Shri Yemai Devi Temple, Kawathe-Yemai, Shiroor, Pune

The village of Kavathe-Yemai is situated in the western part of Shirur Taluka on the Shirur-Manchar road. The Yemai Devi Temple, located near the village, is renowned. The Navratri festival of Shri Yemai Devi, the presiding deity and a place of deep faith for many devotees from the taluka and the district, is celebrated here with great enthusiasm.

The legend of the temple states that after Sita was abducted by Ravana, Shri Ram was in a state of deep grief, searching for her everywhere. He would ask every tree and stone he encountered on the road about Sita. This sorrowful voice of Ram reached the ears of Shankar and Parvati, who were playing a game of dice on Mount Kailash at that time. Wondering how Shri Ram, despite being a divine being, could be so distressed, Mother Parvati decided to test him. Mother Parvati appeared before Ram in the form of Sita. However, Shri Ram immediately recognized Mother Parvati and, addressing her as “Ye Mai” (Oh Mother), bowed to her. As Mother Parvati was leaving, having been recognized, Ram requested her to stay there since she had already come. Upon this plea, Mother Parvati agreed to reside there permanently in the form of Yemai Devi.

Shri Yemai Devi is a ‘Jagrut Devasthan’ (an awakened place of divinity), and devotees firmly believe that all their wishes are fulfilled here. This is why hundreds of devotees come here to make vows and to offer thanks after their fulfillment. The temple premises have also been granted the status of a pilgrimage site by the State Government.

A unique feature of this temple is a traditional method of predicting the harvest. According to this, on the evening of the full moon day in the month of Jyeshtha, an attempt is made to lift a round stone weighing approximately 125 kilograms, located in front of the temple, using only one finger of the right hand of 13 people. This honor has been held by the villagers of Munjalwadi for generations. If they are able to lift the stone, it is believed that the Goddess has given her blessing for a good harvest that year. Thousands of farmers from the taluka, as well as from Pune and Nagar districts, attend this ritual. Villagers state that this ritual has been practiced for hundreds of years.

The grand arch of the temple is visible from the main road. Images of guardians are carved onto the arch. There are centuries-old banyan trees in the temple premises, which confirms that this place must be very ancient. Upon entering through the main gate, three lamp towers (Deepmalas) are visible. These towers are illuminated during Navratri and Chaitra Purnima. At that time, the surroundings are bathed in their soft glow. In the spacious area near the temple, there is a well-structured stone stepped well (Pushkarani). It is said that this well contains water throughout all twelve months. Directly in front of the main temple is the stone used for the harvest prediction. To its right and left are sculptures of lions. Two large bells are hung in front of the temple door.

The temple consists of a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). Many programs are held in the spacious Sabha Mandap during festivals. Yemai Devi is installed in a silver throne within the sanctum. This idol of the Goddess, in the form of a ‘Tandala’ (a naturally formed stone), appears very serene. On the circumambulation path behind the temple, there is a Mahadev temple. A unique feature of that temple is that it is built entirely of stone, 15 feet deep underground. A Shiva Linga and Nandi are installed within it. It is said that there used to be an underground passage from this Mahadev temple to the palace in Kavathe village, which is three kilometers away. The carvings on the spire (Kalash) of the Yemai Devi temple are very attractive, drawing attention even from a distance.

During the days of Navratri, various programs such as Abhishek, Havan, and Mahaprasad are held here. An ‘Akhand Harinam Saptah’ is also organized. During this time, Mahaprasad is distributed to the entire village as well as to devotees coming from outside. On every full moon day and during the month of Shravan, a procession of the Goddess is taken out in a palanquin. A special feature of this palanquin procession is that the women of the village lead the event. For the convenience of devotees, the temple committee has provided accommodation facilities (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