Divine Pedkai Mata Temple Salve, Shindkheda, Dhule

The ancient tradition of nature worship, which involves the veneration of the five great elements—Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether—has existed in India since the pre-Aryan era. It is because of this that the tradition of addressing rivers as Mother and mountains as Father remains intact even today. From this, the tradition of worshipping forest deities subsequently emerged. One such temple of Pedkai Devi is situated in the mountains near Salve village. Devotees firmly believe that this is a powerful, awakened Goddess who fulfills their vows. It is for this reason that lakhs of devotees participate in the annual festival of the Goddess.

It is said that this holy shrine is over one thousand years old. The legend of the temple states that when Lord Shriram, along with Lakshman and Mother Sita, arrived in the vicinity of the Satpuda mountain range during their exile, they worshipped Pedkai Mata and Pedkoba Deva here before entering the forest. Because of this, the villagers here believe that the history of this temple is linked to the era of the Ramayana. The temple attained its present form following a renovation that took place a few years ago. 

At the foothills of the hill where the temple is situated, there is a spacious parking area. To reach this temple, one must first cross the entrance gate at the base of the hill and walk for some distance along an ascending path. Following this, one enters the four-story Rangamandapa of the temple. A unique feature of this temple’s architecture is that despite being a four-story structure, there are no steps anywhere. Instead of stairs, a gently sloping walkway has been provided. Because of this, people of all ages can easily reach the sanctum sanctorum of the Goddess located at the hilltop. The walkway is equipped with safety railings and pillars on the outer side. Looking out from near the safety railings, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the many villages in the surrounding area. The view is visible. 

After walking some distance from the queue hall, a small temple of Lord Ganesha is visible. In this temple, there is a four-armed marble idol of Ganesha seated on a throne upon a vajra-pitha (diamond pedestal). In both of Ganesha’s upper hands, there are nooses (pasha). In one of the lower hands, he holds a modak, and the other hand is in the abhaya mudra (gesture of fearlessness). Behind the idol, there is a marble prabhavali (halo) shaped like a peacock feather. From here, one enters the spacious assembly hall on the fourth floor of the temple. In the assembly hall, there are square pillars on the outer sides and circular, intricately carved pillars in the center. In the assembly hall as well, a queue arrangement has been made by installing stainless steel railings. In the assembly hall, in front of the sanctum sanctorum, there is a brass idol of a lion on a closed platform. On the doorframes of the wooden entrance to the sanctum sanctorum, there are intricately carved circular pillars and floral and leaf patterns. On the lalata-bimba (lintel center) is an idol of Ganesha, and on the lalata-patti (lintel strip) are carvings of vines and flowers.

On the Vajrapitha in the sanctum sanctorum, the self-manifested idol of the Goddess is seated on a throne within an ornate canopy featuring four pillars and a dome-shaped roof. A crown rests upon the head of the Goddess, with a canopy overhead. A cluster of peacock feathers is placed to the side. In front of the Vajrapitha are two moonstones, upon which two tridents are placed. Behind the canopy, the carved edge of the mountain is visible. There is an intricately carved square dome on the ceiling. 

After exiting the sanctum sanctorum, there is a separate descending path. Upon descending two floors from here, one reaches the Pedoba Temple. In the sanctum sanctorum of this temple, there is a vermilion-anointed, two-armed idol of Lord Pedoba placed in a niche on a diamond-shaped pedestal. The deity holds weapons in both hands and wears a crown on his head. On the floor of the sanctum sanctorum, there is a Shiva Linga, and in a niche on the left wall, there is an idol of Goddess Bhavani. Beside the sanctum sanctorum, on the mountain cliff, are the standards and tridents of the local deities. During festivals and family rituals, devotees offer flatbread and vegetables here. Naivedya is offered. 

The ceiling of the temple’s assembly hall features a two-tiered shikhara. The first tier consists of a dodecagonal dome, and the second tier, shaped like a bell, is topped with a kalasha. On the parapet surrounding the roof of the sanctum sanctorum, there are sixteen miniature shikharas and kalashas. The main shikhara located in the center is square-shaped and features a lotus petal ring at its base. All four sides of the shikhara are adorned with intricate carvings, topped with an amalaka, and crowned with a panchakumbhi kalasha.

The annual temple festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm on the day of Chaitra Shuddha Navami. On this occasion, lakhs of devotees from the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat arrive to seek the blessings of the Goddess and to fulfill their vows. The temple premises are adorned with shops selling various items, giving the area the appearance of a grand marketplace. The ten-day Sharadiya Navaratri festival, as well as annual festivals like Dussehra and Diwali, are celebrated in the temple. There is a constant influx of devotees who come here to perform family traditions and the first hair-cutting ceremony of children. 

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