Shree Baijabai Temple Jeur, Ahilyanagar

The Garbhagiri mountain range in Ahilyanagar district possesses a great religious tradition. The Mohatadevi temple, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the state, is situated in this mountain range. It is said that the Nath tradition originated in this very region. This land has been sanctified by the presence of Rashtrasant Tanpure Maharaj, Bhagwanbaba, Bhringrishi, Vamanbhau, Gavhanebaba, Khandujibaba, and others. In such a sacred land, the Baijabai temple, located on a mountain cliff in the village of Jeur in Ahilyanagar taluka, is famous. This temple is considered the presiding deity of Jeur.

In ancient times, many sages and saints resided on the Garbhagiri mountain. According to a legend, Gorakshanath had turned this mountain into gold. Although the mountain is no longer made of gold, the Baijabai temple here is golden in color from its base to its pinnacle. Because of this, the temple on the mountain cliff is easily visible from a radius of 5-7 kilometers. Baijabai is also famous as Annapurna Devi. It is said that because this Goddess provided food to the hungry, the village was named ‘Jeur’. Even today, the villagers provide meals to hundreds of palanquins passing through the village. Due to the Goddess’s reputation as one who ‘grants wishes’, hundreds of devotees come to have darshan of the Goddess every day.

The legend of the temple states that a young woman named Bayjabai came to live at her in-laws’ house after her marriage. One day, while she was carrying a meal to her father-in-law at the farm, she encountered some soldiers on the way. These hungry soldiers requested Bayjabai to provide them with food. Acceding to their request, Bayjabai gave them the vegetable and flatbread she was carrying. She also provided fodder for the soldiers’ horses. Even after all the soldiers had eaten to their heart’s content, the food she had remained just as it was. (The village was named Jeur because the food remained after they had eaten). Meanwhile, as his daughter-in-law had not arrived with the meal, her father-in-law began searching for her. Fearing that her father-in-law would be angry if he learned what had happened, Bayjabai took refuge on a hill. When her father-in-law reached the hill while searching for her, she vanished into the stone. Years later, Bayjabai appeared in a vision to the villagers and instructed them to install the idol found within the stones on the hill in a temple. Subsequently, the villagers built a temple for Bayjabai on the Garbhagiri hill.

The village of Jeur falls on the way while traveling from Ahilyanagar district to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. There is now a road to reach the Bayjabai temple, which is built on a high hill amidst nature. Therefore, vehicles can go directly to the temple parking lot. Apart from this, the original stairway path from the foothills also exists. The temple is situated on a small plateau on the hill.

The temple attained its current form after a renovation that took place a few years ago. The beauty of the temple is enhanced by the distinctive carvings on it. The spire of the temple is approximately 90 feet high (the height of a 9-story building). There are various sculptures on each level of the grand spire. This sculptural work has been done by skilled artisans from Andhra Pradesh.

The walls and the temple spire feature distinctive craftsmanship, and the entire temple is painted in a golden hue. The temple structure consists of a main assembly hall (Sabhamandap) and the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha). The assembly hall is spacious, with seating arrangements provided for devotees on all three sides. This assembly hall is of an open design, enclosed by half-walls on all sides. Upon entering the sanctum from the assembly hall, one receives the divine vision (Darshan) of the serene idol of Baijabai. The idol of Baijabai is consecrated within a marble shrine. The Goddess is adorned with a silver mask and decorated with traditional ornaments.

The fair held here on Vaishakh Purnima is famous. This fair lasts for three days, with wrestling competitions held for two days. During this time, many renowned wrestlers from across the state participate. The villagers offer the Mahaprasad of Vangi-Bhakri (eggplant curry and flatbread) to the devotees who arrive for the fair. On the third day, water brought from Pravarasangam is used to perform the Abhishekam of the Goddess. In the afternoon, the offering of Puran Poli is made, followed by the Maharati. In the evening, a procession (Chhabina) of Baijabai’s mask is taken out in a palanquin.

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