Shree Janai Devi Rajale, Faltan, Faltan

It is said that the temple of Janai Devi, the village deity of Rajale and its surrounding areas in Phaltan taluka, dates back approximately 325 years. Janai Devi is considered the elder sister of Khandoba, the presiding deity of Maharashtra. Devotees believe that this Goddess is Swayambhu (self-manifested), Jagrut (spiritually awakened), and grants the wishes of those who pray to her. The annual festival of the Goddess is famous, and the golden mask adorned on the deity during this time is a major attraction. Thousands of devotees from Satara, as well as across Maharashtra and Karnataka, make it a point to visit to participate in the festival.

The village of Rajale, located a short distance from Phaltan, is famous for this Janai Devi temple. It is said that Janai Devi is the Kuldevi (family deity) of the Naik-Nimbalkar royal family of Phaltan. The temple is managed by the Naik-Nimbalkar Devasthan Trust. After the late Mudhojiraje Naik-Nimbalkar, the ruler of the Phaltan princely state, Shrimant Malojiraje and now Shrimant Ramraje Nimbalkar hold special honors during the festival period. The honor of placing the idol of the Goddess in the palanquin during the festival has been held by the Nimbalkar family since the time of Mudhojiraje. A copper plate found in the village mentions that the Janai temple was built in 1689. The temple and its fortification walls suffered significant damage due to the severe earthquake that struck the Koyna region on December 11, 1967. The temple attained its current form after its renovation in 1979.

The Janai Devi temple is situated in the heart of Rajale village. This east-facing temple is surrounded by a 40-foot-high fortification wall with entrances on the east and north sides. There are two ancient lamp towers (Deepmalas) in front of the eastern entrance. Seen from the outside, the fortified temple resembles a fortress. There is a 25-foot-high wooden door within the fortification. There are 20 steps leading from here to the temple courtyard. A Nagarkhana (drum house) is located on the floor above the entrance. A tunnel is visible near the cloisters by the northern entrance. Although this passage is currently closed, it is said that one could previously travel through it all the way to the Phaltan palace.

Built of stone and lime, this temple follows the Hemadpanti architectural style. There is a large idol of Lord Ganesha on the second floor above the main entrance of the temple. The temple consists of a Darshan Mandap (viewing hall), Sabha Mandap (assembly hall), and Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The Darshan Mandap is semi-open, and stone benches are built into the temple walls, two to two-and-a-half feet from the ground, for devotees to sit. The stone pillars between the Darshan Mandap and the Sabha Mandap feature exquisite craftsmanship. The other pillars in the Sabha Mandap do not have much ornamentation. The door frame of the sanctum sanctorum features intricate carvings. There is a Kirtimukha at the base of the frame and an idol of Ganesha on the lintel. Inside the sanctum is the ‘Tandala’ (aniconic form) of Janai Devi, with an idol placed in front of it. This idol is about three feet tall. The idol is adorned with clothes of different colors every day. There is a tradition of applying turmeric and vermilion (Haldi-Kumkum) to the Goddess.

The outer walls of the temple feature carvings of flowers and demons. The Shikhara (spire) also contains many idols of various deities carved in lime. This spire stands 90 feet tall from the ground. In the temple courtyard, there are smaller shrines dedicated to Ganpati, Vitthal-Rukmini, Maruti, and Shri Dattatreya. Additionally, there are two carved stone stepwells (Barav) in front of the temple. The water from one of these is used for drinking.

The annual festival of Janai Devi is held on Chaitra Krishna Saptami and Ashtami. The villagers begin preparations for this festival 15 days in advance. The route of the Goddess’s palanquin is illuminated, and rangolis are drawn in front of every house. On the first day of the festival, Saptami, the Mahapuja and Abhishek of the Goddess are performed. After being adorned with clothes and ornaments, the golden mask—the main attraction—is placed on the idol. As this mask is displayed only two days a year, heavy police security is deployed during this time. Thereafter, the temple honor-holders (Mankaris) offer garlands and Naivedya (food offerings) to the Goddess.

A unique aspect of the festival is that the palanquin procession departs at Brahma Muhurta, i.e., at four o’clock in the morning on Ashtami. The silver idol of the Goddess is placed in a decorated palanquin by the Naik-Nimbalkar family. The procession moves forward with ceremonial staffs (Kathis), the sound of drums and cymbals, and a Lezim troupe, accompanied by thousands of devotees. The honor of carrying the palanquin first belongs to the Shelar and Bhoi communities. From the moment the palanquin leaves the temple until it returns, cloth carpets are laid out before it. The atmosphere is charged with the throwing of Gulal and the bursting of firecrackers. Around ten in the morning, after the palanquin returns to the temple, thousands of devotees crowd for Darshan.

On the afternoon of Ashtami, wrestling matches (Kustis) are held. Amidst the sound of drums, the villagers, Sarpanch, Deputy Sarpanch, and the festival committee lead the wrestlers to the arena with great fanfare. Various religious programs are also organized here during Navratri. Devotees flock to see Janai Devi every Tuesday, Friday, and on Saptami. Devotees can have Darshan of Janai Devi in the temple from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The Aarti of the Goddess is performed at 8:00 AM and 8:00 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