Baladevi Temple

Balapur, Taluka Balapur, District Akola

The seat of Shri Tripurasundari, who is the symbol of Shri Lakshmi and the deity of Shri Yantra, is located in Balapur Taluka. Bhagwati Shodashi, who holds the third position among the Dashamahavidyas, resides here in the form of Bala Tripurasundari. This Swayambhu (self-manifested) Goddess, famous as Baladevi, is situated on a high hill near the confluence of the two northward-flowing rivers, Mankarnika (Man) and Mahesha (Mhas), in Vidarbha. On the two days of 21 March and 21 September, the rays of the rising sun fall directly upon this Swayambhu idol. Devotees believe that this awakened Goddess fulfills all desires.

According to Hindu Puranas, Kali, Tara, Tripurasundari (Shodashi), Bhuvaneshwari, Chhinnamasta, Tripurabhairavi, Dhumavati, Bagalamukhi, Matangi, and Kamala are considered the Dashamahavidyas. Bhagwati Shodashi has three forms: Shri Bala Tripurasundari (Bala Tripura), Maha Tripura Sundari, and Shri Lalita Tripurasundari (Shrividya). Shri Bala Tripurasundari is considered the deity of Shri Yantra. Worshipping this Yantra is equivalent to worshipping the Goddess. The original name of the Goddess here is Baladevi. In the 22nd chapter of the Lalita Pathyayana in the Brahmanda Purana, the story of Baladevi destroying the demon Bhandasura and his 30 sons is mentioned. In the ‘Agama Granthas’, there is mention of stotras such as ‘Bala Sahasranama’, ‘Shri Bala Ashtottara Shatanam’, ‘Shri Bala Kavach’, and ‘Shri Bala Makaranda Stavan’.

Balapur, situated at the confluence of the Man and Mhas rivers, possesses a rich history. During the Bahmani era, Balapur served as a station for local administrators. In the Mughal period, it held significance as a strategic location on the route from the Deccan to the North. Akbar conquered Balapur in the year 1594. In the sixteenth-century text ‘Ain-i-Akbari’, meaning ‘Administration of Akbar’, written by Abul Fazl, Balapur is mentioned as a prosperous province. Before ascending the throne of Delhi, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb resided here as Subahdars of the Deccan. The grand fort here is constructed of bricks and is considered the strongest fort in Vidarbha. Aurangzeb’s son, Azam Shah, began the construction of this fort in 1721. Records indicate that its work was completed in 1757 by Nawab Ismail Khan of the then Elichpur (present-day Achalpur in Amravati). Adjacent to this fort, which has witnessed the history of the Mughals and the Nizams, lies the ancient temple of Bala Devi on the southern side. It is said that the city derives its name, Balapur, from this Goddess. At one time, Balapur was known as the largest marketplace in Vidarbha.

The temple of Bala Devi, the presiding deity of Balapur, is situated on a hill of medium height. It is said that evidence exists showing the Goddess has resided on this hill since before the eleventh century. Samarth Ramdas Swami stayed on this hill for three days before proceeding to Orgaon. It is said that before leaving for Orgaon, he consecrated the ‘Vari Hanuman’ here. To the east of the hill, in front of the temple, flows the Mankarnika (Man) river, while to the west of the hill (behind the temple) flows the Mhas river. Three-quarters of a kilometer from here, these northward-flowing rivers meet. On the hill, there are many ancient trees such as Banyan, Audumbar, and Ashoka.

Nestled in a scenic environment, the premises of this temple are peaceful and serene. From the entrance at the foothills, one ascends 55 steps to enter the temple courtyard. In the courtyard, in front of the temple, stands a stone lamp pillar. This temple, which previously stood on wooden pillars, was renovated in 1978. The structure of the temple consists of a Mukhamandapa (entrance hall), a Sabhamandapa (assembly hall), and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). One enters the Mukhamandapa of the temple, which is situated on a high plinth, by climbing five steps. There are railings on both sides of the steps, topped with pillars. This entire Mukhamandapa is made of marble. In the enclosed Sabhamandapa, a queue system has been arranged to manage the crowd of devotees. In the Garbhagriha, there is an idol of the Goddess in the form of a Tandala (stone), smeared with vermilion. The idol has two eyes, a nose, and lips. The Goddess wears a crown on her head, a nose ring, and a crescent moon on her forehead. In the center of this crescent moon is an ‘Om’. There is exquisite craftsmanship on the Prabhavali (halo) behind the idol. The square roof of this temple features a dome-shaped Shikhara. Sculptures of various deities, as well as animals and birds, are carved onto this dome. At the pinnacle of the Shikhara, there is a two-tiered Amalaka and a Kalasha.

Hundreds of devotees come to seek the blessings of this awakened Goddess. The Sharadiya Navaratri festival is the largest festival celebrated here. During this festival, the temple premises take on the appearance of a pilgrimage site. On the first day of this festival, Ghatasthapana is performed here. During the festival, Maha Puja and Maha Abhisheka of the Goddess are performed. Religious programs such as Bhajan, Kirtan, and Gondhal are also organized. On the day of Vijayadashami, the Goddess’s palanquin procession, Simollanghan, is carried out. A large crowd of devotees gathers to witness this ceremony. Balapur is a Muslim-majority city. 87 percent of the population here is Muslim. They also actively participate in the festivals held at this temple.

Useful Information:

• 1 km away from Balapur bus stand
• ST bus service available to Balapur from many cities in the district
• Private vehicles can reach up to the temple
• Accommodation and breakfast facilities are available in the vicinity
• Contact: Priest, Mob. 9595952361