Shri Tokai Mata Temple Kurunda, Wasmat, Hingoli

Various types of local deities are described, such as Gramadevata (village deity), Jaladevata (water deity), Giridevata (mountain deity), and Vanadevata (forest deity). The primary duty of these local deities is considered to be the protection of their respective domains. Jaladevatas residing in rivers, lakes, wells, and ponds protect water reservoirs, while Vanadevatas residing in forests protect the trees, shrubs, birds, and animals. These deities are known by different names in different places. Tokai Mata, who resides on the hill of Kurunda village in Hingoli district, is one such local deity. Devotees believe that the goddess’s presence here is awakened and that she fulfills the vows made to her.

This temple is more than six hundred years old. In recent times, the temple has been renovated. It is said that Shahaji Maharaj, the father of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, visited this temple. It is believed that this goddess is one of the Saptamatrikas (seven divine mothers). The legend regarding this is that when the primordial energy, the Goddess, fought with the demon Raktabija, a new demon would emerge from every drop of his blood that fell to the ground, making it impossible to defeat him. At that time, Durga Devi invoked the Saptamatrikas for help. The Saptamatrikas drank the blood of the demon Raktabija before it could touch the ground, preventing new demons from being created. Durga Devi then destroyed Raktabija and, after the war, established the Saptamatrikas in various places as local deities. Tokai Devi is one of those deities.

The temple is situated on a high hill near the village. There are two ways to reach the temple: a paved road and a flight of stairs built from carved stone. Devotees who have made vows climb the hill using the stairs, while other devotees reach the temple directly by private vehicle. There is a spacious parking lot in front of the temple. There are also shops for worship materials and seating arrangements for devotees. Actor Sayaji Shinde, through his organization Sahyadri Devrai, has nurtured and protected thousands of trees in the temple premises, bringing greenery to the area. Behind the temple, there is an ancient stepwell. The well has been renovated in recent times. It is said that the water in this well is inexhaustible. In the courtyard covered with paver blocks in front of the temple, there are huge trees with stone platforms built around them. To the left in front of the temple is a Tulsi Vrindavan, and to the right, on a Vajrapitha (diamond pedestal), is a vermilion-smeared stone idol of the servant of Tokai Mata. Behind the Vajrapitha, hundreds of bangles offered as part of vows are tied to a tree branch.

The temple structure consists of a Sabhamandap (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). Since the Sabhamandap is at a higher level than the courtyard, there are three steps at the entrance. Iron railings have been installed in the Sabhamandap to manage the queues. The enclosed Sabhamandap has vents for light and air. There are two circular pillars in the Sabhamandap. A printed board providing information about the temple and its surroundings is displayed on the wall of the Sabhamandap. There is a Nagara (kettledrum) in the Sabhamandap that is played during the Aarti. On the right side of the Sabhamandap, on a small pedestal, is a vermilion-smeared stone idol of Chintamani Ganesha, the fulfiller of wishes.

Ahead is the entrance to the Garbhagriha. On the front wall of the Garbhagriha, next to the entrance, a shield and sword are displayed. On a table at the entrance, the brass Padukas (footprints) of the Goddess and worship materials are kept. There is another entrance to the Garbhagriha on the left side. Inside the Garbhagriha, on the ground, is the Swayambhu (self-manifested) stone idol of Tokai Devi. The six-faced idol of the Goddess, carved from a single stone, is unique. Adorned with various clothes and ornaments, this idol has six masks and six crowns. A Mangal Kalash (auspicious pot) and a Sambal instrument are kept in front of the Goddess. There is a circumambulation path around the exterior of the Garbhagriha. The roof of the Garbhagriha features a five-layered circular Shikhara (spire) that tapers towards the top. At the apex of the Shikhara is an Amalaka. On this Amalaka, there is a Kalash and a flag. In the temple premises, there is a vermilion-smeared stone idol of Maruti.

The Sharadiya Navaratri festival is the main annual festival here. During this time, more than one hundred thousand devotees visit the temple for the Goddess’s Darshan and to fulfill their vows. During this period, Bhajans, Kirtans, Jagaran, Gondhal, Yajna, Homa-Havan, and Mahaprasad are organized in the temple for ten consecutive days. On every full moon day, a Divti (torch) procession is taken out at the temple. At this time, seven goddesses from seven villages, including Ambachi Aai, Baradchi Aai, Ratnagiri Devi, Kurma Devi, and Karalchi Aai, come to visit Tokai Devi. There is a special crowd of devotees visiting the temple on every full moon, new moon, and Tuesday. Mahaprasad is organized on these days. Devotees can have the Darshan of Tokai Mata in this temple every day from eight in the morning to seven in the evening.

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