Historic Mahasati Anasuya Temple Anasuya Mata Shikhar, Mahurgad, Mahur, Nanded

Mahurgad in Nanded district is recognized as one of the three and a half Shakti Peethas of Maharashtra. This land, sanctified by the presence of Renuka Mata, holds a profound influence of the Dattatreya tradition alongside Shakti worship. The structure of Mahurgad is divided into three major peaks: the first is the peak of Renuka Mata, the second is the Shri Datta peak, and the third is the Mata Anasuya peak, which is considered extremely sacred. The temple of Mahasati Anasuya Mata, the living embodiment of chastity and maternal love, is nestled in the lap of nature on this very peak. It is the firm belief of devotees that a pilgrimage to Mahurgad is only complete after seeking the blessings of Renuka Devi, followed by visits to the Datta peak and Anasuya Mata.

The legend of this place states that the fame of the chastity of Mata Anasuya, wife of Sage Atri, had spread throughout the three worlds. Upon hearing of this, jealousy arose in the minds of the wives of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh—namely Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Parvati. They insisted that their husbands test the chastity of Anasuya. At their insistence, the Trinity arrived at Sage Atri’s hermitage in the guise of ascetics. There, they asked Anasuya to serve them alms while being unclothed. Hearing this, Mata Anasuya was thoughtful for a moment. She realized that if she did not serve the mendicants at her door, her virtue would be lost, and if she appeared unclothed before other men, her virtue would also be lost. Mata Anasuya then remembered her husband and sprinkled water from her Kamandalu (water pot) onto the ascetics. Instantly, the Trinity was transformed into small infants. Anasuya took the infants into her lap, breastfed them with maternal love, and cradled them. Thus, the test of the Trinity ended, and it was there that Dattatreya, the incarnation of the three Gunas, was born. Devotees believe that this is the sacred Anasuya Mata temple where this miraculous event took place.

It is said that this temple at this ancient site was built by Mukund Swami in the year 1297. The temple is situated on a high hill in Mahur. There is a paved asphalt road up to the base of the temple. From the parking lot at the base, there are two separate stone-carved stairways for ascending and descending to the temple. Both stairways have safety railings. At the beginning of the ascending stairway, there is a golden-painted welcome arch. In the arch, two ornate pillars on both sides are connected by an arched torana, and the torana features an Om symbol. There are sculptures of Garuda and Hanuman on the pillars.

The temple is surrounded by strong, fort-like fortifications. While entering the courtyard through the entrance in the fortification, one sees a welcome pavilion standing on four pillars. On the roof of this pavilion, there are Meghadambari (canopy) and lion sculptures at all four corners. In front of the Anasuya Mata temple is an ancient Hanuman temple. Inside the temple, there is a vermilion-smeared stone idol of Hanuman on a Vajra-peetha (diamond pedestal).

The structure of the Anasuya Mata temple consists of a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall), Antarala (vestibule), and Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The Sabha Mandap has four rows of circular pillars. The outer pillars are connected to each other by arched toranas. The Sabha Mandap is semi-open. This hall houses the temple office and donation counter. Further ahead is the Antarala and Garbhagriha, built in the Hemadpanti style of stone masonry. The entrance to the Antarala is low and narrow. On its lintel, there is a lotus flower carving. There are two more doors on the right and left sides to exit from the Antarala. The door frames of the Garbhagriha feature floral carvings, and the lintel has an idol of Ganpati. At the base of the door frames are sculptures of door guardians (Dwarapalas), and the threshold is carved with lotus flowers. Inside the Garbhagriha, on a Vajra-peetha, are the black stone idols of Anasuya Mata and Shri Dattatreya. The roof of the Garbhagriha has a square, pyramid-shaped stepped shikhara. At the top of the shikhara is an Amalaka and a Kalash.

Adjacent to the Sabha Mandap of the Anasuya Mata temple is the temple of Anasuya Mata’s parents, Sage Kardam and Mata Devahuti. Next to this temple is a small Mahadeva temple. Beside this is the temple of Sage Atri. The temple structure consists of a semi-open Sabha Mandap and a Garbhagriha, and the idol of Sage Atri is placed on a Vajra-peetha in the Garbhagriha.

All festivals and celebrations such as Shri Datta Jayanti, Sharadiya Navratrotsav, Chaitra Padwa, Ram Navami, Dussehra, Diwali, Kojagiri Purnima, and Kartik Purnima are observed at the temple. Various religious programs are organized in the temple during all festivals. A fair is held at the temple on the full moon day of every month. Hundreds of devotees visit this temple daily for darshan. It is believed that couples who desire children and pray here with a sincere heart have their wishes fulfilled. Devotees can have darshan of Anasuya Devi daily from 6 to 7 in the morning and from 8.30 in the morning until 8 at night. The temple doors are closed for puja and abhishek between 7 and 8.30 in the morning.

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