Shri Tulja Bhavani temple is a renowned Hindu temple located 45 km from Solapur in Tuljapur taluka of Dharashiv district and one of the three and a half major shakti peethas in Maharashtra state along with Renuka temple at Mahur, Mahalaxmi temple at Kolhapur, and Saptashrungi temple at Vani.
Shri Tulja Bhavani is a form of Goddess Durga herself. ‘Bhavani’ means the goddess of birth, life, existence. She is the Bhavani of Tuljapur, ‘Tulja Bhavani’. Tulja Bhavani is a clan goddess (Kuldevi or Kulswamini) for majority Marathi casts of Maharashtra.
If you’re looking for a spiritually enriching journey combined with a touch of history, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make your visit memorable.
From generation to generation, people considered her as mother or family deity and visit Tuljapur at least once a year to seek the blessings of Aai Tulja Bhavani. At their home you will find either silver taak idol or metal idol, photos of Tulja Bhavani Devi whom they worship daily.
The ritual is to bring the house idol of goddess Tulja bhavani for darshan of the deity, perform abhishek ceremony, tali, and gondhal puja. Sometimes people go to Tuljapur just to seek blessings and offer saree and blouse, coconut, bangles, etc. (called Oti bharan in Marathi)
Tulja Bhavani is a very kind and loving goddess, you’ll find the divine energy of the goddess, who is believed to fulfill the wishes of her devotees. This is not a miracle but a testament to the naive devotion and faith of the people.
The atmosphere is charged with spiritual fervor, and the architecture—a blend of Maratha and Hemadpanthi styles—is breathtaking.
Shri Tulja Bhavani Temple History:
The story of this place tells of a sage named Kardam who lived with his wife, Anubhuti. After his passing, Anubhuti performed penance dedicated to Bhavani Mata on the banks of the Mandakini River. During her penance, a demon named Kukur tried to disturb her. At that moment, Tulja Bhavani Devi came to Anubhuti’s aid and killed the demon. Since then, the goddess has been known as a protector of justice, destroying demons (i.e. Asuras).
The temple is believed to have been constructed in the 12th century CE by Maratha Mahamandaleshwara Maradadeva of the Kadamba Dynasty.
This sacred site is also where Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, frequently visited to seek the blessings of Goddess Tulja Bhavani. According to legend, the goddess bestowed upon him the renowned ‘Bhavani’ sword, empowering him to fight for Swarajya.
The temple holds a rich history and immense religious significance, drawing thousands of devotees annually.
Best Time to Visit
There is no best time to visit the temple, go whenever you feel like. Temple remains open year-round. Many devotees prefer visiting during major festivals such as Navratri, celebrated as Sharadiya Navratri in September-October and Shakambhari Navratri in December-January.
Other significant occasions include Vijayadashami (Dussehra), Seshashahi Alankar Puja on Ashwini Poornima, and Chaitra Poornima. During these times, the temple comes alive with stunning decorations, vibrant lights, and beautiful floral arrangements, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere.
The rituals and traditions of Sharadiya Navratri are also observed during the Shakambhari Navratri festival, offering an alternative for devotees unable to attend the former. All these festivals are celebrated with deep devotion and enthusiasm.
For those who prefer a quieter visit, the winter months (November to February) are ideal, offering pleasant weather and a peaceful ambiance.
How to Reach?
There are many ways to reach Tuljapur, conveniently accessible by various routes & modes of transportation.
Address: Shri Tulja Bhavani Temple, Mahadwar Rd, Jijamata Nagar, Tuljapur, Maharashtra-413601.
By Air: Pune is the nearest famous airport to Tuljapur with many flying options. Once you reach the Pune airport, you can take a bus, rental car, self-drive car or taxi to the temple.
By Train: Tuljapur Temple is 45 km from Solapur, 30 km from Dharashiv & Osmanabad, which are the nearest railway stations.
By Road: Tuljapur is not only connected to major cities and small towns of Maharashtra but also connected to neighboring states (Southern India) by road. State-run buses and private vehicles ply regularly from cities like Pune, Solapur, and Hyderabad.
There are frequent MSRTC AC & Non-AC buses available from Latur, Solapur, Dharashiv, Naldurg, Nashik, Pune, Kolhapur, Parbhani, Nanded, etc. The scenic drives through the countryside are an added bonus!
