Prasanna Shree Kalunka Mata Temple Old Jalna, Jalna City, Jalna

The Shri Kalunka Mata Mandir is situated in the Gandhi Chaman area of Juna Jalna (Old Jalna) in the Jalna district of Marathwada. This temple is considered an important place of faith for the local devotees. In ancient times, this entire area was surrounded by a dense forest, and it was in this very location that the Goddess was consecrated. Over time, the original small temple underwent several renovations, and a new temple was constructed. Every year, during the Sharadiya Navaratri festival, a large fair is held here. During this entire festival, thousands of devotees flock to the temple for the darshan of the Goddess.

The Kundalika River flows through the center of Jalna city, dividing it into two parts: Juna Jalna (Old Jalna) and Navin Jalna (New Jalna). Historically and geographically, Jalna city possesses a very rich heritage. According to legends from the Ramayana era, Mother Sita resided in this area for some time. Because of this special reason, the ancient name of this city was ‘Janakpur’. In the historical text ‘Sthanpothi’ of the Mahanubhav Panth, this entire region is referred to as ‘Hivarali’, ‘Hivardi’, or ‘Hivaral’. The renowned historian Prof. Bhagwan Kale has recorded these ancient names in detail in his book ‘Aapla Jalna Jilha’. Additionally, during the medieval period, the city was also known as ‘Jalhanapur’, named after the local chieftain Jalerao Jadhav. Over time and during the period of Muslim rule, this name evolved into ‘Jalna’.

The original structure of the Kalunka Mata Mandir in Juna Jalna was of old stone construction. This original temple has been renovated in modern times, which has altered its original appearance. However, the Maruti Mandir and Mahadev Mandir located within the temple complex still feature the old stone construction style. These ancient temples are built in the Hemadpanti architectural style. In the courtyard in front of the Kalunka Mata Mandir, there is a large Deepmal (lamp pillar). Further ahead, in front of the temple’s Sabhamandap (assembly hall), there is a brass idol of a lion, the Goddess’s vehicle, placed on a low platform. One enters the sunken Sabhamandap of the temple by descending six steps from the courtyard. In the center of this semi-open Sabhamandap is a Homa-kund (sacrificial fire pit). A queue system is arranged here for the convenience of devotees. Beyond this, after a circumambulation path, is the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). There is an idol of Lord Ganesha on the lintel of the entrance to the Garbhagriha. Inside the Garbhagriha, the vermilion-anointed idol of Kalunka Mata is seated on a silver throne. According to the locals, this idol is considered ‘Swayambhu’ (self-manifested). From the perspective of iconography, the expression of the Goddess is extremely calm and gentle. Important weapons such as the Pasha (noose), Ankusha (goad), Gada (mace), and Chakra (discus) are clearly carved in the Goddess’s hands. The Goddess’s primary vehicle is the lion, which is considered a symbol of power and courage. At the feet of the Goddess, some scenes depicting the slaying of Mahishasura are carved. Behind the Goddess is a silver Prabhaval (halo) with intricate carvings. On the left side of this halo is a Trishula (trident) and on the right is a sword, which reveals the destructive, powerful form of the Goddess. On both sides of the throne where the main idol is situated, two silver lions are carved. The Mother is adorned with various types of traditional ornaments around her neck and a silver crown on her head.

The ‘Devi Mahatmya’, also known as ‘Durga Saptashati’ in the Markandeya Purana, provides a very detailed description of the various forms of the Adi Maya (Primal Energy). According to the stories in this Purana, when a powerful demon named Mahishasura conquered all the gods and created havoc in heaven, the Jagadamba (Mother of the Universe) was born from the combined radiance of all the gods. All the gods bestowed their primary weapons upon her. Among them, Lord Vishnu gave his Chakra, Varunadeva gave his Pasha, and Devraj Indra provided his Ankusha. All these weapons in the idol of Kalunka Mata represent this very mythological event and divine power. Above the Garbhagriha of Kalunka Mata is a Shikhara (spire) in the North-Maratha style, which developed under the influence of the North Indian Nagara style. This Shikhara has replicas of smaller shikharas carved in various layers and tapers towards the top. Apart from the main idol of Kalunka Mata, the temple complex also houses a vermilion-anointed idol of Maruti and a Shiva Linga. The presence of these subsidiary deities gives this temple a form that represents the harmony of the Shakta and Shaiva traditions.

The most important and grand festival here is the Sharadiya Navaratri. During these nine days, there is a huge crowd of devotees in the temple for darshan. An old tradition is followed here of changing the Goddess’s main mask on the seventh day of Navaratri and performing a special Mahapuja with gold and silver ornaments. On the day of Dussehra, a large fair is held here, and the ‘Simollanghan’ (crossing the border) ceremony is performed with great enthusiasm in the evening. The Palkhi (palanquin) procession originating from this temple also has a historical tradition. This Palkhi passes through routes including the Shani Mandir in Juna Jalna, Kacheri Road, Ganpati Galli, Shastri Mohalla, and Anandi Swami Galli. Finally, the Palkhi arrives at the Kalunka Mata Sansthan in Gandhi Chaman in a very devotional atmosphere. Devotees can have darshan here every day from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

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