Divine Balambika Devi Balmatakali, Shevgaon, Ahilyanagar

The village of Balamtakali, significant historically and religiously, is situated on the Georai-Beed road in Shevgaon Taluka of Ahilyanagar District. Balamtakali was the last village under the dominion of the Peshwas and subsequently the British. Beyond it lay the boundary of the Nizam’s rule. Taxes were collected here on goods brought for trade from the Nizam’s territory, making this village strategically important for protection as well.

Balamtakali is renowned as an important pilgrimage site in Shevgaon Taluka. Devotees believe that Shree Balambika Devi, a direct manifestation of the Goddess of Mahurgad, incarnated here. Along with the Balambika Devi Temple, the village is home to many ancient temples. These include the Vitthal-Rukmini Temple built in १७५२, the Mahadev Temple in the stepwell from १७५९, the stone Deepmala (lamp tower) from १७६६, and the Hanuman Temple on the stepwell from १७८५. These temples form a cluster here. Additionally, there is the thirteenth-century Takeshwar Temple and an ancient Ram Temple. It is said that the village was named ‘Balamtakali’ after its presiding deity, Shree Balambika Devi.

The legend of the Balambika Temple recounts that some years ago, the hereditary rights (vatan) of the surrounding villages belonged to the Garud Deshmukh family. The vatanadar had a daughter named Bali. From childhood, Bali was a devout worshipper of Shree Renuka Devi. She constantly implored her parents to build a Renuka Devi temple in the village. Bali passed away at the tender age of eight. Even after her demise, the villagers here felt her presence as if she were still alive.

After Bali’s passing, work began on digging a well in the Deshmukhs’ land. While the work was underway, the labourers encountered a hard rock in the well. Despite many blows, the rock would not break. Then, with all their might, the labourers invoked the Goddess’s name and struck the rock with a crowbar. The crowbar pierced the rock, and blood spurted forth. Witnessing this sight, the labourer fainted on the spot. That very night, Bali appeared in the dream of the chief man of the Deshmukh family and said, ‘Mother Renuka is in the well, and her head has been struck by a crowbar. You did not fulfill my wish to build a temple; but now, build a temple and consecrate the Goddess within it.’

A similar dream vision was experienced by the labourer as well. Accordingly, they had the idol of the Goddess, in the form of a ‘tandala’ (an aniconic representation), carefully removed from the well by skilled artisans. The temple was then erected at the very spot where the idol was found. 

The shrine of Shree Balambika Devi is located in the heart of Balamtakali village. The temple’s structure comprises a sabhamandap (assembly hall) and a garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The ‘tandala’ form of the Goddess on the platform in the sanctum is four feet high and three feet wide. During festivals, the Goddess is adorned with a silver crown, a saree, and many ornaments. Beside this idol are the idols of Lord Parashuram and Lord Ganesha. The original construction of this temple was of black stone; however, after subsequent renovations, the temple has acquired its present form.

Every year, a grand festival is celebrated here during Navaratri. During that period, fasts are observed in every household in the village. Additionally, hundreds of devotees undertake ‘ghati’ (ritual fasting and vigil) in the temple. During the festival, hundreds of devotees attend the morning and evening aartis of the Goddess. The fair of the Goddess is held on Shakambhari Pournima (Paush Pournima). On this occasion, wrestling matches are held here. For these matches, many wrestlers from across the state come to Balamtakali a month in advance to stay and practice. During this time, the villagers of Balamtakali provide all facilities to these wrestlers. This tradition is said to have been ongoing for approximately २०० years. Shree Balambika Devi, who fulfills vows and responds to calls, is considered the presiding deity of Balamtakali and the revered deity of devotees from hundreds of surrounding villages.

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