The Yamai Devi Temple is situated in a hill complex in the town of Aundh, Satara district, Maharashtra, India.It is said that Goddess Mahalaxmi, God Jyotiba of Kolhapur and Sri Rama (Lord Vishnu) called her as "Ye Mai" (in Marathi) (ये माय / ये माई) which means "Mother, pls. come" in English. Hence, she is known as Yamai Devi. Devotees are used to come with pure heart into one of the Devi Yamai's temples and to find her blessing.
The Yamai temple is built on a small hill. The top of the hill can either be reached using steps that start at the bottom of the hill, or by car. There is a parking available at the top. The temple complex has the head of Rakshas Aundhasur, a well carved Nandi and a Shivling. The idol of the goddess, Yamai in black stone is almost two metres high and is in a cross-legged sitting position.
The temple is the family shrine (kula-daiwat) for a large number of Marathi families. The top of the temple has images and idols of various Hindu deities.
The town and the temple has been associated with the PantPratinidhi family for many centuries.The present head of this former ruling family, Gayatreedevi Pantpratinidhi, has installed a 7 kilograms (15 lb) solid gold kalash or crown on the pinnacle of the Yamai temple on the hill. Another temple of Devi Yamai is located in the town; apart from the one on the hill. The temple had an elephant for religious processions and ceremonies for more than fifty years. It was taken to an elephant sanctuary in 2017 because of health issues.
Shri Bhavani Museum
The temple complex also houses the Shri Bhavani Museum established from the private collection of the Maharajas of Aundh. The museum building is situated on the middle section of the temple hill. Visitors can reach the museum, both by steps and road. The museum holds paintings by noted 19th and 20th century Indian artists such as M. V. Dhurandhar, Baburao Painter, Madhav Satwalekar and Raja Ravi Varma as well as the famous Mother and Child stone structure by the British artist Henry Moore.
The Jyotiba premise is blessed with the presence of Mul (Origin) Maya Goddess Yamai. Earlier in South expedition, kedarnath and aundasur came across and had an extreme battle but as per the mythology the death of Aundhasur (Monster) has to happen by Goddess Yamai, Kedarnath called her as Yamai then she named as Goddess Yamai.
Shree Goddess Yamai killed aundhasur and cleared the way of Kedarnath towards south. This is happened in Aundh village in Satara District. To kill Aundhasur Goddess Mulmaya Yamai revealed herself on Kanthgiri Mountain hence it is called as Mulgiri.
After finishing the south expedition, Kedarnath went back to the Himalayas. At that time Goddess Mahalaxmi convinced Kedarnath and established a kingdom by crowning the King of Deccan Shree Jyotiba.
Meera Subramanian says,
The temple architecture and spiritual energy are amazing. Felt deeply connected.
Lakshmi Narayan says,
Every visit brings inner peace and strength. Jai Shri Ram ????
Suresh Kumar says,
The divine presence here is very powerful. A truly holy Swayambhu temple
Kavya Nair says,
Such a serene and spiritually uplifting temple. Felt calm and blessed.
Arjun Patel says,
A sacred place filled with devotion and history. Highly recommend visiting with family
Ananya Reddy says,
Blessed to have darshan here. The vibrations and positivity are beyond words.
Priya Iyer says,
An unforgettable spiritual experience. The atmosphere is so pure and peaceful.
Rahul Sharma says,
Felt divine energy as soon as I entered the temple. Truly a powerful Swayambhu kshetra. ????
All days :06:00 am - 08:30 am
Aundh, Maharashtra 415510
Contact : 082753 70028
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