Divine Jagdamba Devi Institute Ghatpuri, Khamgaon, Buldana

The temple of Goddess Jagdamba in Ghatpuri, near Khamgaon—famously known as ‘Rajatnagari’ (the Silver City)—is ancient and renowned. The stone idol of Goddess Jagdamba here, who is the Kuldevi (family deity) of many families in Vidarbha, was found during the excavation of a well in the village. A large throng of devotees always gathers here to seek the blessings of this Goddess, who is known to fulfill prayers and vows. The tradition of seeking a *Kaul* (divine consent) from the Goddess, which is rarely found in Vidarbha, is practiced here. During the Sharadiya Navratri festival, more than two lakh devotees bow in reverence before the Goddess every day for all nine days. Hundreds of Akhand Jyoti (ever-burning) lamps remain lit in the temple during this festival.

Many years ago, while digging a well in the farm of a local farmer named Janrao Deshmukh, the idol of the Goddess was discovered in a rock crevice. Thereafter, the Goddess was consecrated at this place. An anthill was present at the site of consecration. For many years, devotees offered oil and worshiped the Goddess right there. Later, the village Patil donated this land for the Goddess’s temple. Local people consider this Goddess to be a form of Goddess Tulja Bhavani, a fact mentioned in the ‘Central Provinces and Berar District Gazetteers – Akola District, Volume A’ (1910).

The temple surroundings were once secluded and off the beaten path. A river used to flow beside the temple. As the fame of the Goddess who fulfills vows spread, devotees from various regions began visiting for her Darshan. Initially, the temple was small. Following a restoration conducted a few years ago, the temple acquired its present magnificent structure. Ghatpuri, which was once a small village, has now become a part of Khamgaon city. The temple is located about two kilometers from the main city. Above the main entrance gate of the temple, sculptures of lions grace both sides. Entering through the main gate leads to a spacious courtyard paved with paver blocks. The courtyard houses several shops selling puja offerings. Beneath a large Peepal tree in front of the temple lie several vermilion-coated sacred stones. Nearby stands a small Shiva temple.

The architectural layout of the Jagdamba Devi Temple comprises a Sabhamandap (assembly hall) and two Garbhagrihas (sanctum sanctorums). In the Sabhamandap, there is a sculpture of a tiger, the divine vehicle of the Goddess. The main Garbhagriha features an entrance decorated with a arched motif, and inside, within three large marble pavilions, stands the idol of the Goddess sculpted from black stone in the center. Standing three feet tall, this four-armed (Chaturbhuja) idol holds a Shankha (conch), Chakra (discus), Gada (mace), and Padma (lotus) in her hands. On either side of this crowned idol are depictions of two demons, and two lion idols are placed in front. In the pavilion to the left of the Goddess sits a silver idol of Nagdevta, while the pavilion to the right houses an idol of Lord Ganesha. The second Garbhagriha of this temple enshrines a Shivlinga. An idol of Nandi stands in front of this sanctum. The Shalunka and the Pindi in the sanctum are covered with silver plating, and continuous ritual Abhishek flows over the Pindi from a Galantika (drip vessel) suspended above. The niches (Devakoshtas) here enshrine Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha. The temple also houses an idol of Lord Hanuman. The tall, modern-style Shikharas (spires) above both sanctums are constructed using marble tiles.

A Dharamshala (rest house) has been constructed on the premises to provide accommodation for devotees coming from afar. A Ved Vidyalaya (Vedic school) is run on the temple premises by Shri Maharshi Ved Vyas Pratishthan of Alandi. Here, students receive education in Vedic scholarship, Sanskrit Veda chanting, Dharmashastra, and other sacred scriptures. Daily Abhishek and Puja are performed at the temple at 5:00 AM. Aarti takes place at 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM. The temple closes for Darshan at 9:00 PM. There is a tradition here of seeking a *Kaul* (divine sanction) from the Goddess. The temple priest performs this ritual. In the temple, there are two spherical stones, six inches in height. Three small stones are placed on one stone, and four on the other. If the stone from the stack on the Goddess’s right side falls to the right, it is believed that the Goddess has granted her divine assent.

Sharadiya Navratri festival is the major celebration here. During this period, the temple premises transform into a vibrant pilgrimage fair. The temple is adorned with attractive illuminations for the occasion. On the first day of the festival, Ghatasthapana is performed. During the festival, the Goddess is adorned with precious gold and silver ornaments. Various religious programs are organized here on all nine days. On Ashtami day, a Hom-Havan (sacred fire ritual) and Mahabhandara (community feast) are held. During this festival, many devotees light hundreds of Akhand Jyoti (ever-burning) lamps in the Sabhamandap for the fulfillment of their wishes. Lighting these lamps during Navratri has been a devout tradition here for about fifteen years. During the festival, the temple remains open for Darshan until 12:00 midnight. Many devotees from various parts of Maharashtra, including Vidarbha and Khandesh, as well as from neighboring states like Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, visit during this time for Darshan. During the festival, numerous stalls selling Mahaprasad, flowers, and holy offerings are set up around the temple premises.

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