History of temple
This temple dates back to the Peshwa era of the Maratha empire around 250 years ago.
Shri Chamunda devi is originally from Mysore (Karnataka).
During the war between Peshwa and Tipu Sultan in Shrirangapatnam (Karnataka),
soldiers from Vadgaon and forefathers of Potnis family fought very bravely and hugely contributed towards the victory of Peshwa.
During the war, while staying in the camps, Chamunda devi appeared in the dream of then Potnis forefather and as vision she gave,
the idol is to be found buried under the ground at a specific location.
The idol was ceremonially brought to Vadgaon by Potnis after the victory and its Pranpratishthapana (establishment of life force)
was done and present day temple was built.
This temple is an excellent example of Maratha architecture. The whole temple is built with stone, lime and wood. The entrance of the temple faces north direction while the devi faces the east direction. Garbhagruh (Sanctum Sanctorum) and the Mandap (central hall) is completely built in stone while the tower of the peak (Shikhar) houses idols of various devatas. The Sabhamandap (assembly hall) has stone flooring and wooden pillars. There is a provision for a fountain. An idol of Nandi is placed in front of Devi.Nandi in front of Devi is a unique feature. Four handed (Chaturbhooj) Shri Chamunda devi sits on a lion with various weapons in her hands. Devi is blood red coloured and she can be seen killing Mahishasura. There are three circular Yantras placed below the throne of Devi.These represent Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati in order. These Yantras were installed before Pranpratishthapana with appropriate Mantras (Chantings). Chamunda devi is Trigunatmak i.e. combination of Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. This is a jagrut devasthana with enormous cosmic energy. The Garbhagruh has no windows. This creates cosmic energy in the atmosphere as the mantra resonates.
Characteristics of temple
This temple is an excellent example of Maratha architecture. The whole temple is built with stone, lime and wood. The entrance of the temple faces north direction while the devi faces the east direction. Garbhagruh (Sanctum Sanctorum) and the Mandap (central hall) is completely built in stone while the tower of the peak (Shikhar) houses idols of various devatas. The Sabhamandap (assembly hall) has stone flooring and wooden pillars. There is a provision for a fountain. An idol of Nandi is placed in front of Devi.Nandi in front of Devi is a unique feature. Four handed (Chaturbhooj) Shri Chamunda devi sits on a lion with various weapons in her hands. Devi is blood red coloured and she can be seen killing Mahishasura. There are three circular Yantras placed below the throne of Devi.These represent Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati in order. These Yantras were installed before Pranpratishthapana with appropriate Mantras (Chantings). Chamunda devi is Trigunatmak i.e. combination of Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. This is a jagrut devasthana with enormous cosmic energy. The Garbhagruh has no windows. This creates cosmic energy in the atmosphere as the mantra resonates.
