Prasanna Shree Renuka Mata Temple, Kedgaon, Ahilyanagar

Renuka Mata is known across the country as ‘Yellamma’. The Goddess has Shaktipeethas in Nanded in Maharashtra, as well as in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. The Renuka Mata of Kedgaon is renowned as a replica of the Renuka Devi of Mahurgad in Nanded. The fair held here during Navratri is famous, and lakhs of devotees visit to seek the Goddess’s blessings during this time.

The legend of the temple states that through the blessings of Renuka Mata, a Gurav family here was blessed with a son. The boy was named ‘Bhavani’ after the Goddess. From a young age, Bhavani Gurav remained immersed in the worship of the Goddess. He often traveled from Kedgaon to Mahurgad to seek her darshan. Renuka Mata was pleased with his unwavering devotion and told him, “I will accompany you to Kedgaon.” The Goddess traveled with Bhavani Gurav from Mahurgad to Kedgaon in stages; however, as they neared the village, a doubt arose in Bhavani Gurav’s mind. He turned back to look at the Goddess, causing her to vanish instantly and manifest at that very spot in the form of a Swayambhu (self-manifested) idol. This idol appeared exactly where the temple stands today and is identical to the idol at Mahurgad.

It is said that Nimbraj Maharaj of Daivadaithan stopped at this temple while returning from a pilgrimage to Kashi, carrying the holy water of the Ganga in a Kawad. He was hungry, and the Goddess appeared in the form of a milkmaid and offered him Prasad. Nimbraj Maharaj realized through his spiritual powers that she was none other than Renuka Mata. Consequently, he emptied the Kawad of Ganga water into the stepwell (Barav) located in front of the temple. Since then, the water of this stepwell is revered as holy Ganga water. Devotees believe that the water level in this stepwell never decreases, even in summer.

Located in the bustling area of Kedgaon near the city of Ahilyanagar on the Pune-Ahilyanagar highway, the temple always sees a steady flow of devotees. The structure is enclosed by strong fortifications. Outside the main entrance of the fortification stands a Deepmal (lamp pillar), and above the entrance is a Nagarkhana. Inside the walls are small rooms (Ovarya) used by devotees for religious rituals and rest during festivals. Within the temple premises are smaller shrines dedicated to Vitthal-Rukmini and Bhairavnath. The temple architecture consists of a Sabhamandap (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The idol of Renuka Mata resides in the sanctum, alongside an idol of Tulja Bhavani. In front of Renuka Mata’s idol are the Padukas (footwear) of the devotee Bhavani Gurav. There is a Mahadeva temple to the right of the main temple.

Navratri is the primary festival celebrated here. During this period, hundreds of women perform Ghatasthapana (installation of sacred pots) in the temple premises. On the day of Ghatasthapana, the Goddess is anointed with an Abhisheka at 6 in the morning. The ritual follows the worship of Mangalai Devi, the Padukas of Bhavani Gurav, the Bhairavnath temple, and Parashurama, followed by the formal Ghatasthapana. Thousands of devotees attend the Maha-Aarti held at this time. During the festival, the Goddess is adorned with traditional ornaments. A grand fair is held on the seventh day (Saptami), drawing a large number of devotees for darshan. On the ninth day (Navami), a Homa is performed, and on the day of Dussehra, after Shastra Puja (worship of weapons), the ceremonial Kathis (staffs) from surrounding villages arrive in a procession. Food facilities are provided for all devotees visiting during the festival days. A Kakaad Aarti is performed for the Goddess every day at dawn. Devotees can seek the darshan of Renuka Mata in the temple between 7 in the morning and 9 at night.

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