Sacred Mahalaxmi Temple, Umbraj no. 1, Junnar, Pune

The village of Umbraj is situated on the banks of the Pushpavati River and within the catchment area of the Kukadi Project reservoir. The Kukadi River flows to the west of this village, and the Mandvi River flows to the north. This temple of Shri Mahalaxmi is located near Nagdoha, at the confluence of these two rivers. This site is considered a highly awakened (Jagrut) place in the Junnar taluka.

Umbraj is a village affected by the dam, located 25 km from Junnar. Due to this village falling into the catchment area under the Yedgaon Kukadi project in 1978, the villagers of Umbraj lost approximately 1,000 acres of irrigated land. This place is home to the shrine of Mahalakshmi, and the temple of the village deity, Shri Mulganga, is also situated here. Despite being surrounded by water, these temples have never been submerged to this day.

The architecture of the original temple of the Goddess resembles that of a Peshwa-era mansion. The temple was renovated in 1954. There are many teak wood pillars in the temple’s assembly hall (sabhamandap). The intricate carvings on them are truly beautiful. As one enters the sanctum sanctorum (gabhara) from the assembly hall, two bhaladar-chopdars (spear-bearing attendants) can be seen carved onto the door frame. On either side of them are two idols of Lord Ganesha; one is a seated idol, while the other is a standing idol. The idol of Mahalakshmi in the temple is enchanting.

The legend of the temple is that during the Peshwa era, the Maratha chieftains risked their lives to protect their province. They built temples to safeguard their religion and culture. One such courageous chieftain named Hingne was the landlord of the Chandwad region in Nashik. Being a supreme devotee of Goddess Amba of Kolhapur, he would unfailingly visit Kolhapur once a year for Darshan. As time passed, it became impossible for him to travel to Kolhapur every year. He requested Goddess Mahalakshmi, the resident of Karveer, to accompany him to his village.The Goddess was pleased by his devotion and told him, “I shall come, but do not look back on the way.” However, due to human nature and out of curiosity, as Hingne reached near the Nagdoha of Umbraj, he turned to look back, and the Goddess, moving with great speed within the Nagdoha, vanished. Thereafter, the Hingne Sardar built a temple of Shri Mahalaxmi near this Nagdoha and returned to his native village, Nashik. Hingne requested the Gaikwad Guravs to serve the Goddess. Since then, to this day, the Gaikwad priests serve Shri Mahalaxmi with deep devotion.

Since the temple and its surrounding area were submerged in the catchment zone, the villagers have reconstructed both temples within the village. Consequently, all festivals of the Goddess are now celebrated in these new temples. The newly constructed temples are grand and beautiful. During the nine days of Navratri, the temples host a packed schedule of events. Among these, the Navami Homa, performed on the day before Dussehra, is considered highly significant. Devotees offer khana-naral (a blouse piece and coconut) to fill the Goddess’s lap and make vows seeking happiness, peace, and the blessing of progeny. A large fair is held here on this very day. It is believed that this Goddess is the sister of the Ozar Ganpati. Therefore, on the day of Navami, a traditional gift (aher) is sent for the Goddess by the Ozar Devasthan. During Navratri, the entire village is immersed in a uniquely charged, devotional atmosphere. Devotees can have darshan of the Goddess in the temple from 6 in the morning until 8 at night. The temple premises provide facilities for devotee accommodation (bhaktanivas) and prasad.

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