TULJAPUR - BHAVANI

Unlike the other shrines of Maharashtra, the devi is supposed to be asleep during certain periods of the year. These periods are not quite extensive nor are they too many in number. The first period of rest is of seven days, from the eighth day of the second or vadya fortnight of the month of Bhadrapad to the last day or on monday of the same month. The next recess is during the next month and is shorter than the first. It is of only four days. From the eleventh day of the first fortnight to the full-moon dav of the month of Asbvin the devi is asicep. The third period of rest is during the month of Pausha. This rest for seven days, from the first day of the month of Pausha tothe eighth. But for these eighteen days the devi is Supposed to be constantly awake. Before and after each 'nidra' or rest session a goat is sacrificed before the goddess. There is no smaller replica or utsava murti in this temple and as such, it is the main image itself that is rested. Near the central mandap there is the devi's bed-room. Here a luxurious bed-stead, with a good deal of work on it, is placed. This was pre. sented to the deity by the Kolhapur prince. The image is placed in a reclining position on this bed-stead during the rest periods. Darshan is not prohibited during the nidra, although no other rites are performed.

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