Pavitra Hindla Devi Temple Dhanrat, Nawapur, Nandurbar

The Navapur railway station, located in the taluka headquarters of Nandurbar district, is unique as half of it lies in the state of Maharashtra and the other half in the state of Gujarat. This taluka is home to several large and small dams. Projects such as Bhardu, Khadki, Borpada, Nagzhari (Rangavali), Khoksa, Kherwa, Bhavare, and Haldani are particularly notable. The ancient temple of Hindala Devi in Dhanrat village of this taluka is very famous. Devotees hold a deep faith that the awakened (Jagrut) Goddess here fulfills their vows and rushes to answer their calls. The fair held here for eight days starting from Magh Purnima, along with the bullock market held at that time, is especially renowned.

The legend of the temple states that Hindala Devi was born in the nearby village of Kamod. This Goddess, who descended from heaven, spent her childhood happily in this village. One day, while she was swinging on a swing tied to a tall tree, the rope broke, and Hindala Devi flew high into the sky and landed in the village of Dhanrat. After landing here, the Goddess decided to stay in this village, and according to her wishes, the devotees built a temple for her. Thus, the Goddess made Dhanrat village her permanent abode. It is said that this shrine has existed here since ancient times. The temple acquired its current form after a renovation carried out a few years ago.

Located in an open field outside the village, the temple is fronted by a welcome arch consisting of two circular pillars supporting a beam. The small temple is structured with a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The Sabha Mandap has two entrances from the front. Inside, there are 20 circular pillars supporting the roof beam. The enclosed Sabha Mandap has windows for light and ventilation. There are seats for devotees to sit in the Sabha Mandap. Further ahead is the entrance to the Antarala (vestibule). On both sides of the entrance are ornate circular pillars with an arched gateway above. Beyond this is the entrance to the Garbhagriha. Inside the sanctum, there are the marble Padukas (footprints) of the Goddess, and in the niche in front, there is a 16-armed idol of Hindala Devi. The Goddess holds various weapons in her hands. She wears a crown on her head and ornaments on her body. The back slab of the idol is carved with floral patterns. To the left of the niche, in a small shrine, is the ancient idol of the Goddess, and in front of it are the ‘Navsache Pashan’ (votive stones). Devotees, while holding a wish in their hearts, attempt to lift the main stone here. It is the belief of the devotees that if their wish is to be fulfilled, the stone can be lifted. There are two doors on the right and left sides to exit the Garbhagriha. The temple roof has a parapet on all sides. On the roof of the Garbhagriha, there is a dome-shaped Shikhara (spire), topped with a Stupi, Kalash, and a flag. The Shikhara features vertical ridge carvings and tiger sculptures on all four sides.

A week-long fair is held at the temple from Magh Purnima to Vadya Ashtami. This is the main annual festival of the temple. During this time, thousands of devotees from Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh come to seek the blessings of the Goddess. During the festival, local farmers offer grains harvested from their fields, Shira, and cooked food as Naivedya to the Goddess. Various religious programs are organized in the temple during this time. During the fair, the area takes on the appearance of a marketplace with various decorated stalls. A variety of food items, household goods, clothes, toys, agricultural tools, and entertainment facilities are available. A large bullock market is also held here at this time. Farmers buy and sell sturdy bullocks according to their needs, with transactions worth lakhs taking place. Apart from this, annual festivals like Sharadiya Navratri, Dussehra, and Diwali are also celebrated at the temple. There is a large crowd of devotees for darshan during all festivals, as well as every Tuesday, Friday, and on Purnima and 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