Sacred Virbhadra Maharaj Temple, Rahata, Rahata, Ahilyanagar

Virabhadra is considered a manifestation of Lord Mahadeva. While there are many temples of Virabhadra Maharaj across the country, the temple in the town of Rahata in Ahilyanagar district is renowned as the presiding deity of the town, primarily due to its unique ‘Bagad Yatra’. During this festival, which spans from Chaitra Shuddha Pratipada, or Gudi Padwa, to the full moon day, approximately 2,000 women and 400 to 500 men participate in the ‘Gali’ ritual (a traditional hook-swinging ceremony) to fulfill their vows. This tradition, which has been observed for hundreds of years, is still celebrated here with great fervor.

The legend of the Virabhadra temple states that a woman from the Kasar community was a devout follower of Virabhadra Maharaj. To ensure she could worship the deity during the Brahma Muhurta (typically between 4:00 and 5:30 in the morning), she would leave her home in the middle of the night. After walking for about two hours through the forest, she would reach the original site of Virabhadra (located in a hill near the border of present-day Shirdi) at dawn to offer her heartfelt prayers. As this continued for many days, her father-in-law became suspicious. Determined to find out where his daughter-in-law went at such odd hours, he followed her secretly one day. When the woman realized her father-in-law had seen her while she was worshipping, she became frightened and prayed to the deity to save her. Hearing her plea, the deity immediately absorbed her into his ‘Tandala’ (a mask-like idol without limbs).

Her father-in-law witnessed this entire event. Moved by this miracle, he too became a devotee of Virabhadra Maharaj and began worshipping the deity regularly. After serving the Lord for many years, he found it difficult to travel through the forest due to his advancing age. He pleaded with the deity, saying, “I wish to worship you without interruption, but due to my age, I can no longer visit you daily. Please come to my village so that I may serve you every day.” Virabhadra Maharaj granted his devotee’s wish, and the deity appeared in the form of an idol at the site where the temple stands today. About 700 years ago, the villagers consecrated that idol in an old mansion at the same location. Since then, Virabhadra Maharaj has been the presiding deity and a source of faith for the people of Rahata.

Located in the heart of Rahata town, near Shirdi, the temple of Virabhadra Maharaj is a grand and beautiful structure built in the South Indian style. The temple is famous for being a highly awakened place where prayers are answered. This ancient temple, which was once housed in a mansion, has been renovated several times. The current structure was achieved after a renovation 20 years ago. In the grand courtyard of the temple, there is an equestrian statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on a high pedestal, alongside a 50-foot-tall flagstaff. 

The temple’s assembly hall (Sabhamandap) is spacious and features a magnificent sculpture of a coiled serpent with the Goddess seated upon it. A unique feature here is the Dattatreya temple, which stands on a pillar. The structure is beautifully designed with a pillar at the base, a lotus flower in the middle, and the shrine of Shri Dattatreya reaching up to the ceiling. One can reach this Dattatreya temple via a staircase. This small shrine also has a circumambulation path (Pradakshina Marg). To manage the flow of devotees, a dedicated queue path has been created in the assembly hall. Adjacent to the right wall of the sanctum sanctorum is the place associated with Saibaba. It is said that Saibaba used to visit this spot in the assembly hall for his own worship. Beyond the assembly hall, in the sanctum sanctorum, the idol of Virabhadra Maharaj is installed in a silver arch.

The festival of Virabhadra Maharaj is considered one of the major celebrations in Ahilyanagar district. Known as the ‘Bagad Yatra’, it is celebrated from Gudi Padwa to the full moon day. A procession of the deity’s mask and ceremonial staffs is taken out to the sound of drums and cymbals. The Mali, Dhangar, and Maratha communities are given special honors during the festival. The procession travels to the Mayamba temple, located two kilometers away, and returns to the temple the next day after circumambulating the town. Millions of devotees visit to seek the blessings of Virabhadra Maharaj during the festival. It is customary here to offer ‘Gul-Bhakar’ (jaggery and bread) and ‘Puran Poli’ as Naivedya. The practice of ‘Gali’ (hook-swinging) is performed to fulfill vows made throughout the year. For this, a chariot is built in the shape of an elephant, and devotees are suspended from the horizontal beams of the chariot to complete a circuit. The number of women participating in this ritual is higher than that of men.

This tradition of hanging from the ‘Galvanti’ has been preserved by the residents of Rahata for centuries, with significant participation from highly educated youth. It is a remarkable fact that, to this day, no injuries or accidents have ever occurred during this ritual. Other festivals celebrated at the Virabhadra Maharaj temple include the Mahalakshmi festival in the month of Ashadh, the Mahadeva festival in Shravan, Ganeshotsav, and Navaratri.

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