Many devotees from Pune make a one-day return to the Tuljapur temple. A day’s darshan is possible only because of the well-maintained Pune-Solapur highway and the systematic darshan facility of the temple.
What to Expect at the Temple:
Tulja Bhavani Temple Timings:
All day open from 4 AM to 10 PM.
The temple opens early for Kakad Aarti, a serene way to start your day. It will be open for darshan to devotees from 1 AM every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. Make sure to check the schedule for special poojas and rituals if you’re planning your visit.
Parking Fees/Entrance Fees:
Upon entering the premises of the Tulja Bhavani Temple, you will encounter a circle with a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. From there, take a left turn toward the Tulja Bhavani Temple Sansthan Bhakta Niwas and Public Parking area.
Before reaching Bhakta Niwas, you are required to pay a parking/entrance fee of ₹50 per vehicle. Vehicles can be parked in the designated large parking lot.
Official Website: https://shrituljabhavani.org/
Tulja Bhavani Temple Live Darshan:
One of the key features of the temple is its live broadcasting, allowing devotees to stream aartis and special ceremonies during Navratri through television channels and the Jio TV network. For convenient access, you can download the app for live darshan and e-pass bookings from the Google Play Store.
Special Darshan Pass/ Denagi Darshan:
The ₹50 vehicle fee is the only charge required, as there is no separate entrance fee to visit the temple. However, during festivals and weekends, free darshan lines can be very long, with wait times extending to several hours.
For faster access, you can purchase a special darshan pass, also referred to as a donation (Denagi) darshan pass, priced at ₹200 per person. These passes are available on the underground floor of the administrative building and can also be booked in advance through the official website.
Funds collected from the donation darshan passes are used to support the development and maintenance of various infrastructure projects, including the Temple Aradhawadi Parking Lot, Solar Power Plant, Shopping Center, Ghatsheel Temple Garden, Shri Tulja Bhavani Engineering College, and Shri Tulja Bhavani Military School.
The Main Shrine:
The sanctum houses the idol of Goddess Bhavani, carved out of black stone and adorned with traditional jewelry, nose ring, golden crown (Mukut), beautiful traditional Maharashtrian saree and flowers.
The darshan is a spiritually uplifting experience, often accompanied by the chanting of mantras and bhajans
Temple Surroundings & Architecture:
The architecture of the temple is a blend of Maratha and Hemadpanthi style, made up of black stones with intricate carvings, grand gateways, and the sanctity of the Garbha Griha (inner sanctum) leave visitors awestruck. Don’t miss the Deepa Stambha, a tall lamp tower that’s lit during festivals—a sight to behold!
The Kallola/Gomukha Tirtha: There is a sacred water tank within the temple premises. Devotees often take a dip here before entering the temple, believing it purifies the soul.
Chintamani:
A small black stone near the main temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, is believed to possess divine blessings and mystical powers to predict the future. Devotees with questions place a coin on the stone, hold the stone by hands, and observe its movement. If the stone vibrates and moves to the right, the answer is considered positive; if it moves to the left, the answer is negative. If the stone remains still, the answer is deemed indecisive.
This practice, known as consulting “Chintamani,” is believed to provide accurate guidance for those seeking clarity on decisions, doubts, or important questions. Many people stand in line to take their turn, and a fee of ₹10 is charged per person or per question.
Isn’t it magical!!!
Surrounding Temples:
Homa:
Upon entering the Tulja Bhavani Temple, you will notice a sacred Homa site and a large stone lamp that burns continuously day and night.
Homa, a traditional Hindu fire ritual, is conducted under the guidance of learned priests. It involves the chanting of Vedic hymns and the offering of ghee, grains, and other sacred items into the fire.
This ritual symbolizes the surrender of ego and material attachments, seeking to invoke the blessings of deities and purify the surroundings.
Devotees often participate in these ceremonies to seek prosperity, health, and divine guidance. They can also take-home Bhasma, the embers from the Homa, as a form of prasad.
Amphitheater seating:
The amphitheater seating in the inner premises of Tulja Bhavani temple is thoughtfully designed to accommodate the large number of devotees visiting the temple for darshan and special ceremonies. These seating arrangements are typically semicircular and tiered, providing an unobstructed view of the central activity area or platform where rituals, aartis, or cultural events take place.
