Vajreshwari Temple, Vajreshwari

The Shree Vajreshwari Yogini Devi Mandir, commonly known as Vajreshwari Temple, is a prominent Hindu temple located in the town of Vajreshwari, approximately 75 km from Mumbai in the Thane district of Maharashtra, India. The town itself was formerly known as Vadvali and was renamed in honor of the temple's presiding deity, Goddess Vajreshwari. The temple is situated on the Mandagiri hillock, a site formed by a volcanic eruption, and is surrounded by hills.

Legends and Origins

The temple is dedicated to Goddess Vajreshwari, who is revered as an incarnation of Goddess Parvati or Aadi-Maya. Her name translates to 'the lady of the Vajra (thunderbolt)'. Two primary legends explain her origin and connection to the Vajra. One story tells of her emerging from a Vajra thrown by Indra to defeat the demon Kalikala. Another legend describes her appearance during a sacred fire offering (yajna) where she protected sages and gods by swallowing Indra's Vajra and vanquishing demons. The Puranas also mention the region as a place visited by Rama and Parashurama, with legends attributing the volcanic hills to a yajna performed by Parashurama.

History and Construction

The original temple was located at Gunj and was moved to Vadvali after its destruction by the Portuguese. The current temple structure was built in 1739 by Chimaji Appa, the military commander and younger brother of Peshwa Baji Rao I. He vowed to build a temple if he succeeded in capturing the Portuguese-held Bassein Fort. Following the fort's fall, he commissioned the construction of the Vajreshwari temple. The Nagarkhana at the main entrance was built by the Gaikwads, and stone steps leading to the temple, along with a Dipamala (tower of lights), were added by Nanasaheb Chandavadakar.

Temple Structure and Deities

The temple complex is fortified with a stone wall, resembling a fort, and requires climbing fifty-two stone steps to reach the main shrine. A golden tortoise, worshipped as Kurma, an avatar of Vishnu, is carved on one of the steps. The main shrine, or Garbhagriha, houses six idols. The central idol is that of Goddess Vajreshwari, depicted with a sword and mace, with a trident beside her. To her left are idols of Goddess Renuka, Goddess Saptashrungi Mahalakshmi with her tiger vahana, and to her right are idols of Goddess Kalika and Parshurama. The goddesses are adorned with silver jewelry and stand on silver lotuses. Surrounding the main sanctum are idols of Ganesha, Bhairava, Hanuman, and local deities like Moraba Devi. The assembly hall features a bell and a marble lion, also considered the goddess's mount. A Yajna kunda is located outside this hall. Smaller shrines within the premises are dedicated to Kapileshwar Mahadeva, Datta, Hanuman, and saints of the Giri Gosavi sect. A peepal tree in front of the Hanuman shrine is worshipped as a form of Ganesha.

Festivals and Traditions

The temple observes major Hindu festivals, including Navaratri (celebrated twice annually), Diwali, and Holi. A significant fair is held in honor of Goddess Vajreshwari on Amavasya in the month of Chaitra, which includes ceremonial worship and a procession with a Palkhi (palanquin). Other celebrated festivals include Shiva worship during Shravana, Kojagiri Poornima, Datta Jayanti, and Hanuman Jayanti. The region is also known as Nath Bhoomi, a land associated with the Nath saints. A unique feature of the temple premises is the presence of twenty-one hot water springs, traditionally believed to be the blood of demons slain by the Goddess, which pilgrims often bathe in for religious merit.