Karla Caves and Ekvira Devi Temple Information
Karla Leni and Ekvira Devi Temple Information in English
Ekvira Devi
Location:
These caves were carved and sculpted in the Sahyadri mountain range at Borghat, in Maval Taluka of Pune District, Maharashtra State.
• In ancient times, trade was carried out from Nalasopara via Kalyan to Borghat and through other ghat routes with cities such as Ter and Bhokardan.
Travel Route to Visit Karla Caves:
• Pune and Mumbai are major cities of India and are located very close to Karla.
• One can reach Karla Caves by getting down at Karla Phata while traveling by Pune–Mumbai bus.
• By Pune–Lonavala local train, one can get down at Malavli Station and from there reach the Karla hill foothill temple by rickshaw or other vehicles through the arch near the highway.
Tourist Attractions in the Karla Region:
• At the foothills below Karla hill, there is a vehicle parking facility. One can park the vehicle there and directly reach the foothill temple.
Ekvira Devi Foothill Temple:
• According to legend, the Goddess came down to the foothills for the devotees’ darshan. Therefore, the foothill temple was built at this place.
• Here, devotees can see the sacred footprints (Charan Paduka) and the beautiful idol of the Goddess.
• Many devotees take darshan here and then proceed for further travel.
Stairway Path Behind the Temple:
• Behind the foothill temple, a stairway path begins.
• Many devotees bow at the first step and proceed ahead chanting “Aai Ekvira cha Udo Udo Udo.”
• This path is easy to walk on, though slightly strenuous.
Stairway Path and Shops:
• Ekvira Devi is a sacred religious place for Hindus.
• Devotees purchase offerings and items while going for darshan and while returning.
• Therefore, many shops can be seen along this route.
Waterfall:
• While moving ahead on the stairway path, a small waterfall is encountered on the way.
• During the monsoon season, this waterfall flows abundantly, while in summer its water level reduces.
• In summer, the sweet and pleasant water of this waterfall tastes refreshing.
• Ekvira Devi Paduka Temple:
After proceeding a short distance ahead, a temple built on a rock can be seen. On this rock, the footprints of the Goddess are carved. A temple has been constructed at this very spot.
In this area, the vehicle parking path and the stairway path merge together.
• Steep Ascending Stairway Path:
From the Goddess’s Charan Paduka Temple, the actual climb begins. This route is physically exhausting and strenuous.
• Spacious Courtyard and Puja Material Stalls:
After climbing up, a large open courtyard is encountered. At this place, stalls are available for devotees who come for Goddess darshan to purchase puja materials. After buying puja items here, devotees proceed further for darshan.
• Ticket Counter:
From this point, devotees can take tickets and proceed ahead for darshan. A charge of ₹25 per person is collected.
• Nagarkhana:
After carrying puja materials and moving further ahead, the Nagarkhana can be seen. This is the place where the ceremonial drum (Nagara) is played for the Goddess.
• Camphor Pillar:
Within the temple area, a small pillar can be seen, which is used for burning camphor.
• Babaji Maharaj Samadhi:
A samadhi is seen in the temple courtyard. This samadhi belongs to Babaji Maharaj.
• Assembly Hall (Sabhamandap):
Further ahead, the temple is situated adjoining the mountain cliff. Beyond it lies the darshan mandap, and further ahead is the sanctum. During the Goddess’s festivals, this place becomes extremely crowded.
• Sanctum (GarbhaGriha):
A beautiful frame is fitted at the entrance of the sanctum. Upon entering inside, a magnificent idol of Goddess Ekvira carved in black rock can be seen. The Goddess is adorned with a golden crown on her head, vermilion on her forehead, and symbols of marital prosperity. Merely beholding the idol fills the eyes with divine satisfaction.
This Goddess is worshipped in the form of a water deity. The Agri-Koli community are devoted followers of the Goddess. Additionally, Chandraseniya Kayastha Prabhu, Kunbi, and Devajna Brahmin communities also worship Ekvira Devi as their Kuldevi (family deity). She is believed to be a savior Goddess who removes hardships and troubles.
• Idol of Jogeshwari Mata:
Beside Ekvira Devi is the idol of Jogeshwari Mata, the wife of Goddess Ekvira’s brother, Kalbhairav. The relationship between Ekvira and Jogeshwari is that of sister-in-law.
• Legend and Belief:
Goddess Ekvira desired that her temple be constructed in a single night. During their exile, the five Pandavas worshipped Goddess Ekvira at this place. They carved the sanctum inside the mountain and created the idol in one night, performing the consecration ceremony.
