Shakti Peeth - Shree Vajreshwari Devi Mandir
The primary deity of the temple, Vajreshvari (vajreśvari), also spelled Vajreshvari, also known as Vajrábái and Vajrayogini, is considered an incarnation of goddess Parvati or Aadi-Maya on earth. Her name literally means "the lady of the Vajra (thunderbolt)". There are two legends about the goddess' origins, both associated with the Vajra.
Thousands of years ago, a Rakshasa (demon) named Kalikala or Kalikut troubled the rishis (sages) and humans in the region of Vadvali and waged a war against the devas (gods). Distressed the gods and sages headed by Vashishta performed the Chandi yajna, a fire offering to the Goddess, to please Her. An aahuti (offering of ghee in yajna) was not granted to Indra (king of devas). Enraged, Indra hurled his Vajra - one of most powerful weapons in Hindu mythology- at the yajna. The terrified gods and sages prayed to the Goddess to save them. The Goddess appeared in all her glory at the site and not only swallowed the Vajra and humbled Indra but also killed the demons. Rama requested the Goddess that she should stay in the region of Nagarkot and be known as Vajreshvari. Thus, the Vajreshvari temple was established in this region.
Another legend says that Indra and other devas went to goddess Parvati and requested her to help slay the demon Kalikala. Goddess Parvati assured that she would come to their aid at the right time and ordered them to fight with the demon. In the battle, Kalikala swallowed or broke all weapons thrown at him. Finally, Indra threw the Vajra at the demon, which Kalikala broke into pieces and from the Vajra, emerged the Goddess, who destroyed the demon. The devas extolled her as Vajreshwari and built her temple.
Another legend says that after Goddess Sati sacrificed herself in the honor of Lord Shiva in her Fathers Yagya. Shiva took her body on his shoulder and started Tandav. In order to stop him from destroying the world Lord Vishnu divided the body of Sati into 52 parts with his Chakra. The left breast of Sati fell at this spot, thus making it a Shakti Peeth.
The town of Vajreshwari - on banks of river Tansa - lies in Bhiwandi city, Thane district, Maharashtra, India and 31 km away from the nearest railway station of Vasai. The temple is located near the post office of Vajreshwari town, on the Mandagiri hillock, which was formed out of a volcanic eruption and is surrounded by hills on all sides.
Vajreshwari Temple is located in Maharashtra
Vajreshwari Temple
Location in Maharashtra
Coordinates: 19°29′12″N 73°1′33″ECoordinates: 19°29′12″N 73°1′33″E
Name
Proper name: Shree Vajreshwari Yogini Devi Mandir
Location
Country: India
State: Maharashtra
District: Thane
Location: Vajreshwari (town)
Architecture and culture
Primary deity: Vajreshwari
Number of temples: 2
History
Date built:
(Current structure) 1739
Creator: Chimaji Appa
The Shree Vajreshwari Yogini Devi Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Vajreshwari, located in the town Vajreshwari, 75 km away from Mumbai. The town, earlier known as Vadvali, was renamed Vajreshwari in honour of the presiding deity of the temple.
The main gate entrance has a Nagarkhana or drum house and is built similar to Bassein fort entrance. The temple is also surrounded by a stone wall like a fort. Fifty-two stone steps are to be climbed to reach the main shrine. A golden tortoise is carved on one of the steps and worshipped as Kurma, the tortoise incarnation of Vishnu.
The main shrine has three sections: the main inner sanctum (Garbha gṛha), another sanctum and a pillared mandapa (assembly hall). The Grabha-griha houses six idols. The saffron murti (idol) of goddess Vajreshwari with a sword and a gada (mace) in her right and left hands respectively and a trisula (trident) besides her, stands in the centre. Murtis of goddess Renuka (Parshurama's mother) with a sword and a lotus in her hands, goddess Saptashrungi Mahalakshmi of Vani and a tiger, goddess Vajreshwari's vahana or mount; are to the left of goddess Vajreshwari. On her right are the murtis of goddess Kalika (the village goddess) with a lotus and a kamandalu (water pot) and Parshurama armed with a parshu (axe). The goddesses are adorned with silver jewelry, crowns and stand on silver lotuses and are sheltered by silver umbrellas. The sanctum outside the Garbhagriha has idols of Ganesha, Bhairava, Hanuman and local deities like Moraba devi. The assembly hall has a bell, which devotees ring when entering the shrine and a marble lion, also believed to be the goddess' mount. A Yajna kunda (a structure in which a fire offering is done) is outside the assembly hall.
Smaller shrines in temple premises are dedicated to Kapileshwar Mahadeva (Shiva), Datta, Hanuman and saints of Giri Gosavi sect. A peepal tree in front of the Hanuman shrine, has assumed a form of Ganesha and is worshipped as the deity. The samādhi (tomb) of the 17th century Giri Gosavi saint Godhadebuwa is further atop the Gautam hill, behind the Mandagiri hillock.
