Gaavdevi Temple

Mota Gaon-Thakurli, Taluka Kalyan, District Thane

Located in Devi Cha Pada, Mota Gaon in the Thakurli area of Dombivli East, the Gaavdevi Temple is revered as a *Jaagrut Devasthan* (living, divine shrine) of the region. The Goddess is renowned for fulfilling the vows (*navas*) of Her devotees and rushing to their aid whenever called. It is said that She is the presiding deity of seven hamlets (*padas*) in this region: Baicha Pada, Chichondyacha Pada, Kumbharkhan Pada, Bhongiryacha Pada, Devi Cha Pada, Nakticha Pada, and Chitoryacha Pada. A grand festival of the Goddess is celebrated on two days—Chaitra Krishna Saptami and Ashtami.

The temple legend recounts that the area around Dombivli and Thakurli, situated along the creek and now transformed into a metropolis, was once a dense forest. About 150 years ago, near a *Ranjani* tree in this forest, the *Swayambhu* (self-manifested) Goddess gave *darshan* to the villagers, seated upon a tiger. Stepping down from the tiger, She sat in a cradle. Thereafter, the villagers brought the Goddess into the village with music and fanfare in a palanquin (*palkhi*). They consecrated the black stone deity in a small tiled temple with a tin shed. Since tigers used to visit the temple premises in the past, the Goddess is also known as ‘Vyaghreshwari’. The temple underwent its first renovation in 1976. In 1984, railway construction work was underway near the temple, but it could not be completed despite many efforts. At that time, the Goddess appeared in a divine vision (*drishtant*) to the Parsi contractor in charge of the work, after which he renovated the temple. Following another renovation in 2004, the temple attained its present grand form.

There is also a legend regarding the tiger of the Goddess. A tiger from the Bhatla forest opposite the creek used to visit the temple premises every day. Before coming, it would let out a roar in the Bhatla forest. Upon reaching the temple premises, it would roar three times. Frightened by its presence, some people informed the British, who then killed the tiger. Following this, an epidemic spread through the village, claiming many lives. A few days later, based on a divine vision received by a villager, the villagers organized a community feast (*vanbhojan*), after which the epidemic came to an end.

The temple is located at an equal distance from both Dombivli and Thakurli railway stations. Constructed in marble, the temple features a large hall belonging to the temple trust adjacent to it, where auspicious events such as weddings and naming ceremonies are held. The temple has two spires (*shikharas*), adorned with sculptures of various deities and revered sages (*rishi-munis*). Ascending the stairs adjacent to the road and entering inside, one sees the shrine of the guardians on the left side of the courtyard. The entire courtyard is neatly paved with tiles.

The temple layout comprises an assembly hall (*sabhamandap*), a sanctum sanctorum (*garbhagriha*), and a circumambulation path (*pradakshina marg*) around it. Auspicious symbols such as the Swastika and Kalash are marked on the wall near the entrance of the *sabhamandap*. An idol of Lord Ganesha graces the lintel (*lalatbimba*) above the entrance. The hall has two entrance doors and two windows. To the left of the sanctum sanctorum stands an idol of Lord Ganesha, and in front of the sanctum sanctorum are the holy footprints (*padukas*) of the Goddess. Inside the sanctum sanctorum, placed within a large silver-plated canopy (*makhar*), is the vermillion-smeared idol carved from a single piece of stone, adorned with a golden mask (*mukhavta*) and jewelry. An idol of a tiger is positioned to the left of the Goddess. Trident (*trishul*) motifs are carved on both sides of the canopy, with an image of the Sun at the top. Every morning, after ritual bathing (*abhisheka*) with curd, milk, honey, and water, the Goddess is beautifully adorned. Hundreds of devotees visit daily to seek *darshan* and make vows.

A grand fair (*yatra*) and festival of the Goddess takes place on Chaitra Krishna Saptami and Ashtami. On the first day, after performing worship, two palanquins (*palkhis*) of the Goddess are taken out in procession through the village. On the second day, traditional honors (*maan*) are offered to the Goddess. Between 60,000 to 65,000 devotees seek *darshan* during the fair held on this day. Vows are pledged and fulfilled during this time. Women devotees offer *oti* (traditional ritual offering) with deep devotion. Since the Goddess is vegetarian, She is offered pure vegetarian *naivedya*. Roasted rice flour is rolled into *laddus* in the temple kitchen and offered as *naivedya* to the Goddess, while offerings of chickens and goats are made to other subordinate deities.

Navratri festival is also celebrated here with great enthusiasm. During all nine days, *Kakad Aarti* is performed during *Brahmamuhurta* (around 4:00 AM to 5:30 AM). After performing *abhisheka* to the Goddess at 5:00 AM, She is beautifully adorned. This is followed by *Veena Pujan* and *Haripath*. In the evening, *Kirtan* and *Bhajan* programs are organized. *Homa* (sacred fire ritual) is performed on Ashtami, followed by a community feast (*bhandara*) on Navami. The ritual immersion of the *Ghat* takes place on Dasara. An *Akhand Harinam Saptah* (continuous week-long chanting of God’s names) is held during this festival. The Gaavdevi Temple Sansthan also undertakes several social welfare initiatives. The trust organizes medical camps, eye check-up camps, and blood donation drives. Weddings for couples from underprivileged families are also conducted in the trust’s hall.

Useful Information:

• 2.5 km from Dombivli and Thakurli railway stations
• ST bus and train services available from many parts of the state
• Private vehicles can reach up to the temple parking area 
• Multiple options available nearby for accommodation and breakfast
• Contact: Sachin Mhatre, Priest, Mob. 9022377134