Ekvira Devi Temple: History and Significance
Ekvira Devi temple is located in Lonavala, Western Maharashtra, India, close to the Karla Caves. It is a prominent religious temple, particularly for the Koli community in Maharashtra. To obtain the blessings of Ekvira Devi, who is revered as a goddess of protection and wish fulfilment, devotees travel to the temple. The temple, which is housed in a structure resembling a cave, is a significant place with extraordinary religious importance.
Ekvira Devi Temple History
The history goes back to the period of Mahabharata. When Pandavas were in exile, they spent around 14 years in the forest. As part of this, they were required to stay hidden for a year. If they get caught, they are required to repeat the entire tenure. One day, Devi Parvati came into their dream. She asked them to build the temple. So, Pandavas honoured that. They built the mighty temple in the middle of the forest in no time which surprised the goddess. That also pleased Maa Parvati and she blessed them. As per her boon, no one could find them during the tenure of their exile.
Significance of Ekvira Devi Temple
Ekvira Devi temple is extremely significant. Not only for natives of Maharashtra but beyond that as well. Visiting the temple pleases Devi and she fulfils the wishes of the devotees.
It also has an association with festivals such as Navratri and Gauri Puja. These are celebrated by locals with great joy. Some of the festivals celebrated at the temple are:
Mahashivratri
Mahashivatri is a day dedicated to the epitome of consciousness – Bhagwan Shiva. It is one of the most significant days for Hindus around the world. On this day, bhaktas or devotees observe fast, visit Shiva temple (especially Jyotirlinga) and do Shiva mantra chanting, puja and meditation.
Ekvira Devi temple is one of the famous places people visit on this auspicious day. They come and offer puja here. On this day, the temple is decorated beautifully with lights and decorations. People stay awake at late night and do puja at the temple.
Holi
The most colourful and playful festival of all, Holi is a celebration of the victory of good over evil. It tells us that no matter what, truth and Dharma prevail at the end, always.
The history of Ekvira temple’s Holi celebration is ancient. It is a celebration of Bhakt Prahlada’s win over Hiranyakashyap. Prahlad was the son of demon king Hiranyakashyap, but since he was a staunch devotee of Vishnu Bhagwan, Hiranyakashyap did not like him and wanted to burn him alive, but failed. Instead, Hiranyakashyap was killed by Narasimha Avatar (incarnation of Bhagwan Vishnu or Narayan, one of the Tridevs)
On the day of Holi, people gather at the temple. They light bonfires with friends and family, sing and perform dance. It is also marked by playing with gulal.
Ganesh Chaturthi
When one speaks of Ganesh Chaturthi, the first state to come to mind is Maharashtra. The celebrations here are unmatched. Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the deity of wisdom and prosperity. It is significant for invoking Lord Ganesha’s blessings and seeking his guidance to overcome obstacles and bring success.
Devotees visit the temple on this day to pray, conduct poojas and aartis, and take part in cultural events and celebrations. Bhagwan Ganesha is worshipped during the ten-day festival in both homes and public places. The Ekvira temple stairs are home to a number of vendors selling phool, diya, tel and other offerings for the temple during this festival.
Navratri
Navratri is a 9-day celebration of the victory of the good against evil. On these days, Maa Durga is worshipped as the deity of power, wisdom and energy. The Ekvira temple is dedicated to the worship of the Hindu deity Durga and her nine manifestations.
During Navratri, a large number of devotees attend the temple to offer prayers and carry out rituals in order to obtain the Goddess’s blessings. The festival also has individuals engaging in a variety of cultural activities, including fasting, dancing and singing religious songs.
The temple is a major destination for tourism as well. People from all over the India and world come here, for its marvellous beauty. Being surrounded by hills all around, the location is also great.
Temples or places of worship are important. Some people believe one can be closest to God in these places. Ekvira Devi temple is one such place. Try to visit it on the next auspicious occasion and get closer to the Goddess of Shakti.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can one reach the Ekvira temple?
A: Pune airport is the nearest. It is situated at a distance of 62 km. One can hire a bus or a taxi to reach the Ekvira temple. Lonavala railway station is situated at a distance of 42 km. From there, one can take a taxi or a bus to the temple.
The temple has around 500 steps. It is a part of Hinduism; devotees are expected to climb the steps as part of devotion. It is considered a physical manifestation of a soul’s journey for the and to the divine.
Q. What is the story behind the Ekvira Aai temple?
A. The present Ekvira Aai Temple has a more than 400-year history. Shivaji Maharaj, the Maratha warrior king, erected the temple as a devotion to the goddess Ekvira.
The Ekvira Aai temple is open for darshan between 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
