Divine Yamai Devi Temple Shivri, Purandar, Pune

The awakened temple of Yamai Devi in Shivri, located in the Purandar taluka of Pune district, is a revered place of faith for devotees. It is believed that Yamai is a form of Goddess Parvati. The temple is situated on the Pune-Pandharpur Palkhi route between Saswad and Jejuri. This temple holds great significance in the Palkhi procession of Saint Dnyaneshwar Maharaj, which departs from Alandi. Throughout the entire Wari route, there is a tradition of taking the Padukas (footprints) of Mauli out of the chariot and bringing them into the temple at only two places: Nira Ghat and Shivri. Devotees believe that this Goddess fulfills vows and rushes to the aid of those who call upon her.

Shivri is a historically significant village in the Purandar taluka. The period of the Yamai Devi temple here is considered to be extremely ancient. Although there is no clear evidence available to state the exact period of the temple’s original construction, the stone architecture of the temple bears witness to the antiquity of this site. Mentions of this temple are found in saint literature and historical records. Accordingly, this entire area, situated in the vicinity of Purandar Fort, is a witness to many historical events of Swarajya. Whenever Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj went to visit the Khandoba temple at Jejuri and the Bhuleshwar temple at Yavat for the administration of Swarajya, he would invariably come to Shivri to seek the blessings of this Goddess. Many sardars and Mavlas of the Maratha Empire considered this Goddess their family deity.

The Yamai Devi temple holds special importance in the Alandi to Pandharpur Palkhi procession. Situated on the main Pune-Pandharpur Palkhi route, this temple is known as an important resting place in the Wari. This site has the honor of being one of only two places in the entire Wari journey, along with Nira Ghat, where the Padukas of Mauli are taken down from the chariot and brought into the actual temple. When the Palkhi procession arrives in Shivri village, these holy Padukas, taken out of the chariot, are brought into the sanctum sanctorum of Yamai Devi, where special worship and Aarti are performed. Thousands of Warkaris participate in the Mahaprasad organized during this ceremony. Records in saint literature indicate that Saint Dnyaneshwar Maharaj personally rested on the ancient stone platform located in front of the temple. The existence of this temple predates the start of this Palkhi procession, and this tradition is still preserved with equal devotion today. This Palkhi procession, which arrives around Jyeshtha Vadya Chaturdashi, is a major festival for the villagers of Shivri and the Warkaris. Thousands of devotees from the surrounding areas gather with great devotion to seek the blessings of Mauli’s Padukas at this resting place.

The legend of this temple is that in ancient times, a farmer’s cow would go to a specific anthill located here every day and release its milk. This happened consistently. When the farmer noticed this, out of curiosity, he tried to plow the anthill, and at that very moment, this self-manifested idol of the Goddess in the form of a Tandala (stone) appeared there. Even today, the mark of the wound caused by the plowshare is shown on this original idol of the Goddess. A stream of water flows continuously from the lower part of this idol. Notably, the water level of this stream never decreases or increases in any season. Devotees believe that applying this holy water to the body cures skin diseases.

Shivri village is situated on the Pune-Pandharpur state highway between the two important historical cities of Saswad and Jejuri. Located at a short distance from Saswad, this temple is adjacent to the main road. There is a large stone platform in front of the temple. It is said that Saint Dnyaneshwar Maharaj rested on this platform while traveling towards Pandharpur. Old stone slabs and Sati-shilas (memorial stones) are preserved on this platform, which is under the shade of a banyan tree. There are many shops selling worship materials near the main entrance of the temple. One enters the temple courtyard by climbing a few steps at the entrance.

The Maratha architectural style of the temple is very robust. There is a structure of arched corridors on the inner side along the fortification. In the center of the courtyard, the temple is built of black stone on a high plinth. The temple is structured with a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall), Antaral (vestibule), and Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). One enters the Sabha Mandap of the temple by climbing four steps from the courtyard. The Sabha Mandap has three arches on the front side. In the niches of the walls of the Antaral, idols of Ganpati and the Nag deity are carved. Many oil lamps (samai) remain lit in this Antaral. There is a tradition here of devotees offering oil lamps to the Goddess after the fulfillment of their vows. In the Garbhagriha, the idol of Yamai Devi, who is eight-armed and mounted on a buffalo, is seated in a silver canopy. Various weapons are carved in the eight hands of the Goddess, a small Shiva Linga is on her head, and images of the Navagrahas (nine planets) are carved on the anklets on her feet. This unique sculpture is considered rare. At the bottom of the idol, on the ground, is a self-manifested Tandala. From here, a continuous flow of water begins. The high spire of the temple is built using bricks and lime. There are idols of various gods and goddesses in many niches on it. A golden pinnacle is installed at the top of the spire.

Various festivals and celebrations are organized with enthusiasm in the temple throughout the year. A three-day annual fair of the Goddess is held on Chaitra Vadya Ashtami, and during this time, thousands of devotees from across the state come here for darshan. For this fair, a prestigious Kavadi (offering) of a saree and choli comes to the Goddess from the Shinganapur Devasthan. This tradition has been preserved for hundreds of years. The festival of the Goddess is celebrated on a large scale during the nine days of Sharadiya Navratri. A Bhandara (feast) is organized here every full moon, and Mahaprasad is distributed to the entire village. The service of the Goddess is performed by playing the Nagara (drum) every morning at 5:30 AM and at dusk. The Aarti of the Goddess takes place at 6:15 AM. There is a tradition here of seeking the Goddess’s guidance (Kaul) using Kanheri flowers on Tuesdays and Fridays. Considering the religious and historical significance of the Yamai Devi temple and the increasing number of devotees, the Government of Maharashtra has granted this temple the status of a ‘B’ class pilgrimage site.

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