Prasanna Shree Dhandai Mata Temple Mhasdi, Sakri, Dhule

Holy shrines that have remained hidden in oblivion for thousands of years suddenly come into the spotlight as if by a divine miracle. It brings both wonder and joy to see that these ancient idols have remained preserved solely due to the tradition of applying *shendur* (vermilion). Located near Mhasadi village in Sakri Taluka of Dhule district, the ancient temple of Goddess Dhandai came to prominence in quite recent times. Devotees hold a deep faith that the *Jagrut* (living/vigilant) Goddess Dhandai in this newly renovated temple fulfills all vows. This Goddess is revered as the *Kuldevi* (clan deity) of 96 clans in the surrounding region. 

The legend of the temple narrates that in ancient times, when demons began tormenting this region, the people fervently prayed to the Divine Mother. Hearing the earnest prayers of her devotees, Goddess Dhandai manifested along with her six sisters—Saptashrungi, Ekvira, Renuka, Bhatai, Chirai, and Mhalasa—and annihilated the demons. Wherever the seven Goddesses vanquished the demons, they established themselves in the form of holy idols at those very spots, and temples were erected there. Accordingly, Goddess Dhandai was consecrated at Naigaon, and her temple was built here. Since then, daily worship of the Goddess was performed at this sacred place. 

The local villagers state that this holy shrine is over a thousand years old. However, due to severe water scarcity, wild animals, and the menace of bandits, the residents of Naigaon migrated to the nearby village of Mhasadi, causing this ancient temple to fall into neglect and oblivion. During that period, members of the forest-dwelling Bhil community continued the daily worship and rituals at the temple. Later, between 1960 and 1970, the temple was rediscovered following a divine vision granted by the Goddess to a devotee. At that time, the idol of the Goddess was found well-preserved and intact beneath thick layers of *shendur*. The youth of Mhasadi village united and renovated the temple in the year 1973. To this day, the privilege of performing the primary worship of the Goddess rests with the Bhil community. 

On the Dhule–Sakri road, while proceeding towards Mhasadi village from Nerle, the first welcome arch of the temple stands at the village entrance. A second welcome arch greets visitors on the road leading from the village to the temple. One enters the temple complex courtyard through the main gateway in the surrounding boundary wall. On either side of this entrance are raised plinths adorned with grand elephant sculptures (*Gajraj*) draped in ceremonial cloths (*jhul*). As the temple is located on an elevated platform, one enters the *Mukhamandapa* (front porch) after climbing about 15 steps. In the *Mukhamandapa*, enshrined within an ornate canopy (*makhar*) facing the Goddess, is a beautiful marble idol of Lord Ganesha. Beyond this lies the spacious *Sabhamandapa* (assembly hall) of the temple. A queue management system is arranged within the *Sabhamandapa* for the convenience of devotees. The enclosed assembly hall is provided with windows to ensure ample light and ventilation. On a plinth directly facing the *Garbhagriha* (sanctum sanctorum), there is a brass idol of a lion (*singha*). There are two doors on the right side of this hall for exiting.

Inside the *Garbhagriha*, resting on a *Vajrapitha* (sacred pedestal), stands an intricately carved silver shrine (*makhar*) supported by four pillars connected by ornamental arches. The *makhar* is crowned with a *Shikhara* (spire). Enshrined within this *makhar* is the majestic four-armed (*Chaturbhuja*) idol of Goddess Dhandai. The Goddess holds a *Trishula* (trident) in her lower hands, while her upper hands hold a *Khadga* (sword) and a *Pasha* (noose). The Divine Mother is seated upon a male buffalo (*Reda*). The enclosed sanctum features lattice windows (*gavaksha*) to allow air and sunlight inside. A parapet wall surrounds the temple roof on all sides. Above the roof of the sanctum sanctorum rises a square *Shikhara*. Replicas of miniature spires are crafted in relief style on all four walls of the *Shikhara*. At the apex of the *Shikhara* sits an *Amalaka*, surmounted by a sacred *Kalash* (finial).

In the temple courtyard, on a platform enclosed by a protective railing, stands a beautiful sculpture of *Kamadhenu* (the wish-fulfilling cow) with her calf. A short distance from there, a small shrine on a platform houses the idol of Lord Mhasoba along with two sacred stones and *Trishulas* (tridents) on either side. Further ahead, a small temple houses *Veergal* (hero stones), *Sati-shila* (sati stones), and other ancient relics discovered in the surrounding area. In one of the rooms in the courtyard, there is a sacred stone used for the custom of seeking divine assent (*Kaul*). The upper portion of this upright rectangular stone is triangular. There is a circular mark on this stone, and devotees attempt to stick small round pebbles, shaped like *laddus*, onto it. Devotees devoutly believe that if the pebble sticks, their heart’s desires will be fulfilled. 

An eight-day annual fair (*Jatrotsav*) of the Goddess is celebrated from *Chaitra Shuddha Ashtami* to *Purnima*. The ten-day *Sharadiya Navratri* festival is celebrated with immense fervor and devotion. During all annual festivals, traditional devotional programs such as *Bhajan*, *Kirtan*, *Pravachan*, *Jagaran*, and *Gondhal* are organized at the temple. Thousands of devotees from Maharashtra as well as Gujarat arrive to seek the holy *Darshan* of the Goddess and to fulfill their vows. A massive influx of pilgrims visits for family traditions (*kulachar*) and *Darshan* on auspicious occasions such as *Chaitra Padwa*, *Dussehra*, *Diwali*, *Purnima*, and *Amavasya*. A *Bhakta Niwas* (pilgrim guesthouse) facility is available here for devotees traveling from distant places. The famous Vishweshwar Temple, situated at the *Triveni Sangam* (confluence) of the Amravati, Umravati, and Dev rivers, is located just a short distance away.

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