Divine Mangaldev Graha Temple Amalner, T. Amalner, Jalgaon

According to Indian scriptures, Mangal (Mars) is the deity of war and is a celibate. He is red in color, which is why he is also known as Angarak. Temples dedicated to the planet Mangal Dev are rare in the country, numbering only a few. Among them, the Mangalnath Temple in Ujjain and Vaitheeswaran Koil in Tamil Nadu hold primary significance. Similar to these temples, the Mangal Dev Temple in Amalner is also renowned. The unique feature of this temple is that it is the only one in the country that houses an idol of the deity Mangal. Millions of devotees from across Khandesh visit this temple for darshan.

The ‘Avantika’ Khanda of the Skanda Purana contains information regarding the origin of Mangala (the planet Mars). Once, in the city of Ujjain, there lived a demon named Andhakasura. His mighty son was named Kanaka. Once, this Kanaka directly challenged Indra to a battle. Indra then fought him and slew him. After the killing of Kanaka, to save his life from Andhakasura, Indra reached Mount Kailash and prayed to Mahadeva. Hearing Indra’s prayer, Mahadeva himself began a battle with Andhakasura. In the battle, Shankara wounded Andhakasura with his trident. At that moment, a drop of sweat from Mahadeva’s forehead fell onto the ground, and from this drop, the planet Mangala, red in color like an ember, was born. This Mangala is known by the names Angaraka, Raktaksha, and Mahadevaputra. 

According to the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, one of the Mahapuranas, Hiranyaksha, the brother of Hiranyakashipu, had taken the Earth through the ocean and hidden it in Patala (the netherworld). Lord Vishnu, in his Varaha avatar, slew Hiranyaksha, retrieved the Earth from Patala, and placed it near the ocean. Thereafter, the Earth became fruitful and The worship of Vishnu in his Varaha (boar) form began. Seeing the beautiful and captivating form of the Earth, Vishnu became enchanted by her. From this union, a radiant child was born from the womb of the Earth, who is the planet Mars (Mangala). According to astrology, if the position of Mars in one’s horoscope is unfavorable, it proves harmful to the individual. Mangala Dosha can lead to difficulties in married life. To appease him, remedies such as wearing red coral (Praval), performing acts of charity, and worshipping Hanuman are generally practiced. In iconography, Mangala is described as having four arms. He is depicted holding a trident (trishula), a mace (gada), a spear (bhala), and a lotus (padma). A ram is his vehicle.

Although Ujjain is considered the birthplace of Mangal (Mars), the Shivling is worshipped at the Mangalnath Temple there. Similarly, the Vaitheeswaran Koil temple in Tamil Nadu is also dedicated to Lord Shiva. The idol of Mangal Dev, crafted according to the principles of iconography, can be seen only in the temple at Amalner. This ancient temple was [renovated/established] in the year 1933 by a person named Dagdusheth Saraf Records indicate that the householder undertook the renovation. Until he was alive, that is, until 1940, worship and rituals were performed regularly in this temple. After his passing, the temple remained neglected for 12 years. Jagdish Nathji, who performed penance while standing on one leg, looked after this temple for some time. But one day, he suddenly left the temple. Since 1999, after the establishment of the Board of Trustees, the management of this temple has been streamlined.

On the path leading from the parking area to the temple, there are many shops selling worship materials and Prasad. In the perimeter wall surrounding the temple, there is a beautiful entrance arch. On this arch, the words ‘Grahadheen Aahe Jagati Putra Manavacha’ (The human son in this world is subject to the planets) are inscribed in large letters. At the entrance of the arch, there are white marble elephants holding garlands in their trunks. Through this arch, one enters the spacious courtyard of the temple. From here, there is an arrangement for a queue for Darshan to proceed towards the main temple. On this path, within the courtyard, is the Bhairavi Mata-Kalbhairav temple. Such It is said that this is a rare temple in the shape of a Trishula (trident). 

One enters the assembly hall (Sabhamandapa) of the Mangal Dev Graha Temple, which is situated on a high plinth, by climbing seven to eight steps from the ground. The temple structure consists of an assembly hall and a sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha). The sanctum is designed in the center of this open-style assembly hall, leaving space for a circumambulatory path (Pradakshina Marg). On the Vajrapitha (diamond pedestal) within the sanctum stands the four-armed idol of Mangal Dev, anointed with vermilion. In the right hands of this idol are a mace (Gada) and a trident (Trishul), while the left hands hold a small drum (Damaru) and a lotus flower. The vehicle (Vahana) of this deity is a ram. A golden crown rests upon the head of the idol. With its forehead smeared with turmeric powder and sandalwood paste, carved eyebrows, and a serene expression, the idol appears truly beautiful. To the right of the Mangal Dev idol are the black stone idol of Panchamukhi Hanuman and the idol of Bhumata Devi. 

In the pavilion in front of the temple, devotees suffering from the malefic influence of Mars (Mangal Dosha) or other problems perform Abhishekam. Adjacent to this pavilion is a beautiful temple in the shape of a Kamandalu, dedicated to Mother Anaghalakshmi and Shri Dattatreya. In the Mangal Dev temple, Panchamrit Abhishekam is performed every Tuesday. Every Friday, Kumkumarchana is performed on the Shri Yantra. Satyanarayan Puja is held here every Tuesday during the month of Shravan and on every Purnima (full moon day). A Gayatri Mahayajna is performed on every Purnima. Agnihotra Puja is performed daily at sunrise and sunset. Every year, the Tulsi Vivah ceremony is celebrated in this temple on Tripuri Purnima. The Mangal Graha Janmotsav on Bhadrapada Shukla Dashami and the Navratri festival are celebrated on a grand scale. On these occasions, the Mahayagas of Navchandi and Shatchandi are performed. During this time, the deity is taken out in a palanquin procession, and an offering of fifty-six food items (56 Bhoga) is presented. Every Tuesday, approximately one lakh devotees visit this temple for Darshan. In the temple premises, there is a modern Bhaktanivas (pilgrim accommodation) and arrangements for Mahaprasad for the devotees.

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