Pavitra Vinzai Mata Temple mhini, Mulshi, Pune

The Tamhini Ghat is a place that trekkers eagerly visit to witness its beauty during the monsoon season. This ghat, which one descends while traveling from Pune via Mulshi towards Raigad district, is extremely picturesque. The famous temple of Vinzai Mata is located in Tamhini village within this very ghat. There are eight temples of Adishakti Vindhyavasini in India, and this is one of them. This site is recognized as a living, awakened deity (Jagrut Devasthan), much like the three and a half Shaktipeeths of Maharashtra.

The temple of Vinzai Mata in Tamhini village features five pinnacles (Kalash), which are visible from a distance. The temple, which consists of a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), is constructed using a significant amount of marble. As this region receives heavy rainfall, the Sabha Mandap is built with cement, though its roof is designed with a sloping structure. The Sabha Mandap also features ornate pillars. In the sanctum sanctorum ahead, there is a two-and-a-half-foot tall, four-armed idol of Mahishasuramardini. In one hand, the Goddess holds a sword, in the second a shield, in the third a trident pierced into the back of Mahishasura, and with the fourth hand, she presses down on the face of Mahishasura. The Goddess’s right foot is planted on the back of Mahishasura, while her left foot is firmly on the ground. Although the idol of the Goddess, with a crown on her head, flowing hair, a mark on her forehead, and a tucked-in saree, appears in a fierce form, she looks benevolent to her devotees. To the left of the Goddess in the sanctum are Shri Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati, while to the right are the beautiful idols of Waghjai and Shirkai Devi. These idols were installed on 6 April 2001, after the new temple was completed.

Since the road from Pune to Konkan passes near Tamhini village, many devotees traveling to Konkan stop to seek the blessings of the Goddess. This is considered an awakened site of the Goddess. The beautiful form of the newly constructed temple and the peace one experiences upon arriving here ensure a constant flow of devotees. In the temple premises, there are also shrines dedicated to Shri Kalikadevi, Shri Khandoba, Shri Bhairav, and Lord Maruti.

The legend of this Goddess states that many years ago, when two brothers, Mahadev and Ramprabhu, were performing penance on the Vindhyachal mountain, Mahadev offered his own head at the feet of the Goddess to please her. However, Ramprabhu, not letting his grief over his brother’s loss interrupt his penance, continued. Finally, the Goddess was pleased with him and said, “Go towards your home in the south. Do not open your eyes until dawn, and do not look back. I am following you.” Ramprabhu obeyed. But as they walked, a cool breeze blew, and thinking it was morning, Ramprabhu opened his eyes and looked back. At that moment, a ball of fire vanished, and a divine voice echoed, “You were impatient; now I will not come further.” Then, a stone appeared at that very spot. That is this Vinzai Mata.

Since the original site of the Goddess was in a remote location, it was very difficult for people to go there and have her darshan in those days. Considering this, Ramprabhu installed the idol of the Goddess in the nearby village of Tamhini. At that time, he first built a small temple there. Devotees began to eagerly visit Tamhini for darshan on Chaitra Purnima. Gradually, information about this site of the Goddess began to reach the people. A stone slab found in the foundation of the old temple mentions that the lower plinth, temple walls, and roof were constructed by Ramrao Balwant Harnekar about one hundred to one hundred and twenty-five years ago. Raghunath Madhavrao Deshmukh brought artisans from Pune and had the idol of the Goddess carved from black stone in the mountains of Tamhini. The consecration (Pranpratishtha) of this idol took place on 22 December 1942.

On 18 April 1973, on Chaitra Purnima, the organization ‘Shri Vinzai Devasthan Mandal, Tamhini’ was established in Tamhini. Thereafter, it was decided to renovate the temple and build a new one. Through the tireless efforts of all devotees and volunteers, funds were collected, and the actual construction began in December 1990. The new temple of the Goddess was completed in the year 2000. The Kalasharohan (installation of the pinnacle) was performed in the presence of the head of Kashi Peeth, Chandrashekhar Shivacharya Shankaracharya.

Shri Vinzai Devi is the family deity (Kulaswamini) of many Kayastha families. Festivals are held here on Chaitra Purnima, Shravan Purnima, for ten days from Ashwin Shukla Pratipada to Vijayadashami, Champa Shashthi in Margashirsha, Magh Purnima, Paush Purnima, and Phalgun Purnima. During Navratri in the month of Ashwin, it is customary to have an Akhand Deep (perpetual lamp), Ghatasthapana, flower garlands, and to host meals for married women or young girls, as well as to perform the worship of married women for one day. The eighth day (Ashtami) of every month is considered a holy day for the worship of the Goddess. Additionally, Tuesdays and Fridays are considered important for the worship of the Goddess. Devotees can have darshan of the Goddess in the temple from 9 AM to 1 PM and from 2 PM to 7 PM.

The Shri Vinzai Devasthan Mandal conducts various activities such as religious, social, and cultural programs, as well as workshops for the eradication of superstition and the development of a scientific temper. To provide information about these activities to devotees from outside, the Devasthan has also launched a website https://www.vinzai.org/home/ !

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