The idol of Goddess Tulja Bhawani is a 'swayambhu' (self-orinted) idol. Bhawani is worshipped in the form of a three-foot high granite image, with eight arms holding weapons, bearing the head of the slain demon Mahishasura. Bhawani is also known as Tulaja, Turaja, Tvarita and Amba. The main entrance goes by the name of 'Sardar Nimbalkar Pravesh Dwar'. There are two main entrances to get to the main temple. One is called the Raja Shahaji Mahadwar, and the other as Rajmata Jijavu main gate. Going through the Sardar Nimbalkar Pravesh Dwar, there is the Markandeya Rishi's Temple in the right. After getting down through the stairs, comes the main Tulija Temple. The 'yagna kund' is in front of this temple. In the floor of the two main gates (Raja Shahaji Mahadwar and Rajmata Jijavu main gate), there are two libraries named, Shree Santh Dnyaneshwar Dharmik Library and Shree Tukaram Dharmik Library. After alighting from the stairs, there is 'Gomukh Theerth' on the right side and 'Kalakh', also known as 'Kallol Theerth' on the left side. Before the darshan of the Goddess, devotees take a dip here in these theerths. There are also Amruth Kund and Duth temple in the premises. A Siddhi Vinayak temple adorns the left side of the main gate, to the right being the Aadishakti, Aadimata Matangadevi temple respectively. A temple of goddess Annapurna temple is also present in the premises. Legendary stories naturally surround the temple. A demon, Matanga was wrecking havoc upon the gods and humans. Unable to find any solution, they turned to Lord Brahma for help, and upon His advice turned to Goddess Shakti, who took up the form of a destroyer and powered by the other (Sapta) Maataa Varaahi, Brahmi, Vaishnavi, Kaumaari Indraani and Saambhavi, vanquished the demon Matanga and rendered a peace regime. Legend also states that Bhawani finished another demon that had taken up the disguise of a buffalo (Mahisha), and took shelter on the Yamunachala Hill, which is now home to the Tuljabhawani temple. Worship is done four times in the temple. The significant festivals in the temple are Gudi Padva in the month of Chaitra, Shriral Sashti, Lalita Panchami, Makara Sankranti and Rathasaptami. The deity is taken out in procession on Tuesdays. Navratri is also celebrated with much pomp and dignity, which culminates in Vijaya Dashami. Shri Tulja Bhavani Temple Trust (STBT) maintains the temple. The trust comprises of a number of members, Osmanabad District Collector being the main trustee. |