It was in the evening hours when I went to visit the Yogeshwari Devi Temple in Ambajogai along with our group of fellow pilgrims. This is a revered Shaktipeeth in the Beed district of Maharashtra, where people come from far and wide to receive the blessings of Goddess Yogeshwari. The presiding deity of this ancient temple is a manifestation of Adishakti, the primordial mother goddess.
The extensive temple complex with its grand entrance contrasts with the small room/hall where you enter and which leads to the sanctum sanctorum. And as I walked through the stone-pillared room, it was as if I had stepped into another world entirely, stretching back centuries. The silver-painted stone walls and pillars are old, but well preserved.
As I took in my surroundings, walking through the line of devotees, I suddenly found myself standing before the beautiful form of Goddess Yogeshwari, who is often called the Goddess of Yoga. Although I had seen the photos before, her face was breathtaking as I stood at the front, captivated by her amazing form, resplendent with her golden eyes, ornaments and flowers adorning her head. I stood almost dumbfounded, in awe of her majesty, as I palpably felt the vibrant sacred energy of the place, and my heart swelled with gratitude.
I felt more blessed when the priest shook my hand Gajra (flower garland) among the many that adorn the head of the Goddess, along with a coconut and wat Prasad.
Yogeshwari Devi is known to fulfill the desires of her devotees, for me there can be no greater blessing than to have been called into her presence.
I could almost feel the energy tangibly permeating my being. Yes, the Yogeshwari Devi Shaktipeeth makes you feel connected to the supreme divine feminine, the Mother Goddess of the Universe, who pervades our inner and outer world. For the uninitiated, the Shaktipeeths are the temples of Adishakti, numbering as many as 51, found throughout the Indian subcontinent.
The town of Ambajogai takes its name from the word Amba (Parvati), one of the many names of the Mother Goddess. And like all other Shaktipeeths, a visit to the temple of the Universal Mother cannot be complete without a visit to the temple of the Universal Father (Shiva), manifested as Kaal Bhairav. As if guarding the entrance to the temple of his divine consort, the small Kaal Bhairav temple is located here in a small garden.
There was no one there when I stepped through the gate with my mother. The atmosphere swirled with the scent of flowers as we walked along the narrow path leading to the temple. This was my very first time visiting a Kaal Bhairav temple, so the moment was special for me. Inside, Bhairav’s dark idol stood in complete simplicity next to his small (mountain), Shvan (dog). As I paid my respects to the God of Time (weight), I heard the sound of bells in the distance and could feel the divinity of the moment.
A short distance from the Yogeshwari Devi Temple lies one of the most visited temples of Shiva, Parli Vaijanath Jyotirling. Most visitors take a day trip to Ambajogai to visit these two holy temples. Other important heritage sites here include the rock-cut Shivleni Caves, Shree Kholeshwar Temple and Barakhambi Temple.
Important information:
How to reach: Ambajogai is well connected to the rest of Maharashtra via state road transport buses and trains. The nearest airports are Latur (53 km), Naned (139 km) and Aurangabad (221 km).
Accommodation: There are a limited number of hotels here, but the hotel we stayed at, Hotel Piyush Inn, is probably the best option.
