Historic Tembhiai Temple Bhawan Wadi, Bhum, Dharashiv

Although the Shaiva and Shakta sects in Hindu Dharma are complementary and supportive of each other, in many respects, the practices, traditions, and deities of the Shakta sect are distinct. Tembhi-ai is a deity of the Shakta sect. ‘Tembha’ means a large lamp. The feminine form of this word, ‘Tembhi’, is a symbol of light. It is believed that the blessings of this Goddess, who dispels ignorance, injustice, misfortune, and instability, bring welfare to human life. Tembhi-ai is considered one of the Navadurga, the 108 Shaktis, and the 64 Yoginis. The ancient and famous temple of this Goddess is located in the hills near the village of Bhavan Wadi in Bhum Taluka.

This temple, dating back to the 12th century, attained its current form after a renovation carried out a few years ago. Many legends are prevalent regarding this temple. According to one legend, this Goddess, along with Tulja Bhavani, slew many demons. Later, due to a rift between the two Goddesses, she came here and established herself. According to another legend, Tembhi-ai is a form of Renuka Devi. After slaying the demons, she established herself here in the form of a ‘Tandala’ (a naturally formed stone icon).

On the road leading to the temple, some distance from the village, there is the first welcome arch near the village. There is a paved asphalt road leading up to the spacious parking area in front of the temple. The temple is surrounded by a boundary wall. There is a welcome arch at the entrance of this fortification. The arch features square pillars on both sides, and above the beam, there is an arched ‘Bashing’ (decorative headgear). In the center of the Bashing is an image of Goddess Tembhi-ai. On both sides of the entrance, adjacent to the boundary wall, there is a garden with various trees. In the temple courtyard, on the left side, there are four circular lamp towers (Deepmala) on a platform, which taper towards the top and are about four to five feet high. At the top of these lamp towers are stone lamps (Malta).

In the courtyard, in front of the temple, there is a Tulsi Vrindavan. The structure of the temple consists of a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). There are three steps to enter the Sabha Mandap, which is at a higher level than the courtyard. The front side of the enclosed Sabha Mandap is open. There are windows in the left and right walls to keep the Sabha Mandap well-ventilated. In the center on the floor is a tortoise sculpture, and to the side is the palanquin used during the Goddess’s festival. In the Sabha Mandap, there are two entrances on the left and right sides leading to the circumambulation path (Pradakshina Marg) towards the Garbhagriha. Further ahead is the entrance to the Garbhagriha. Inside the Garbhagriha, there are four ornate pillars and a canopy (Makhar) with an arched spire above them. The canopy is decorated with floral patterns, and inside the canopy is the self-manifested ‘Tandala’ of the Goddess. The crown and eyes of the Goddess are made of silver. There is a circumambulation path around the Garbhagriha.

There is a safety railing on all sides of the roof of the Sabha Mandap. The roof of the Garbhagriha features a five-tiered circular spire that tapers towards the top. In the lower four tiers of the spire, there are six niches in each, containing idols of various deities. In the first tier, between every two niches, there are elephant sculptures; in the second, lion sculptures; in the third, pot-shaped layers; and in the fourth, pillar sculptures. In the fifth tier of the spire, there are two Amalakas placed one above the other, topped with a Kalash.

The Chaitra Vadya Ashtami is the main annual festival of the Goddess, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm. During this time, programs such as Bhajans, Kirtans, Jagaran, Gondhal, and Mahaprasad are organized in the temple. A palanquin procession of the Goddess is held on the occasion of the fair. During the fair, shops selling various items are set up, giving the area the appearance of a marketplace. Transactions worth lakhs occur through the buying and selling of household items, food products, worship materials, and entertainment goods. Thousands of devotees come for the Goddess’s Darshan and to fulfill their vows on the occasion of the fair.

The Sharadiya Navratri festival is the second annual event here. During this time, various religious programs are organized for ten consecutive days. Festivals such as Dussehra, Diwali, Sankrant, and the month of Shravan are also celebrated in the temple. There is a large crowd of devotees here every full moon day, Tuesday, and Friday. During all festivals and celebrations, it is a tradition to offer a saree-choli, blouse piece, and coconut to the Goddess (Oti bharne) and to fill baskets with flour and salt in the temple.

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