Temple festivals The temple celebrates Navaratri (nine nights dedicated to worship of Hindu Goddesses) once from the first day of fortnight of waxing moon of Hindu month of Chaitra (March) to the ninth day of Ram Navami and then from the first day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Ashvin (October) to the 10th day Vijayadashami.
A huge fair in honour of Goddess Vajreshwari is held on Amavasya (new moon day) in the month of Chaitra. The fair commences on the 14th day of fortnight of waning moon of the month with ceremonial worship of the Goddess. On Amavasya at night, lamps are worshipped. On the next day, the first day of Hindu month Vaisakha, the ceremonial procession with a Palkhi (palanquin) carrying an image of the goddess, is taken out.
Other festivals the temple celebrates are Shiva worship in Hindu month of Shravana; Kojagiri Poornima - full moon day of Hindu month Ashvin; Diwali (festival of lights); Holi (festival of colours); Datta Jayanti (birthday of the deity Datta); Hanuman Jayanti (birthday of monkey god Hanuman) and Godhadebuwa Jayanti (birthday of the saint Godhadebuwa).
Administration The temple is taken care of by the Shree Vajreshwari Yogini Devi Public Trust. The members of the Giri Gosavi sect are members of the trust and have been responsible for worship and maintenance of the shrine since its establishment in 1739.
Hot springs There are around twenty-one hot water springs, in a five-kilometer radius of the temple. According to tradition, the hot water is the blood of demons and giants, slain by goddess Vajreshwari.[2] Though according to scientists, their proximity to the former volcano in the region accounts for their creation. Pilgrims who visit the temple also have a holy bath in the springs, which are referred to as kundas in Sanskrit and are named after Hindu deities like Surya (sun-god), Chandra(moon-god), Agni (fire-god), Vayu (wind-god), Rama (Vishnu's incarnation), Sita (Rama's wife and incarnation of goddess Lakshmi - wife of Vishnu) and Lakshmana (Rama's brother).
Transportation By air: Mumbai is the closest airport around 75 km from Vajreshwari.
By rail: The nearest rail station for Vajreshwari from the Eastern Suburbs of Mumbai is Thane Station. Thane is around 34 km from Vajreshwari. The nearest rail station from the Western Suburbs of Mumbai is Vasai Road Station.
By road: Vajreshwari is easily accessible from the national highway through all the major cities in Maharashtra.
Many buses ply regularly to Vajreshwari from Thane and Vasai Road Station. There are lots of extra and special buses organized by the Maharashtra State Transport during holidays and special festivals.
Wikipedia
The primary deity of the temple, Vajreshvari (vajreśvari), also spelled Vajreshvari, also known as Vajrábái and Vajrayogini, is considered an incarnation of goddess Parvati or Aadi-Maya on earth. Her name literally means "the lady of the Vajra (thunderbolt)". There are two legends about the goddess' origins, both associated with the Vajra.
Thousands of years ago, a Rakshasa (demon) named Kalikala or Kalikut troubled the rishis (sages) and humans in the region of Vadvali and waged a war against the devas (gods). Distressed the gods and sages headed by Vashishta performed the Chandi yajna, a fire offering to the Goddess, to please Her. An aahuti (offering of ghee in yajna) was not granted to Indra (king of devas). Enraged, Indra hurled his Vajra - one of most powerful weapons in Hindu mythology- at the yajna. The terrified gods and sages prayed to the Goddess to save them. The Goddess appeared in all her glory at the site and not only swallowed the Vajra and humbled Indra but also killed the demons. Rama requested the Goddess that she should stay in the region of Nagarkot and be known as Vajreshvari. Thus, the Vajreshvari temple was established in this region.
Another legend says that Indra and other devas went to goddess Parvati and requested her to help slay the demon Kalikala. Goddess Parvati assured that she would come to their aid at the right time and ordered them to fight with the demon. In the battle, Kalikala swallowed or broke all weapons thrown at him. Finally, Indra threw the Vajra at the demon, which Kalikala broke into pieces and from the Vajra, emerged the Goddess, who destroyed the demon. The devas extolled her as Vajreshwari and built her temple.
Another legend says that after Goddess Sati sacrificed herself in the honor of Lord Shiva in her Fathers Yagya. Shiva took her body on his shoulder and started Tandav. In order to stop him from destroying the world Lord Vishnu divided the body of Sati into 52 parts with his Chakra. The left breast of Sati fell at this spot, thus making it a Shakti Peeth.
The town of Vajreshwari - on banks of river Tansa - lies in Bhiwandi city, Thane district, Maharashtra, India and 31 km away from the nearest railway station of Vasai. The temple is located near the post office of Vajreshwari town, on the Mandagiri hillock, which was formed out of a volcanic eruption and is surrounded by hills on all sides.