During major festivals like Navratri, the amphitheater becomes a bustling hub for devotees to gather, chant hymns, and witness the vibrant cultural programs.
Daily Rituals and Festivals:
The temple follows a strict schedule of rituals, including:
- Kakad Aarti (early morning)
- Oti Bharan (sacred offerings to the deity):
Oti Bharan is a form of worship, that can be performed at any time during the temple’s operating hours, during a regular darshan.
The offering typically includes items like coconut, betel leaves, betel nuts, turmeric, vermillion, flowers, bangles, and grains such as rice or wheat. These are placed in a saree or cloth, symbolizing the Goddess’s lap. You will get these offering baskets from any shops before entering the temple.
- Abhishek (sacred bathing of the deity):
The Abhishek is one of the most significant and revered rituals performed at the Tulja Bhavani Temple. This sacred ceremony involves the ritualistic bathing of the idol of Goddess Tulja Bhavani, symbolizing the purification of the deity and the devotee’s soul, as well as the invocation of divine blessings.
The Abhishek begins with clean water, followed by offerings of milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee, which are collectively known as ‘Panchamrut’. Turmeric, sandalwood paste, and flower petals are then applied to the idol.
This ritual is accompanied by the chanting of Vedic mantras and hymns in praise of the Goddess, led by temple priests. After the Abhishek, the idol is adorned with fresh clothes, ornaments, and flowers. Devotees may offer additional items, such as coconuts, fruits, and incense, as part of the puja.
The Abhishek Puja can be performed by individuals or families, and the temple provides facilities to arrange this sacred ritual under the guidance of experienced priests.
Abhishek Puja Timings:
All day 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM; 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The fees for the Abhishek Puja vary significantly depending on the services requested from the Pujari (priest). They typically arrange all the materials required for the ritual, provide priority access to darshan, offer home-cooked lunch or dinner as ‘Naivedya’, and may even provide accommodation at their home.
For online Abhishek Puja Pass booking- https://shrituljabhavani.org/frmAbhisheckPooja.aspx
- Naivedya:
Devotees offer Puran Poli and Curd Rice as Naivedya (sacred food offering) to Shri Tulja Bhavani Devi. A non-vegetarian offering is presented to the demon Mahishasura.
- Gondhal Puja:
This ritual takes place on the platform near the police guard area outside the main temple. During the ceremony, the Gondhali (traditional performers) recite devotional hymns in honor of Shri Tulja Bhavani, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the sambal, a traditional percussion instrument. It is primarily performed by newlywed devotees and is considered a traditional family ritual as well as a form of ancestral worship.
- Javal Ceremony (First Haircut):
Many devotees carry out the ritual of their child’s first haircut in front of their family deity, either to fulfill a vow or according to their wishes. This ceremony takes place beneath the Gondhali platform at the temple.
- Navas & Navaspurti:
The practice of Navas is deeply rooted in the belief that the Goddess Tulja Bhavani has the power to bless her devotees with divine grace and fulfill their desires.
Many devotees pray to the Goddess with a specific wish in mind and vow to perform certain rituals, offer prayers, or present offerings if their wishes are granted.
Once the devotees’ wishes are fulfilled, they perform the ritual known as “Navaspurti.” It usually involves fulfilling the vow, offerings of sweets, flowers, or other sacred items at the temple as promised.
Some devotees also offer monetary donations or special services as a mark of gratitude. Some devotees perform ‘Sashtang Dandvat’, that involves bath in the Kallol/ Gomukh tirtha and perform a full prostration while circumambulating the temple with wet clothes.
Annual Festivals:
- Sharadiya Navratri Festival (September/October):
This is the most significant and grand festival organized by the temple. It is celebrated with deep devotion and in a traditional manner.
- Dussehra/Vijayadashami:
A major festival in Indian culture, celebrated on Vijayadashami, the tenth day of Navratri. On this day, palanquins from Barhanpur and Bhingar arrive, and a palanquin procession is held with the goddess placed on the palanquin. The Dussehra festivities are observed with great enthusiasm.
