Prasanna Shree Renuka Devi Temple Chikhli, the mud Buldana

The Renuka Mata Temple in Chikhli, Buldana district, is considered an ancient and spiritually awakened shrine, much like the Shaktipeeth of Mahur. As the presiding deity of the town, this Goddess commands unwavering devotion from thousands of devotees across Vidarbha, Khandesh, and Marathwada. Situated on the banks of the Jambuvati River, this temple possesses a rich historical legacy. About one hundred and fifty years ago, Saint Bachanand Maharaj renovated this temple. In recent times, the temple has been renovated with marble stone, giving it a magnificent appearance. The fair held here on Chaitra Purnima is one of the largest festivals in Vidarbha.

This temple, nestled on the banks of the Jambuvati River, was once surrounded by a dense forest. It is said that in those days, wild animals from the forest would come to the water spring near the temple to quench their thirst. Especially during the Nizamshahi era, when the temple faced the threat of attacks, the village notables would stand guard with weapons to protect the idol of the Goddess. The modern history of this temple dates back about one hundred and fifty years. The Goddess’s ardent devotee, Saint Bachanand Maharaj, transformed this temple. Following the instructions of the Maharaj, his disciples Devanand, Parmanand, Shivanand, and Naganand built temples of the Goddess in many surrounding villages. A few years ago, this ancient temple was rebuilt using marble stone, giving it its current beautiful form.

The temple is located in the central part of the village. There are many shops selling worship materials and offerings in the vicinity. The wall of the temple entrance is adorned with sculptures of various gods and goddesses. On both sides of the arched entrance are sculptures of tigers, the Goddess’s vehicle. Upon entering the temple courtyard through the Nagarkhana, one gets a view of the main temple. The structure of this temple consists of a semi-open assembly hall and a sanctum sanctorum. Stainless steel railings have been installed in the assembly hall for the convenience of devotees and crowd management. The pillars in the assembly hall feature artistic carvings and sculptures of Surasundaris. Additionally, idols of Rama-Lakshmana-Sita, Radha-Krishna, and Sheshashayi Vishnu are also enshrined here. In the center of the assembly hall is a Yajna Kund, where Homa-Havan is performed during various festivals.

The entrance to the sanctum sanctorum and the front wall are exquisitely carved. On the Lalatbimba, located at the top center of the entrance, is a sculpture of Ganesha. On one side of the sanctum wall is a sculpture of Shiva-Parvati, surrounded by intricately carved replicas of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Also carved on the wall are idols of Vitthal-Rukhumai and various saints of the Warkari tradition. The various niches on these walls and the idols of gods and goddesses within them are captivating. The pillars on both sides of the entrance are carved with sculptures of Surasundaris and various deities. The sanctum sanctorum here has a total of three doors. Two of these doors have the Shri Yantra above them, while the main entrance frame features a sculpture of Ganesha.

Inside the sanctum, on a large pedestal, is the magnificent vermilion-anointed, Tandala-shaped idol of Renuka Mata. This north-facing Tandala is large in size, and the eyes, eyebrows, and nose are very clearly carved upon it. The Goddess wears a large bindi on her forehead and a beautiful pearl ornament in her hair parting. The Goddess wears a traditional nose ring, a Mangalsutra around her neck, and unique fish-shaped earrings. The idol is adorned with a beautiful silver crown. The silver arch behind the idol is intricately crafted. For security, an iron grill has been installed in front of the sanctum, from where devotees must have the darshan of the Goddess.

There are two spires on this temple, one over the assembly hall and one over the sanctum. The spire over the assembly hall is dome-shaped, while the main spire over the sanctum is large and beautiful. This spire tapers towards the top and is adorned with carvings. Each level of the spire has small, ornate niches housing idols of various gods and goddesses. The arrangement of these idols and their color scheme make the entire spire attractive. At the pinnacle of the spire is a two-tiered Amalaka and a golden Kalash.

Among the temple festivals, the fair held on Chaitra Purnima holds unique significance. For many days before this fair, the atmosphere is filled with religious programs. The nearby village of Shelud is considered the maternal home of Renuka Mata. Therefore, the fair officially begins only after the honorary garment from the Kalinka Mata of that village is offered to Renuka Mata. The ‘Bhande Procession’ and ‘Vagadi Pradakshina’ are the main attractions of this fair. In the Bhande procession, oil is poured into earthen pots, lamps are lit, and they are carried in a procession by the village officials. For the Vagadi Pradakshina, wooden poles are brought on large bullock carts from five different villages. Couples who have made vows for the birth of a child fulfill their vows by hanging their children from these Vagadi poles. Furthermore, devotees from the Charmakar community fulfill their vows by piercing their tongues with a trident; they are called ‘Galkari’.

On the evening of the fair, the Goddess’s ‘Vahan Procession’ takes place. In this, a five-metal idol of the Goddess, about eight to ten feet tall, riding a tiger, is placed on a bullock cart and taken around the entire village with music. With the participation of Lezim, band, and dance troupes, this procession is very enthusiastic. Additionally, on Bhadrapada Purnima, programs like Bhajans, Kirtans, and food distribution are held to mark the death anniversary of Saint Bachanand Maharaj. The Sharadiya Navratri festival is also celebrated here on a grand scale. For nine days, collective programs such as Dnyaneshwari recitation, Devi Bhagwat, Bharud, and Gondhal are organized. In this way, the entire temple premises are bathed in the spirit of devotion.

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