Sacred Karnapura / Karnika Devi Temple Padmapura, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Chatrapati Sambhajinagar

The temple of Karnapura Devi, the presiding deity (Gramadaivata) of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad), is located in the Cantonment area of the city. Known as a deity who grants the wishes of her devotees, Karnapura Devi is also called Karnika Devi. Believed to be an incarnation of Tulja Bhavani, this temple is approximately 200 years old. A grand fair is held here for ten days during the Sharadiya Navratri festival. This fair is considered the only ancient fair in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar region, having been held here since the pre-independence era. During these ten days, lakhs of devotees visit to seek the blessings of Karnika Devi.

According to historical records, in 1835 AD, Maharaja Karnasingh of Bikaner, Rajasthan, set up his camp with his entourage to the east of the Kham River here. Karnasingh resided in this area for 20 to 25 years. Since then, this area has come to be known as Karnapura. In this same vicinity, Karnasingh also established Padmapura and Kesarsinghpura. Being a devotee of Karnika Mata from Rajasthan, Karnasingh built this temple of the Goddess in Karnapura. The temple acquired its current form after a renovation in 1982. Upon entering the temple, one first encounters the Siddhivinayak temple. It is customary to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha before proceeding to have the darshan of the Goddess.

The Karnapura Devi temple consists of a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall), a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), and a Pradakshina Marg (circumambulatory path). Large windows in the Sabha Mandap ensure ample light and ventilation. There is also seating arrangement for devotees in the Sabha Mandap. The Garbhagriha is located to the left of this hall. Stainless steel railings have been installed around the sanctum. On the upper part of the pillars near the entrance of the Garbhagriha, idols of Goddess Saraswati playing the Veena on the left and Dhanalakshmi on the right are carved. Karnapura Devi is enshrined in a throne (Makhar) in the center of the Garbhagriha. The idol, sculpted from black stone, looks radiant, adorned with a beautiful crown, various garments, and ornaments. The Prabhavali (halo) behind the idol also features exquisite craftsmanship. In the center of the intricately carved throne is a Kirtimukh, while the upper corners feature carvings of the Moon on the left and the Sun on the right. Outside the Garbhagriha, in the Sabha Mandap, there is a replica of a lion—the vehicle of the Goddess—and a Yajna Kund (sacrificial fire pit). On the wall behind the Garbhagriha, along the circumambulatory path, is a large painting of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj receiving blessings from Bhavani Mata. Above this painting, on the left, is a depiction of Lord Krishna playing the flute, and on the right is an image of Shri Rama. A few steps away, there is a cradle containing a bed. Devotees believe that the Goddess rests there at night.

Navratri is the major festival celebrated here. On the day of Ghatasthapana, the ritualistic Mahapuja takes place at 3:00 AM, followed by Aarti at 7:00 AM, and Ghatasthapana at 7:15 AM. Long queues of devotees form outside the temple for darshan from the early hours. On the evening of Vijayadashami, as per tradition, the chariot of Balaji is pulled to perform ‘Simollanghan’ (crossing the border). (The Balaji temple is located right next to the Devi temple.) After the evening Aarti of Karnapura Devi, an Aarti is performed at the Balaji temple, following which the chariot procession begins. A rope is tied to the chariot. After pulling the chariot to Panchavati Chowk, another Aarti is performed. Once the Simollanghan is complete, the chariot returns to the temple. The procession concludes after the final Aarti in the temple. During the chariot festival, there is a huge crowd of devotees gathered to seek the blessings of Balaji.

During Navratri, a grand ten-day fair is held on the Karnapura grounds. This is considered the only ancient fair in the city. During this time, the temple and its surroundings are decorated and illuminated. It is said that more than ten lakh devotees visit the temple for darshan during the fair. The turnover during these ten days exceeds ten crores. The Renuka temple, established by Karnasingh’s son, Kesarsingh, in the nearby Kesarsinghpura, is also close to this temple. It also sees a large influx of devotees during Navratri. Devotees can have darshan of the Goddess at the Karnapura Devi temple daily from 5:00 AM to 11:00 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