At that time, Goddess Ekvira blessed them that no one would be able to identify them during their period of incognito exile. Thereafter, the Goddess became a permanent resident of this sacred place.
With the blessings of Lord Shiva, Parashuram Mata, Goddess Renuka, manifested here in the form of Goddess Ekvira.
• Beliefs of Agri–Koli and Other Communities:
People from the Agri–Koli community and other communities take vows (mannat / navas) to the Goddess. They come here to fulfill their vows and offer a rooster at the Goddess’s temple.
• Family Deity of the Thackeray Family:
Goddess Ekvira is the family deity (Kuldevi) of Balasaheb Thackeray’s lineage, that is, the Thackeray family.
• Complete Circumambulation Not Possible:
A full circumambulation (pradakshina) of this temple is not possible.
• Champak (Chafa) Tree:
A Champak (Chafa) tree can be seen in the temple courtyard. Devotees of the Goddess worship this tree.
• Caves:
Behind the Ekvira Devi Temple, Buddhist caves can be seen.
• Lion Pillar (Simha Stambha):
To visit the caves behind the temple, a ticket must be taken. Moving ahead, pillars can be seen. At various places, there are tall pillars approximately 45 feet high. On the upper portion, wheels (chakras), decorative carvings, and lion figures at the top can be seen.
This pillar resembles the pillar at Sarnath. Beside it, beautifully carved as well as incomplete pillars can also be seen.
• Elephant Sculptures:
Behind the pillar, elephant sculptures can be seen. Due to attacks by antisocial elements over time, some of these sculptures have been damaged.
• Mithuna Sculptures:
At this place, some Mithuna sculptures depicting amorous scenes of male and female figures can also be seen.
• Sculptures of Gautama Buddha and His Disciples:
While viewing the caves, sculptures carved of Gautama Buddha and his disciples can also be seen.
• Chaityagriha and Stupa:
Behind the Lion Pillar, a Chaityagriha can be seen. These are Buddhist caves. Exquisite latticed arches, several side pillars inside, semicircular arches above, and beautiful carvings are visible.
In the central portion, a carved stupa is present, above which a beautiful wooden structure can be seen. A sculpture of Gautama Buddha seated on a lotus is also visible.
• Cave Number 2:
This cave is in an incomplete state.
• Buddha Idol and Meditation Chambers:
At this place, a sculpture of Gautama Buddha can be seen. It appears that these chambers were created for monks and nuns who propagated Buddhism, for worship, meditation, and residence. During rest periods, Buddhist preachers also used to read Buddhist scriptures here.
• Panoramic View:
After viewing the meditation chambers and proceeding upward via the stairway path, several Buddhist caves as well as a panoramic view of the Ekvira Devi Temple courtyard and surrounding area can be seen.
Historical Information of Karla Caves and Ekvira Devi Temple
• According to devotees and priests here, many religious texts mention that Goddess Ekvira manifested at this place.
• The Ekvira Devi Temple at this site was constructed by the Pandavas during the Dwapara Yuga.
• Between the 1st and 5th centuries CE, these caves were carved under the patronage of local rulers of that period.
• Several inscriptions are carved at this site, in which Brahmi script is found.
• Message Inscribed in the Chaityagriha:
“Vejayantito sethina Bhutapalena selagharam parinitthapitam Jambudipamhi uttamam.”
Meaning:
During fort trekking, you need various essential items. You can explore and purchase them through the links below.
Information Derived from the Sculptures
• From the sculptures, it is evident that women of that era covered their heads with a pallu and wore garments wrapped around the waist, while men wore turbans (mundasa) and dhotis.
• Women applied vermilion (kumkum), which is evident from the tilak carved on the foreheads of the sculptures.
• Women wore ornaments such as ear flowers, multiple necklaces, beaded garlands, anklets, bangles, waist ornaments (mekhala), and other jewelry.
• Beautiful hairstyles were also prevalent during that time.
• Inscriptions here also mention ancient names of some villages that still exist today, such as:
Sopara (Soparakar), Karanjgaon (Karijak), Dahanu (Dhenukakat), Prabhas Tirtha in the Kathiawar region of Gujarat (Prabhas), North Karnataka (Vaijayanti), the Maval region (Mamalahare), carpentry work (Vadhaki), and traders of fragrant substances (Gandhaka).
• On 26 May 1909, the Government of India included the Karla Caves group in the list of historical heritage sites of Maharashtra State.
Thus concludes the complete information on Karla Caves and Goddess Ekvira Temple.
Karla Leni and Ekvira Devi Temple information in Marathi
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