Shree Saptashrrngee Devee Vaanee, Kalavan, Naasik

Out of the fifty-one Shakti Peethas of Jagadamba, three and a half are located in Maharashtra. The Mahalakshmi of Kolhapur, the Mahasaraswati (Bhavani Mata) of Tuljapur, and the Mahakali (Renuka Devi) of Mahur are the full Peethas, while the Saptashrungi Devi of Vani is the half Peetha. This Goddess, situated on the Saptashrungi hill, is believed to be the Trigunatmaka form of all three manifestations: Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati. This site is located at an altitude of approximately four thousand five hundred feet above sea level.

According to a legend, Goddess Sati, the consort of Lord Mahadeva, was the daughter of King Daksha Prajapati. Once, King Daksha Prajapati organized a Yajna and invited all the gods except Lord Mahadeva. When Goddess Sati learned of this, she questioned her father regarding the matter. Thereupon, Daksha Prajapati insulted Lord Mahadeva in front of everyone. Hearing these derogatory remarks about her husband, Sati became enraged and sacrificed her life in the sacrificial fire (Yajna) held there. When Lord Mahadeva learned of this, He became immensely furious. Seeing His wrath, the deities fled from the scene. Lord Mahadeva retrieved Sati’s lifeless body from the sacrificial fire and began wandering aimlessly while carrying it. All the deities became anxious, fearing that Lord Mahadeva’s rage could lead to the destruction of the Earth. Consequently, Lord Vishnu used His Sudarshana Chakra to sever Sati’s body into pieces. The fragments of Sati’s body and Her ornaments fell into various regions. Wherever these pieces and ornaments landed, those places became Shaktipeethas of the Goddess. There are 51 such Shaktipeethas of the Goddess, located across the countries of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Tibet.

According to the legend regarding the Goddess, the Saptashrungi Devi was established by Sage Markandeya. It is said that Sage Markandeya would recite shlokas and Puranas to the Goddess every day, and therefore, the Goddess is believed to be listening to the Puranas by inclining her ear toward the Markandeya Mountain. The Goddess manifested from the yajna performed by Sage Markandeya to slay Mahishasura, and she subsequently destroyed the demon. After the destruction of the evil forces, the Goddess resided on this fort to rest.

It is said that Saptashrungi means Sapta (seven) and Shrungi means peaks. It is also believed that when Hanuman was carrying the Dronagiri mountain through the sky while Lakshmana was unconscious during the Ram-Ravana war, seven pieces of that mountain fell in this region, which are known as the Saptashrung mountains. The ancient abode of Goddess Saptashrungi is located in the village of Vani Nanduri in the Kalwan taluka of Nashik district. There are about ๔๐๐ steps to reach the Goddess’s temple on the fort. Near the newly constructed first step, there is a Mhasoba and Ganpati temple. After that, there is Ramtappa, Kasav Tappa, Audumbar Tappa, a Ganesh temple, and before entering the sanctum sanctorum, stone masks of tigers from the old temple are kept on the right side. Now, a ropeway facility has also been provided from the foothills to reach the temple on this fort. The ๘-foot-tall, vermilion-anointed stone-carved idol of the Goddess appears magnificent and fierce. In the ๑๘ hands of the Goddess She possesses various weapons. For this reason, this Goddess is also known as the ‘Ashtadasha Devi’. The Goddess’s left hand is positioned behind her ear, and her neck is tilted. Ornaments such as a crown, earrings, a nose ring, a mangalsutra, a necklace of gold coins, a waistband, and anklets are adorned upon the Goddess every day.

Formerly, there were 108 sacred ponds on this fort, but at present, only 10 to 15 of them remain. Behind the Goddess, towards the north, lies the Tambultirtha. The water in this pond is red in color. It is believed that the Goddess chewed a betel leaf and spat it out in this direction, which turned the water reddish. Similarly, it is believed that the Goddess washed her kohl-lined eyes in the Kajaltirtha pond, which is why its water has a dark, blackish hue. Nearby is the Jalgumpha. It is said that this cave was created by the Goddess’s kick.

Saptashrunga Gad holds immense mythological and religious significance, along with deep ancient and historical references. It is said that the Navnath saints attained their mantra powers through the blessings of Goddess Saptashrungi. Lord Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita, Saint Nivruttinath, Saint Dnyaneshwar, Machindranath, as well as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, visited this hill fort to seek the Goddess’s darshan. Mother Saptashrungi was the family deity of Nivruttinath. Before attaining Samadhi, Nivruttinath sat in meditation on the fort for three days. Sage Markandeya performed penance on this fort, and there are also records of Saint Gadge Maharaj staying on the fort for social awakening. The Goddess’s devotee, Saint Dajiba Maharaj, also resided on the fort. His Samadhi is currently located on the fort.

The Sharadiya Navratri festival and Chaitra Navratri festival (ten days starting from Ram Navami) are celebrated on Saptashrungi Gad, along with festivals such as Kojagiri Purnima, Gudi Padwa, Gokulashtami, Lakshmi Pujan, and Harihar Bhet, including every full moon day of the month. Thousands of devotees are present for these celebrations. During the Chaitra and Ashwin Navratri festivals, the temple remains open for devotees for 24 hours. On the auspicious occasions of Durgashtami and Kalashtami every month, the Navchandi Yajna is performed between 9:30 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon. The Goddess’s early morning Kakad Aarti takes place at 5:30, followed by the Panchamrit Mahapuja and Aarti from 7 to 9 in the morning, the Mahanaivedya Aarti at 12 in the afternoon, and the evening Aarti at 7 in the evening. Aarti is also available on a paid basis. Devotees who wish to perform the Aarti can register in advance. Devotees can have the darshan of the Goddess on the fort from 5 in the morning until 9 at night. The ropeway facility to reach the temple is available from 4:45 in the morning to 8:45 at night. Additionally, online live darshan of the Goddess can be viewed through the website. The Saptashrungi Temple Trust has made accommodation and Mahaprasad facilities available to devotees at affordable rates. This includes an option for VIP meals. Both simple and state-of-the-art rooms are available in the Bhakta Niwas.

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