HISTORY
Shree Manudevi Temple
The district of Jalgaon in Maharashtra state is renowned for its magnificent cultural and religious places.
Situated in the lush green ranges of Satpuda mountains, on the banks of River Tapi, is the Shree Manudevi Temple. It is the supreme family deity of many of the families who reside in the vicinity.
The temple is accessible via road by taking an exit of the Yaval Chopda State Highway. After passing through Adgaon-Kasarkheda, the temple is around 9 kms approximately.
The trustees and the board members take pride in informing the pilgrims that of the 10 kms road, three quarters of it (75%) of it is well paved two lane motorable road. The next one and half kilometer is a paved road made of gravel. The final one and half kilometer provides an interesting trek to the temple. The temple is at a height of 500 meters and the final trek is through lush green surroundings and this walk through nature and the chanting of Goddess Manudevi’s name grants every pilgrim unsurpassed satisfaction and joy.
History
Ancient remainsThe temple was discovered by a member of the Ingle family, Shri K Pandu Jeevan around 1251 A.D/B.C. From the excavations that took place around the area, it is believed that this is an ancient temple reflecting the culture of ancient times. There are huge massive trees that greet the visitor to the temple. It is believed that Lord Parshurama manifests himself in these trees and is actually welcoming the pilgrims for the darshan of Shree Manudevi.
The temple was discovered by a member of the Ingle family, Shri K Pandu Jeevan around 1251 A.D/B.C. From the excavations that took place around the area, it is believed that this is an ancient temple reflecting the culture of ancient times. There are huge massive trees that greet the visitor to the temple. It is believed that Lord Parshurama manifests himself in these trees and is actually welcoming the pilgrims for the darshan of Shree Manudevi.
There are several folklore, historic documentation and stories passed down from generation to generation regarding this holy shrine.
Story of Shree Manudevi
In the Devi Bhagwath Puranas, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma were faced with a serious and grim problem. The menace of rakshashas had to be addressed and people residing on earth had to be relieved of this menace.
The trinity of the supreme devata’s met in a cave location in the Satpuda ranges. This secret location is the present day Shree Manudevi temple and its surrounding vicinity.
While they were deep in meditation of finding a solution to the menace of the rakshashas, by their breathing process and the powerful environment that was created in the cave by their presence and meditation, there appeared a very bright illumination of shakti ( meaning power and energy inherent in goddess) in the form of lightening. These illuminated rays culminated into a combined form into Goddess Manudevi. She signifies the combined strength, intelligence and power of the Trinity, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.
On appearing, the Goddess asked the assembled devatas the motive of their assembly in the cave. The devatas namely Lord Brahma , Lord Vishnu and Lord Mahesh prayed to Goddess Manudevi, saying “ O Adishakti, we are caught up in a severe problem “. The demon Mahishasur is inflicting a lot of pain and injustice and his menace is the cause of our worry. O Goddess, we pray to you to annihilate him from earth by assuming an angry form of your distinct personality. We need your help in getting rid of this demon and thus enforcing peace and serenity to earth and its inhabitants.
Considering the pleas and request of the devatas, the Goddess Manudevi made a solemn promise to kill the demon and end his menace soon.
She assured that she would gain the form of Shree Sapthashrung devi and will start her fight against the demon immediately and expeditiously.
The Goddess started ravaging the forces of the demon and reached the banks of River Tapi. The battle took place in an area known as Shiragadh. This place became known as "Shirgadh’s AshtaBhujaa Devi". From this location Goddess Manudevi moved to Nandra (Bajara) for the next battle. There is a temple of the goddess in the form of AshtaBhujaa Devi here as well.
From here the Goddess moved to an area known as Paatna, where a fierce battle was fought between her and the demonic forces. Tired from the battle the Goddess rested in this location, and thus in this location she became known as Goddess "Paatna Devi". The serene and graceful form of Goddess Manudevi was transferred into Goddess AshtaBhujaa Devi.
The final stage of the battle took place on SapthaShrung mountains, where the Goddess had to battle the demon for a period of seven years. The battle between dharma and adharma was fierce. The Goddess form was transitioned into Goddess SapthaShrunga Devi. This was the enforcer form of devi which was fearsome to wrongdoers. In this form the devi destroyed and killed the demon Mahisasur and his forces, ultimately. Folklore has it that this place was known as the devis home place namely Khandesh.
Goddess Manudevi – A Shaktipeeth
People with a desire to become parents of a baby boy/girl, will seek your blessings. O Goddess, you are the supreme devi, who urges her bhaktas to do pooja archana, devotedly and grant all their wishes. If you take the form of Yashoda, bhaktas will offer prayers with incense sticks(dhoop) and earthen lamps (deep), food and fruit offerings.
On Earth, people will adorn and decorate temples for you in your innumerable names like Durgaa, Kumuda,Krushna,Madhavi,Kanyaka,Maya,Narayani, Ishayani, Sharadha, Ambica,Bhadrakaali,Vijaya and Vaishnavi. The Goddess who grants all wishes of the mind, good intentions of the mind, and the family goddess of millions of people will reside in the Satpuda ranges. This was foretold by Lord Krishna according to the books.
The Scenic Surroundings of the Temple
The temple is surrounded by hillocks (small hills) on all three sides. Right in front of the temple is a beautiful waterfall that cascades down to 400 feet. Six to seven months of the year, this waterfall is blessed with running water that touches the land below namely the foothills of the Satpuda range.
With help from the Government , a lake has been built at this spot.
There is a beautiful Hanumaan Temple by the lakeside. All this makes the surrounding areas of the temple very scenic and beautiful for every visitor to the temple.
Devotees, school children, and college going students visit this place in increasing proportions.
We, the trustee/board members and local residents hope to develop this place as a cultural and religious spot and also a scenic place for people to visit and would like to request the visitors, and the Government of Maharashtra to help us in this effort.
