metal) idol of a lion, the Goddess’s vehicle. Beside this idol are an ancient stone lamp pillar (deepmal) and a sacrificial altar (yagnakund).

On the walls near the entrance of the sanctum, the figures of Jaya and Vijaya are carved. A Ganesha idol is placed on the lintel above the sanctum door. To facilitate darshan for devotees, a steel railing has been installed to manage the queue. In the sanctum, the pleasant, vermilion-anointed idol of the Goddess is placed in the center of a marble arch (makhar). This arch is adorned with intricate vine carvings and auspicious symbols like ‘Shri’ and a Kalash. On both upper sides, there are elephants with raised trunks. The Goddess, seated in the arch, holds weapons in all four of her hands. Dressed in fine clothes and ornaments, the Goddess wears a nose ring (nath) and a silver crown on her head. A silver umbrella (chhatra) shades the idol. Lions are placed on both sides near the Goddess’s feet. To the right of the Goddess is a vermilion-anointed idol of Ganesha. The ceiling of the sanctum is also beautifully carved.

Known as a Goddess who fulfills wishes, Girijadevi attracts devotees from various parts of the state throughout the year. Many devotees perform ‘dandavat’ (prostrations) from the foothills to the temple to fulfill their vows. The morning puja takes place daily at 8:00 AM, and the evening aarti is held at 8:00 PM. Special worship is conducted every Tuesday.

The Goddess’s fair is held annually on Magh Purnima. On the day of the fair, a Mahabhishek is performed at dawn according to tradition. Following this, the temple president and the Tehsildar offer a golden crown and ornaments to the Goddess. During the fair, the traditional ‘Kathi’ (ceremonial pole) of Girijadevi is installed in front of the village Maruti temple. Additionally, other honorary Kathis arrive for the fair every year. Many devotees offer goats to the Goddess to fulfill their vows. The Sharadiya Navratri festival is also celebrated here with great enthusiasm. On the first day of the festival, the temple president and the Tehsildar perform Ghatsthapana. This is followed by ritualistic worship, offerings (naivedya), and a grand aarti. Every morning and evening, the Sanai-Chaughada (traditional music) is played before the Goddess, and an eternal lamp (Nanda Deep) remains lit. A sacrificial fire (hom-havan) is held on Ashtami, and Shami-pujan and Simollanghan are performed on Vijayadashami. During the festival, the sanctum remains open from 5:00 AM to 12:00 midnight. At this time, the Goddess is adorned with gold and silver jewelry, precious gems, gold necklaces, bangles, waistbands, and gem-studded headgear, along with various other traditional ornaments. A few years ago, the Queen of Nepal offered a gem-studded necklace to the Goddess after her prayers were answered; this necklace is also worn by the Goddess.

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