It was in the evening hours when I set out to visit the Yogeshwari Devi temple in Ambajogai, along with our group of fellow pilgrims. This is a revered Shaktipeeth in Beed district of Maharashtra, where people come from far and near to take the blesssings of Goddess Yogeshwari. The presiding deity of this ancient temple is a manifestation of Adishakti, the primordial Mother Goddess.
The expansive temple complex with its large entrance is in contrast with the small chamber/hall one steps into, leading to the sanctum sanctorum. And, as I walked through the stone pillared chamber, it’s as if I had stepped into another world altogether, going back to centuries. The silver painted stone walls and pillars are ancient, but have been preserved well.
As I took in my surroundings, moving ahead through the queue of devotees, I suddenly found myself before the beautiful form of Goddess Yogeshwari, who is often referred to as the Goddess of Yoga. Though I had seen the photographs before, her visage took my breath away as I stood in front transfixed by her astonishing form, resplendent with her golden eyes, oraments and flowers adorning her head. I stood almost dumbstruck, in awe of her majesty, palpably feeling the vibrant sacred energy of the place, and my heart swelled with gratitude.
I felt more blessed when the priest placed in my hands a gajra (string of flowers) from among the many adorning the Goddess’ head, along with a coconut and some prasad.
Yogeshwari Devi is known to fulfill the desires of her devotees, for me there could be no greater blessing than to have been called in 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 worlds. For the uninitiated, the Shaktipeeths are the temples of Adishakti, as many as 51 in number, that can be found across the Indian subcontinent.
The town of Ambajogai derives 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 could not be complete without visiting 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 here is located in a little garden.
There was no one there when I, along with my mother, stepped in through the gates. The atmosphere swirled with the fragrance of flowers, as we walked on the narrow path leading to the temple. This was the very first time I was visiting a Kaal Bhairav temple, so the moment was special for me. Inside, the dark idol of Bhairav stood in all simplicity with his vahan (mount), Shvan (dog). As I paid my respects to the God of Time (kaal), I heard the distant sound of bells, and could feel the divinity of the moment.
A short distance from the Yogeshwari Devi temple is one of the most visited temples of Shiva, Parli Vaijanath Jyotirling. Most visitors make a day trip to Ambajogai to visit these two sacred temples. Other important heritage sites here include the the rock-cut Shivleni caves, Shree Kholeshwar temple and Barakhambi temple.
Important info:
How to reach: Ambajogai is well connected by state road transport buses and trains with the rest of Maharashtra. The nearest airports are Latur (53 kms), Naned (139 kms) and Aurangabad (221 kms).
Accommodation: There are limited hotels here, but the one we were staying at, Hotel Piyush Inn, is probably the best option.