Bhangsi Mata Temple

Bhangsi Gad, Taluka and District Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Bhangsi Gad or Bhangsai Gad is situated just eight kilometers away from Devgiri Fort, the capital of the Yadava kingdom, which was known as Seundesh in ancient times. The ancient temple of Bhangsi Mata here is a place of faith for thousands of devotees. The fort is named Bhangsi Gad because of this temple. Bhangsi Mata, the better half of Lord Shiva, is known as the Goddess who destroys the fears of worldly existence. Devotees believe that Bhangsi Mata, who resides in a cave carved into the rock on this naturally beautiful fort, bestows her grace upon everyone.

On the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar-Daulatabad road, a medium-sized hill can be seen, separated from the Ajanta mountain range. Due to the flat surrounding area, this hill catches the eye immediately. The fort here is carved into the rock and stands at an altitude of 2700 feet above sea level. The remains of the fortifications visible near the entrance of the fort, the caves carved on the fort, and the water cisterns highlight the historical significance of the fort. Since the temple of Bhangsi Mata has been here since the construction of this fort, it has also attained religious importance. According to historical information, Devgiri and Bhangsi Gad are contemporary. There are not many records about the history of this fort. However, in the year 1296 AD, when Alauddin Khilji, who was the Subhedar of Kara-Manikpur at that time, attacked Devgiri, his first battle took place in Lasur Valley with Kanha, a feudatory chieftain of Ramdevray. From there, he came to the foothills of Bhangsi Gad. It is said that his army had camped here at that time.

Vehicles can reach the foothills of this fort. There are shops selling worship materials and small eateries here. Near the entrance gate at the foothills, there is the ashram of Shri 1008 Mahamandaleshwar Swami Parmanandgiri Maharaj, the ashram’s Gurukul, and the hut of Parmanandgiri Maharaj. One must climb 585 steps from the entrance gate to reach the fort. This path, which tests one’s physical endurance, takes approximately 45 minutes to reach the fort. The fort is rectangular in shape; however, not many remains of the fort are visible here. There are 11 small and large caves along the edges of this fort. During the Rashtrakuta period, caves were excavated on a large scale on the hills of Marathwada. During the same period, an attempt was made to carve caves at this temple site as well, but they were later left incomplete. This is evident from the rough carvings in these caves and grottos. In one of these caves lies the temple of Goddess Bhangasi.

Upon reaching the summit of the fort, one first sees a new temple built using cement-concrete. The structure of this temple consists of a front porch (Mukhamandapa), an open assembly hall (Sabhamandapa), and a sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha). Above the front porch is a rectangular structure with a sloping roof in the Dravidian architectural style. The assembly hall has a flat ceiling, and the sanctum has a tall, circular spire (Shikhara) topped with a golden-colored Amalaka and Kalasha. Below this new temple is the cave temple of Goddess Bhangasi. To reach it, there are 16 to 18 steps from the assembly hall of the new temple. Upon descending these steps into the cave, one immediately sees the assembly hall and the sanctum of the cave temple. This assembly hall, its stone pillars, and the sanctum are all carved from a single monolithic rock. In the sanctum, on a Vajrapitha, is the original vermilion-anointed, stone-shaped idol of Goddess Bhangasi. A Vajrapitha is a high pedestal upon which an idol is typically placed in a temple. Next to this idol, a new idol of the eight-armed Goddess Durga riding a lion has been installed. To the left of this sanctum, there is a very narrow and low-height tunnel carved into the rock. One has to crawl through it. After moving ahead, there is a spacious cave inside with ๒๕ pillars. This south-facing cave is carved in two levels. On the right side of this cave, there is a massive water cistern. In ancient times, the water supply for the fort’s garrison must have been provided from here. In one corner of this cave, an idol of Lord Ganesha, a Shiva Linga, and Nandi have been installed. This water cistern is known as the Sasu-Suneche Kund. There are such water cisterns at various places on the fort, and rock-cut caves can be seen elsewhere as well. The area of the Daulatabad (Devgiri) Fort is visible from this fort. It is said that in the past, a watch was kept on Devgiri from here.

At the foothills of Bhangsi Fort is the ‘Parmanand-Nadar, Sharanapur’ ashram of Shri ๑๐๐๘ Mahamandaleshwar Swami Parmanandgiri Maharaj. It houses the ‘Kutiya’ (hermitage) of Parmanandgiri Maharaj. After walking some distance inside through the entrance gate built of carved stones of the ashram, a large two-story building appears in front. The front of this building has been decorated like a palace. One enters the main porch of this building by climbing ๑๔ steps. Directly in front, in a room, is the place for Maharaj’s darshan. His throne is situated there. There is a residential Gurukul in this ashram. ๔๕० students are receiving regular education along with religious studies there. They are also taught lessons in meditation, Yoga, and Pranayama here. There is a grand meditation hall in the ashram premises, and a magnificent temple-like pedestal has been built there for Maharaj to sit. Sitting there, Parmanandgiri Ji Maharaj imparts teachings to the students as well as the disciples. There is also a plant nursery and a cowshed in the premises. It has about ๑๐๐ Gir breed cows. The milk of these cows is also provided to these students.

During the Navratri festival, a large number of devotees gather at this fort. The saying, “If you do not visit Bhangsi, what will you tell the Divine?” is popular here. Many devotees from the surrounding areas have a tradition of visiting Goddess Bhangsi for darshan once a year. The Navratri festival and Japa-Anushthan are organized in the presence of Parmanandgiri Maharaj. Additionally, during this period, various programs such as daily rituals, Aarti, discourses, and yoga sessions are conducted at the ashram.

Useful Information:

• ۱۹ km from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and ۱۰ km from Daulatabad
• ST bus service available from Daulatabad and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
• Private vehicles can reach the parking area at the foothills of the fort
• There are no lodging and boarding facilities in the vicinity
• It is necessary to carry water and food items while climbing the fort