Historic Shivai Mandir Shivna, Sillod, Chatrapati Sambhajinagar

The temple of Kulswamini Shivai Devi, the presiding deity of Sillod taluka in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, is a place of faith for thousands of devotees. It is the firm belief of the devotees that this Goddess grants wishes and fulfills desires. The annual fair (Chaitri) held here for five days starting from Chaitra Purnima is one of the largest fairs in the district. Devotees from across the state attend this fair in large numbers.

The legend regarding the temple is that about 800 years ago, the name of the village Shivna was Shivpur. Five kilometers away from the village was a village named Shahadari. This village had a majority population of cowherds and shepherds. A milkman named Shiva from this very village used to come to Shivpur every day to sell milk and curd. Before selling the milk, he would offer it upon the Shiva Linga at the Kholeshwar temple located near the village. This was his daily routine for many years. One day, Lord Mahadev, pleased with his devotion, asked him to seek a boon. In response, he prayed for the blessing of a child. While granting his request, Lord Mahadev said that he would be blessed with a daughter, but she would not stay with him for long.

A year later, Shiva’s wife gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Blessed by the grace of Mahadeva, they named the child Shivai. When she was five or six years old, Shiva took her one day to have the darshan of Kholeshwar. After the darshan, Shivai told him, “You go and sell the milk and curd in the village and return; I will wait here in the temple until then.” Shiva agreed, but his heart was not ready to leave her alone. Therefore, after walking four or five steps, he looked back and saw that Shivai had vanished right there. In due course, the villagers built a temple of Shivai at this spot. It is said that the village was named Shivna after Shivai.

The temple of Shivai Devi is situated on the Buldhana-Ajanta road. In front of the temple stands an ancient stone lamp pillar (Deepmal). The temple is enclosed by fortifications on all sides, and a drum house (Nagarkhana) is located on the upper floor of the entrance gate. A sculpture of Lord Ganesha is carved into the arch above the entrance. The entire temple premises are paved with stone. Within this area, there are smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Ganpati, Suryanarayan, and Saibaba. Opposite the ancient Audumbar tree in the temple complex lies the ancient temple of Kholeswar. According to legend, Shiva Gawali used to perform the daily milk offering (Dugdhabhishek) on the Shivalinga in this very temple. In front of the Audumbar tree stands a monolithic stone statue of Nandi.

The temple of Shivai Devi features an attractive shikhara, upon which the idols of numerous gods and goddesses are carved. In the area in front of the main temple stands the homakunda. The temple structure consists of a sabhamandapa and a garbhagriha. There are three arched doorways on the front side of the sabhamandapa. In the center of the sabhamandapa lies an idol of a tortoise. The ceiling of this sabhamandapa is distinctive, adorned with intricate craftsmanship featuring small pieces of glass in various colors. Inside the garbhagriha, the idol of Shivai Devi is placed within a makhar atop a low pedestal. Adorned with a crown on her head and dressed in various garments and ornaments, the idol of the Goddess appears beautiful. The wall behind the idol is covered with a silver sheet, which features unique and intricate carvings. This includes a prabhaval at the back, two elephants above it, and a kirtimukha in the center. Furthermore, this intricately crafted makhar features carvings of two lions, a kalasha, a lotus, a swastika, and the Om symbol. At the top, there is a sculpture of Ganesha, flanked by two peacocks on either side. It is said that the original stone idol of the Goddess was one and one-quarter feet tall. In the year 1982, the layer of vermilion and kumkum on the idol was removed, and the idol was given a new form using cement and certain chemicals. Brass padukas are placed in front of the idol of Shivai.

Daily Kakad Aarti, Abhishekam, Dhuparati, and Sanj-Aarti are performed here. Every Tuesday, Aarti is performed in the adjacent Ganesha temple along with the Devi’s temple. On that day, the Devi’s garments are changed, and She is adorned with ornaments in the morning. After the Aarti at 6:30 in the morning, Prasad is distributed. Chaitri and Sharadiya Navratri festivals are celebrated here with great enthusiasm. During both Navratri festivals, there is a tradition for the Gausavi (Jain) family of the village to offer garments to the Devi. Bangles are offered to the Devi from the house of Rajabhau Vadge (Kasar) of the village. On Chaitra Purnima, a procession of the Devi’s garments with music is taken out through the village from the residence of the Jain family. Thereafter, Ghatasthapana, Homa-Havan, Navachandi Yaga, and other religious programs are held in the temple. This Yatra, which lasts for five days starting from Chaitra Purnima, is famous as Chaitri in Marathwada. On the night of the fifth day of the Yatra, and on the morning of the sixth day, the Shivai procession (Swari) is taken out through the village. The Yatra festival concludes after this Swari. At this time, the women of the village offer Oti to the Devi. During the Shivai Devi Yatra festival, the Balaji Mahotsav is held for five days in the village’s Balaji temple. Sword fighting displays are also performed during this time.

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