- Shakambhari Navratri Festival (December/January):
Dedicated to Shakambhari Devi, this festival is celebrated traditionally with devotion and zeal. Like Sharadiya Navratri, it attracts large crowds of devotees.
- Seshashahi Alankar Puja:
This special Mahapuja is performed on Ashwini Poornima and Chaitri Poornima.
Where to Eat? Local Cuisine to Relish:
You will find numerous food stalls near the temple offering Maharashtrian delicacies such as Bhajji (Pakoda), Wada Pav, Misal Pav, Pav Bhaji, and Sabudana Khichadi, as well as South Indian dishes. Additionally, there are restaurants serving both pure vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis.
One notable restaurant is ‘Dhanashree Hotel and Restaurant’, located adjacent to Jawahar Cinema Hall and within walking distance of the Tulja Bhavani Mandir parking area and Bhakta Niwas. This restaurant is known for consistently delicious food, and one of our favorites.
Devotees often have longstanding ties with a particular priestly family who host them during their visit. These families typically provide accommodation, meals, and assistance with religious offerings to the deity. They serve you home cooked meals that includes items like Puran Poli, Bhaji, Bhakri, Curd Rice and sometimes the meat of a sacrificed goat (As per your choice).
Where to Stay in and around Tuljapur?
There are several lodging options available near the Tulja Bhavani Temple in Tuljapur, ranging from budget-friendly to mid-range accommodations, including private hotels, lodges, and Bhakt Niwas. Some visitors prefer staying in Solapur, a larger city close to the temple, which offers better and more varied accommodation choices.
As mentioned earlier, some devotees opt to stay at a priest’s house for a more homely experience. We have tried all three options: staying at a priest’s house, Bhakt Niwas, and a hotel in Solapur. Here, we are sharing our experiences with each.
* Stay at Priest’s House Experience:
When staying at a priest’s house, you are typically provided with a separate room, bedding, and blankets. Basic bathing facilities are available, though you need to bring your own toiletries and towels. Meals and breakfast are provided, along with arrangements for Abhishek puja as per prior discussion. However, the cost of staying at a priest’s house is not fixed and can vary significantly.
If you do not personally know the priest’s family, staying at their house might feel awkward or uncomfortable as it involves a matter of trust. In such cases, I would recommend staying at Bhakt Niwas or nearby lodges, which are safer and more convenient.
Our experience of staying at a priest’s house was positive because we had known the family for many years. In the past, this was a common choice due to the limited lodging options near the temple. However, as the temple has gained popularity and travel facilities have improved, the number of visitors has increased, leading to the development of better accommodation options in Tuljapur.
* Stay at Tulja Bhavani Bhakt Niwas Experience:
The proximity of Tulja Bhavani Bhakt Niwas to the temple, along with its basic amenities, makes it a popular choice among devotees. Its location allows easy access to early morning and late evening aartis and darshan without hassle.
Managed by the temple trust, Tulja Bhavani Bhakt Niwas offers clean and budget-friendly accommodations without compromising on essential comforts.
Accommodation Options
Bhakt Niwas provides a range of room types to suit various budgets:
- Dormitory Rooms: Affordable and ideal for group travelers, with shared facilities.
- Standard Non-AC Rooms: Suitable for individuals, families, or small groups. These come with basic amenities such as beds, fans, and attached bathrooms.
- VIP Rooms (AC and Non-AC): These rooms offer better furnishings and additional amenities for a more comfortable stay.
- VVIP Suite Room: Designed for those seeking better accommodations with modern facilities.
Tariffs
Room rates range from ₹200 to ₹2,200 per night, depending on the type of accommodation and availability. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during festivals.
The rate card is subject to change; you can find the latest pricing and make online bookings through their official website: https://tuljabhavanibhaktniwas.com/.
Why Choose Bhakt Niwas?
Apart from its convenient location, Bhakt Niwas offers several additional benefits:
- A spacious gated garden and rest area provide a serene space to relax after temple visits.
- Round-the-clock security ensures a safe environment for families and individuals.
- Ample parking space accommodates vehicles of various sizes, including buses.
- An in-house canteen serves simple breakfast items such as Pohe, Upma, tea, and biscuits and also meals. For other meal options, nearby eateries are available. Recommended- Dhanashree Hotel and Restaurant
Our Experience at Bhakt Niwas
During our stay at Bhakt Niwas, we were unable to book online and decided to book directly at the premises. The non-AC VIP rooms were unavailable, so we opted for a VIP AC room.
