Pavitra Ellamma Devi Temple Moghan Road, Dhule, uka, Dhule

The Mother Goddess Ellamma Devi is a divine symbol of creation. Lajjagauri, Ekvira, Jogalai, Bhudevi, Matangi, Yamai, and Sateridevi are considered forms of Goddess Ellamma herself. At many places, the Goddess is worshipped in the form of an anthill. The priests of this Goddess wear garlands of cowrie shells around their necks. All these sacred traditions signify that Ellamma is the Mother Goddess of creative force. There are many temples dedicated to Ellamma Devi across Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. The Ellamma Temple in Dhule city is one such famous shrine among them. Devotees firmly believe that the divine presence of the Goddess here grants their vows and prayers.

Ellamma and Renuka are two names of the same Goddess. Saundatti in Karnataka is believed to be the original seat (Moolpeeth) of the Goddess. Scholars opine that the temple there dates back to the thirteenth century. However, according to the renowned history researcher R. C. Dhere, the original seat of Ellamma Devi is Alampur in Andhra Pradesh. Likewise, he held the view that Alampur, Elapur, and Elmapur are phonetic variations of the village name Ellammapur. The legend of Ellamma Devi states that upon the command of Sage Jamadagni, Parashurama severed the heads of his mother and Matangi, who was embracing her. Later, while reattaching the heads, Matangi’s head was joined to Renuka’s body and Renuka’s head to Matangi’s body. From then on, one came to be known as Ellamma and the other as Mariai. 

The Ellamma Devi Temple is located along the main Dhule-Malegaon road. The temple structure consists of an assembly hall (Sabhamandap) and a sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha). The assembly hall has a total of five entrances: one in the front, two on the right, one on the left, and one at the rear. The entrances on the right and left sides have doorposts with decorative archways (toranas). The floral motifs on the door jambs and archways are painted in golden hues. The enclosed assembly hall (Gudhamandap) has windows to allow ample light and ventilation. Inside the assembly hall, there are four carved pillars set into the walls on each side. Numerous brass bells offered in fulfillment of vows hang from the ceiling. The ceiling canopy features beautiful floral carvings. In the center of the hall stands a living tree whose trunk and branches extend upward through the ceiling. Near the base of the tree lies the Samadhi of the guru of the Jogte community (Parashuram Mama). The Jogtis and Jogtes serve as the priests of the Goddess.

Beyond this lies the entrance to the sanctum sanctorum. The doorway to the sanctum has glass-fitted transparent wooden doors. Inside the sanctum sanctorum, placed centrally on an ornate Vajrapitha, is the four-armed (Chaturbhuja) idol of Goddess Renuka. The Goddess holds a trident (Trishula), a damaru, a noose (Pasha), and a lotus flower in Her hands. In the halo (Prabhavali) behind the idol, there is a five-hooded serpent in the center, surrounded by a Vyala archway, with a Kirtimukha at the top and leaf-flower carvings on the sides. Above the halo, a royal canopy (Chhatra) rests in the center, flanked by flag banners on both sides. To the right on the Vajrapitha, the idol of Ellamma Devi is adorned in rich garments and ornaments. To the left on the Vajrapitha is the Goddess’s ‘Jag’ (an idol placed in a sacred basket/Pardi). 

Above the roof of the assembly hall runs a Bashingi parapet on all four sides. Atop the sanctum sanctorum rises a square Dravidian-style spire (Shikhara) that tapers upwards. On all four sides of the spire are sculptures of lions and idols of deities in niches (Devakoshtas). At the apex of the spire is an Amalaka, surmounted by a Kalasha and a flag banner. In the courtyard, adjacent to the left entrance of the assembly hall, is a small glass-enclosed shrine of Matangi Mata. Beside it is a shrine with serpent sculptures. Next to it is a small shrine housing the idol of Sage Jamadagni. The courtyard also contains a sacred fire pit (Homakunda) and seating arrangements for devotees. 

Kich or Randav Pournima (Margashirsha Pournima) is the grandest festival of Ellamma Devi. On this day, the Jogte community gathers at the temple in thousands. Carrying the ‘Jag’ of their respective groups, they arrive in solemn processions. At this time, the Jogtes and Jogtis, embodying Goddess Renuka, symbolically express the death of Sage Jamadagni and the widowhood of Mother Renuka by breaking their bangles. After observing three days of mourning, they symbolically remarry the deity. On this occasion, new Jogtes and Jogtis are solemnly inducted into the community through sacred rituals.

Festivals such as Chaitra Navratri, Shardiya Navratri, Ashadha month celebrations, and Deep Amavasya are grandly observed at the temple. During every festival, a palanquin (Palkhi) procession of the Goddess is taken out around the village (Grampradakshina). On all festive occasions, programs like Jagran, Gondhal, devotional music, and Mahaprasad are organized. Thousands of devotees from surrounding areas visit during festivals for divine Darshan and to fulfill their vows. Devotees offer traditional Oti (ritual offering of coconut and consecrated cloth) along with saree and blouse attire to the Goddess. Sacred beads, Mangalsutras, bangles, and cradles pledged in vows are offered to the Deity. The temple sees larger crowds of devotees on Tuesdays, Fridays, full moon days (Pournima), and new moon days (Amavasya).

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