TULJAPUR - BHAVANI

The Bhavani happens to be the kula-devata, the family deity of numerous families of Maharashtra; the most important of which was the family of the Bhosales to which Clihatrapati Shivaji belonged. It is a common custom among these families to.visit the place for the darshan of the devi after some auspicious occasion like child birth or marriage. It will be recalled that a similar Custom in existence in relation to the Mahalakshmi at Kolhapur. Several types of , ows are taken by the devotees before the goddess- There is no rule as to how the goddess should be satisfied. People come and ask for anything, for the cure of a disease, for averting some divine or supernatural curse, for begetting children, for proper marriage relationships and so on. As stated before, this day is known to be jagrit and hence is an object of Sakama-bhakti. Filling of the lap of the devi, the shearing of the locks of an infant, presentation of 11oral garments etc. are common forms. Some methods peculiar to this place are as follows, Till some hundred and fifty years ago, the slaughter of animals and drinking of liquor in the name of the goddess were quite common practices. But now these practices have fallen into disuse. To become a member of the Sampradaya of the devi, to signify one's entry into this sect one has to wear a pota, a cotton torch, a bamboo basket and a garland of Kavadis. Another method is known as, Bhade. An earthen pot is broken in two, in one part a handful of rice grains are put and upon this a lamp is lighted. The devotee who has to fulfil the navas takes this part on his head and goes to take the darshan of the devi. Then there is the Idandavat'. The person starts from the place where he is staying and goes to the temple, laying himself prostrate after some five steps. A similar rite is performed while circumarnbulating the shrine instead. Married women sprinkle kumkum in the entire courtyard of the temple and inside it. In the performances of most of the rites the services of the upadhyayas of the temple are necessary and the devotee has to pay fixed charges for particular rites he wants to perform. The lowest Tate for filling of the lap starts with a rupee and quarter and goes up to twenty-five rupees for the normal modes.

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