Shri Bhavani Mata Temple Pardi, Nagpur Gramin, Nagpur

Since the Yadava era, the rulers of ancient times were worshippers of Shakti, the Divine Mother. In their kingdoms, they built temples dedicated to various forms of the Goddess. Among these, the Bhavani Mata Temple in Pardi, located at a short distance from Nagpur city, is one of the ancient and renowned temples of Vidarbha. As the presiding deity of Pardi, this Bhavani Mata is the family deity (Kuldevata) of many households in Vidarbha and a place of faith for millions of devotees. According to historical records, the idol dates back to the Yadava period, and the temple was renovated during the Bhonsle rule of Nagpur.

The legend of the temple states that where the temple stands today, there was once a mango orchard. Workers in this orchard saw something emerging from the ground near a neem tree. That same night, Munna Maharaj, a devout follower of the Goddess from Gondia, received a divine vision in which the Goddess told him, “I am here in Pardi.” Following the vision, Munna Maharaj traveled from Gondia and reached the site of the Goddess. He informed the villagers about the vision and the idol emerging from the ground. The villagers began digging to retrieve the idol. At that moment, a pickaxe struck the idol, and blood began to flow from the stone figure. The villagers were terrified. The Goddess appeared in Munna Maharaj’s dream again and said, “I will not emerge further from the ground. Therefore, worship only my face.” Following the Goddess’s instruction, the villagers consecrated the idol at that very spot and built a small temple.

The grand temple of Bhavani Mata is situated in the heart of Pardi, a town-like village located half an hour away from Nagpur. The Darshan Mandap, The temple structure consists of a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). Near the Darshan Mandap, on a marble platform, stands a distinctive flag post approximately ૪૦ feet in height. Statues of the great saints of Maharashtra have been placed within the Sabha Mandap. The Sabha Mandap is grand, and within it, in a beautiful shrine inside the marble Garbhagriha, resides Bhavani Mata. In this idol, only the face of Bhavani Mata is visible. This unique idol features a crown on the Goddess’s forehead, gold earrings, a straight nose, a broad forehead, and a serene expression on the face. While it is said that this idol dates back to the Bhosale era, some scholars believe it belongs to the Yadava period. To the right of the temple entrance is the idol of Bhairavnath, and in the center is the Havan Mandap.

According to a legend, serpent deities reside in this temple. Once, a singer prayed to the Mother, vowing not to stop his singing until he had a vision of the serpent deity. After the singer began his performance in the evening, he continued singing until late at night. Finally, by the grace of the Mother, the serpent deity appeared before him at midnight. Since then, many renowned singers have performed their music here.

At the Bhavani Mata Temple, the Navratri festival is organized every year during the months of Ashvin and Chaitra. The festival held during the Ashvin month is celebrated on a grand scale. The festivities commence with Ghatasthapana. Every day, approximately 75,000 to 80,000 devotees receive the blessing of Darshan of the Mother Goddess. On the day of Ashtami, Yajna-Homa is performed, and on the day of Navami, Mahaprasad is organized. During this time, more than 1.5 lakh devotees partake in the Mahaprasad. On the occasion of Diwali, 56 Bhog are prepared and offered to the Goddess as Naivedya. At this time, 2,500 to 3,000 Akhand Deepjyoti (eternal lamps) are lit by devotees here. It is a tradition here to light such lamps for the fulfillment of vows. For this, wheat or other grains are sown in soil or sand. An earthen pot is placed over it, and a wick is lit upon it. The temple administration ensures that these lamps remain lit continuously for nine days by adding water to the base and oil to the pots. For this purpose, oil is poured into these pots every day. Advance registration is required at the temple for these Akhand Manokamana Jyoti.

Facilities such as a Dharmashala and Bhakta Niwas for devotees, and a hall for Satsang are available here. The Bhavani Mata Temple Seva Samiti has established the Bhavani Multispeciality Hospital for the local citizens. This facility has a capacity of 110 beds. Services such as ECG, X-ray, sonography, pathology, ophthalmology, and dentistry are provided here at nominal charges. Every day, about 200 to 250 patients receive treatment here. Three ambulances are available here 24 hours a day. Additionally, the Bhavani Go Rakshan Kendra has been established at Dighori (Mahalgaon), 10 km away from Pardi. Approximately 250 to 300 cows are cared for here.

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