Shree Chandikadevi Temple a, h. Thala, Raigad

It is believed that Kalidevi, a form of Adishakti Mahamaya, is none other than Chandika Devi. This renowned temple of the Goddess is situated at the foot of a hill in Tala, the taluka town. This abode of the Goddess is considered a *jagrut sthan* (a vibrant, awakened place), and She is revered as the *Gramdevata* (village deity) of the twelve *wadis* (hamlets) of Tala. During the Sharadiya Navratrotsav, this area takes on the form of a pilgrimage fair.

According to the mythological legend from the sacred text ‘Durga Saptashati’, the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha conquered the kingdom of the three worlds from Indradeva, the king of the gods. The defeated gods then appealed to Adishakti Bhagavati. As they were praying to Bhagavati, Devi Parvati arrived there. From her bodily sheath, Ambika Devi manifested. Chanda and Munda were servants of Shumbha and Nishumbha. They saw Ambika and described her exquisite beauty to Shumbha. Shumbha sent a message to Ambika, asking her to become his wife. Ambika rejected him. Thereupon, Shumbha and Nishumbha sent Chanda and Munda to capture her. As soon as Ambika saw them, Kali manifested from her body, filled with wrath. She beheaded Chanda and Munda with her sword. Because Kali Devi slew Chanda and Munda, Devi Bhagavati named her Chandika.

Before entering this temple, which is adjacent to the Tala Police Station, there is a large archway. Through this archway, one enters the spacious courtyard of the temple. In the courtyard, in front of the temple, there are a Tulsi Vrindavan and a *Deepastambha* (lamp pillar). The temple’s structure comprises a *Sabhamandap* (assembly hall) and a *Garbhagriha* (sanctum sanctorum). From the courtyard, one ascends six steps to enter the *Sabhamandap* of the temple, which is situated on a raised plinth. In the spacious *Sabhamandap*, leaving a circumambulatory path in front, the *Garbhagriha* is situated. Near the entrance of the *Garbhagriha*, to the right, there is a Shivlinga and an idol of Ganesha, while to the left, there is an idol of Chandika Devi. Regarding this idol, it is said that the idol currently in the sanctum was broken during the Mughal period. Therefore, a new idol was made. However, since the Goddess did not grant permission (through *kaul*) for the *pranapratishtha* (consecration) of this new idol, the old idol was restored with *vajralep* (a strong plaster) and reinstalled in the *Garbhagriha*. Consequently, the new idol has been placed outside the *Garbhagriha*.

A legend associated with this temple states that the Goddess leaped from the nearby Talagad Fort to the spot where the temple now stands. Even today, the Goddess’s footprints, imprinted in stone, can be seen in the stream in front of the temple.

The Navratrotsav is celebrated in the temple from Ashwin Shuddha Pratipada to Navami. This festival has a tradition of approximately two hundred years. For the *Ghatasthapana* (pot installation) during this time, tasks are distributed among the local *balutedars* (hereditary service providers). The potter brings the *ghat* (pot) and soil, the basket weaver brings the basket, the grocer brings various types of grains for sowing near the *ghat*, as well as oil for the lamp for nine days. The barber brings the mirror, the tailor brings the blouse piece, and the *potdars* (garland makers) tie flower garlands. On the day of Pratipada, at twelve o’clock in the afternoon, the *Ghatasthapana* is performed by the *vatandars* (hereditary office holders) and *upadhyas* (priests) of Chandikadevi. Soil from the fields is brought to prepare the *vedika* (altar). Thereafter, for nine days, people of each caste perform services as allotted to them.

On the fifth and sixth of January, the Devi Punardarshan Sohala (Goddess Re-appearance Ceremony) takes place. During this time, revered staffs (*manachya kathya*) are brought from villages in the surrounding *Panchkroshi* (five-mile radius) for the Goddess’s procession. Many devotees seek *kaul* (divine permission or guidance) from the Goddess in the temple. Thousands of devotees from cities like Mumbai and Pune visit here every year for this festival of the Goddess. They offer prayers, asking Her to stand firmly with them in times of crisis. The custom of placing the first wedding invitation or invitation for other auspicious ceremonies at the feet of the Goddess is still preserved by the residents of Tala today. For devotees, this temple remains open throughout the day.

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