Vajreshwari Temple is located in Maharashtra
Vajreshwari Temple
Location in Maharashtra
Coordinates: 19°29′12″N 73°1′33″ECoordinates: 19°29′12″N 73°1′33″E
Name
Proper name: Shree Vajreshwari Yogini Devi Mandir
Location
Country: India
State: Maharashtra
District: Thane
Location: Vajreshwari (town)
Architecture and culture
Primary deity: Vajreshwari
Number of temples: 2
History
Date built:
(Current structure) 1739
Creator: Chimaji Appa
The Shree Vajreshwari Yogini Devi Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Vajreshwari, located in the town Vajreshwari, 75 km away from Mumbai. The town, earlier known as Vadvali, was renamed Vajreshwari in honour of the presiding deity of the temple.
The main gate entrance has a Nagarkhana or drum house and is built similar to Bassein fort entrance. The temple is also surrounded by a stone wall like a fort. Fifty-two stone steps are to be climbed to reach the main shrine. A golden tortoise is carved on one of the steps and worshipped as Kurma, the tortoise incarnation of Vishnu.
The main shrine has three sections: the main inner sanctum (Garbha gṛha), another sanctum and a pillared mandapa (assembly hall). The Grabha-griha houses six idols. The saffron murti (idol) of goddess Vajreshwari with a sword and a gada (mace) in her right and left hands respectively and a trisula (trident) besides her, stands in the centre. Murtis of goddess Renuka (Parshurama's mother) with a sword and a lotus in her hands, goddess Saptashrungi Mahalakshmi of Vani and a tiger, goddess Vajreshwari's vahana or mount; are to the left of goddess Vajreshwari. On her right are the murtis of goddess Kalika (the village goddess) with a lotus and a kamandalu (water pot) and Parshurama armed with a parshu (axe). The goddesses are adorned with silver jewelry, crowns and stand on silver lotuses and are sheltered by silver umbrellas. The sanctum outside the Garbhagriha has idols of Ganesha, Bhairava, Hanuman and local deities like Moraba devi. The assembly hall has a bell, which devotees ring when entering the shrine and a marble lion, also believed to be the goddess' mount. A Yajna kunda (a structure in which a fire offering is done) is outside the assembly hall.
Smaller shrines in temple premises are dedicated to Kapileshwar Mahadeva (Shiva), Datta, Hanuman and saints of Giri Gosavi sect. A peepal tree in front of the Hanuman shrine, has assumed a form of Ganesha and is worshipped as the deity. The samādhi (tomb) of the 17th century Giri Gosavi saint Godhadebuwa is further atop the Gautam hill, behind the Mandagiri hillock.
Temple festivals The temple celebrates Navaratri (nine nights dedicated to worship of Hindu Goddesses) once from the first day of fortnight of waxing moon of Hindu month of Chaitra (March) to the ninth day of Ram Navami and then from the first day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Ashvin (October) to the 10th day Vijayadashami.
A huge fair in honour of Goddess Vajreshwari is held on Amavasya (new moon day) in the month of Chaitra. The fair commences on the 14th day of fortnight of waning moon of the month with ceremonial worship of the Goddess. On Amavasya at night, lamps are worshipped. On the next day, the first day of Hindu month Vaisakha, the ceremonial procession with a Palkhi (palanquin) carrying an image of the goddess, is taken out.
Other festivals the temple celebrates are Shiva worship in Hindu month of Shravana; Kojagiri Poornima - full moon day of Hindu month Ashvin; Diwali (festival of lights); Holi (festival of colours); Datta Jayanti (birthday of the deity Datta); Hanuman Jayanti (birthday of monkey god Hanuman) and Godhadebuwa Jayanti (birthday of the saint Godhadebuwa).
Administration The temple is taken care of by the Shree Vajreshwari Yogini Devi Public Trust. The members of the Giri Gosavi sect are members of the trust and have been responsible for worship and maintenance of the shrine since its establishment in 1739.
Hot springs There are around twenty-one hot water springs, in a five-kilometer radius of the temple. According to tradition, the hot water is the blood of demons and giants, slain by goddess Vajreshwari.[2] Though according to scientists, their proximity to the former volcano in the region accounts for their creation. Pilgrims who visit the temple also have a holy bath in the springs, which are referred to as kundas in Sanskrit and are named after Hindu deities like Surya (sun-god), Chandra(moon-god), Agni (fire-god), Vayu (wind-god), Rama (Vishnu's incarnation), Sita (Rama's wife and incarnation of goddess Lakshmi - wife of Vishnu) and Lakshmana (Rama's brother).
Transportation By air: Mumbai is the closest airport around 75 km from Vajreshwari.
By rail: The nearest rail station for Vajreshwari from the Eastern Suburbs of Mumbai is Thane Station. Thane is around 34 km from Vajreshwari. The nearest rail station from the Western Suburbs of Mumbai is Vasai Road Station.
By road: Vajreshwari is easily accessible from the national highway through all the major cities in Maharashtra.
Many buses ply regularly to Vajreshwari from Thane and Vasai Road Station. There are lots of extra and special buses organized by the Maharashtra State Transport during holidays and special festivals.
Wikipedia
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