Tulja Bhavani Temple was constructed during the 12th century and devoted to Goddess Bhavani. The idol of this Goddess is a ‘Swayambhu’ which means self manifested and made of 1 m high granite stone. It has 8 arms that hold weapons which bear the head of the demon Mahishasura. Bhavani is well known as Turaja, Amba, Tvarita and Tulaja.

Architecture

The main temple has two entrances, one of which is called as Raja Shahaji Mahadwar while the other one is called Rajmata Jijavu. The main entrance of this temple is called as Sardar Nimbalkar Pravesh Dwar, which finds its way to Markandeya Rishi Temple falling on the right hand side.

A yagna kund can be found in front of the temple. The main gate floor has two libraries called as Shree Tukaram Dharmik and Santh Dnyaneshwar Dharmik library.

Once you come down the stairs, there is a Gomukh Theerth and Kalakh on the right, which are also known as Kallol Theerth. Devotees can take a dip at these theerths before soaking into darshan of Goddess Bhavani. There is a Siddhi Vinayak Temple on the left side and Aadimata Matangadevi Temple on the right side of the main gate. There are a number of legendary stories that surround the temple.

Pooja Timings

The morning puja starts at 5 am when large drums are played thrice in a day. Charantirtha puja is conducted by the Mahant, which is carried out by washing the Goddess’ mouth and feet with hot water, milk and fragrant oil. An aarti is sung by devotees in unison. After that, Nevaidya or holy meal is presented to the Goddess.

The Goddess is then given a bath of curd and Panchamrut at about 9 am in the morning and served banana, honey and sugar. Some people bathe the seat here with mango juice, shrikhand and curd. The Mahanaiveya is given after a bath.

At noon time, devotees sing holy songs and light camphor and incense. The goddess is again bathed using Gomukh water and panchamrut. The Prakkshal ritual is done at night by using Gomukh water and Nevaidya of ghee. Thereafter, cooked rice is offered to the Goddess. Musical instruments like dimdi, zanj and tal are played while performing every puja ritual.

How to Reach

Devotees can reach this temple by rail, road or airways. Pilgrims belonging to the southern parts can reach this area by road via Naladurga. Pilgrims who belong to the eastern and northern regions can reach this place by taking a highway via Latur or Nagpur. Private and state bus services are there from the adjoining states. Solapur station is the closest railway station to this place.