The room was spacious with clean sheets, blankets, soap, and towels provided. It was furnished with chairs, extra blankets, and storage closets. However, we were dissatisfied with the bathroom facilities—the wash basin was outdated with old fittings, and the toilet was Indian-style.
Hot water was available for bathing from 3 AM to 7 AM, along with 24-hour water and electricity supply. Despite the minor inconveniences, we had a comfortable stay.
If you are visiting the Tulja Bhavani Temple, Bhakt Niwas is an excellent choice for its convenience, basic amenities, and affordability. It caters well to the needs of pilgrims, making your visit both comfortable and hassle-free.
* Stay at Hotel in Solapur Experience:
Many people visiting Tuljapur prefer not to stay overnight there and instead choose hotels in the nearby major city of Solapur, located just 45 km away.
Solapur offers a variety of good accommodation options, making it a convenient choice for travelers. Here, we share our experience of staying at one such place, Hotel Jay Palace Inn.
Hotel Jay Palace Inn, Solapur
Room Rates and Amenities
Parking
Dining Options
Our Experience
We chose to stay at Hotel Jay Palace Inn during our visit to Tulja Bhavani temple & wanted to explore Solapur’s attractions. The hotel met our expectations for a short stay, offering a clean and comfortable environment. While the parking situation was inconvenient, the excellent dining options and overall service made up for it.
Hotel Jay Palace Inn is a good option for those looking to spend a night in Solapur. It’s particularly suited for business travelers and pilgrims who value affordability and proximity to local attractions. Despite minor drawbacks like parking challenges, the hotel provides a comfortable stay and is worth considering.
Shopping:
Around the temple, you will find numerous stalls offering a wide range of religious and spiritual items. These include the iconic Tuljapur bangles (yellow-dotted green bangles), idols and photographs of Goddess Tulja Bhavani, idols of other deities, sarees worn by the Goddess, malai pedha and other sweets, puffed rice with battase (sugar drop candies), various types of incense sticks, vermilion, lamps in different styles and sizes, samai (traditional oil lamps), fancy dresses for idols, and more.
In short, these stalls provide all kinds of religious items, spiritual products, and artifacts to fulfill the needs of devotees and visitors.
Nearby Attractions:
* Naldurg Fort:
Located 35 km from Tuljapur along the Pune-Hyderabad Highway, Naldurg Fort is a historic structure believed to have been built during the Chalukya era and named after King Nalraja. Known for its medieval architectural style, the fort spans a perimeter of 1.5 miles and features numerous bastions.
Though now in a partially ruined state, its walls and bastions still stand as a testament to its rich history. Naldurg Fort is a prominent ground fort in Maharashtra’s Marathwada region and remains a popular tourist destination year-round.
* Bhuikot Fort/Solapur Fort:
Bhuikot Fort, also known as Solapur Fort, is a historic fortress located in the heart of Solapur, built during the Bahmani Sultanate period, stands as a testament to medieval Deccan architecture and history, surrounded by a deep moat and characterized by its sturdy bastions, the fort once served as a strategic military base. It is 45 Km away from Tulja Bhavani Temple.
* Shri Siddheshwar Temple, Solapur:
The Siddheshwar Temple, dedicated to Siddheshwar, a 12th-century devotee of Shiva and the gramadevata (village deity) of Solapur, holds great significance in the Lingayat faith.
The temple, built by the yogi Shri Siddharameshwar, houses samadhi at its center and features 68 Shiva lingams along with shrines for Ganesha, Vithoba, and Rukmini. Surrounded by a serene manmade lake and lush gardens, the temple is not only a spiritual site but also a popular picnic spot for families. It is 45Km away from Tulja Bhavani Temple.
* Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Lake (Kambar Talav/Moti Baug Tank):
* Shri Swami Samarth Temple, Akkalkot:
Located 80 Km from Tuljapur, Shri Swami Samarth Temple in Akkalkot, is a revered shrine dedicated to Shri Swami Samarth, a 19th-century spiritual saint and an incarnation of Lord Dattatreya, attracting devotees from across the country seeking blessings and spiritual solace.
