Ekvira Temple, Maharashtra

The Ekvira Aai Mandir is a Hindu temple located near the Karla Caves near Lonavala in Maharashtra, India. Here, the worship of the goddess Ekvira is carried on right next to the caves, once a center of Buddhism. The temple is a prime spot of worship for the Aagri-Koli People. But along with the Koli (fisherman) folk, Ekvira is worshipped by many people especially those belonging to the CKP & Daivadnya Brahmins caste as their presiding family deity, Kuldaivat.

Ekvira Temple, Maharashtra;

Temple History
Architecture
How To Reach The Temple
Daily Poojas And Festivals
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The Ekvira Temple is a revered place for the local fishermen community. The deity that occupies pride of place here is the Aai Ekvira, the tribal Goddess worshiped by the Agri community. It is believed that the temple was built by the Pandavas when they visited this part during their 14-year long exile. The Goddess Aai Ekvira once appeared before them and demanded that a temple should be built here but before dawn. The Pandavas, true to their word, built the temple overnight. The devotion of the Pandavas overwhelmed the Goddess so much that she granted their wish that they should never be found out during their exile. According to Hindu mythology, the Goddess is believed to be the avatar of Renuka Devi. The Aai Ekvira Goddess is the Kul-Devata of the Koli and Sunar community.

The Ekvira Temple is built on a hill and access is therefore not very easy. There are about 500 steps to negotiate to reach the main place. However, the climb is worth the effort as devotees and visitors get a stunning and unobstructed view of the valley below from the top of the hill. Devotees can also visit the powerful Jogesvari Devi kept to the left of Ekvira Devi. Also, there is a temple situated for the holy feet of the Goddess halfway down the hill. The complex of the temple had three shrines that were similar in structure and all facing west. These three shrines were further encircled by sixteen more shrines of other deities.

By Road: : The temple present in Lonavla. We can reach the Temple easily by hiring auto, bus or taxi from anywhere in the Maharashtra or from neighboring state. Maharashtra is connected with most of the Indian cities by road. The Maharashtra State Transport Corporation (MSTC) runs regulars bus service to the Temple. The place is 97 km from Mumbai and 49 km from Pune.

By Rail: The nearest Railway Station to the temple is Lonavla railway station.

By Air: The Temple can be reached through nearest Pune Airport which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai.

The temple opens up early in the morning and one can hear the priests chanting the Sanskrit mantras thus completing the morning puja. Then a morning aarti is performed to which devotees gather in a good number. The devotees throng the temple on all occasions of Navaratri and Chaitri Navratra to worship and celebrate. Animal sacrifices are also offered in this temple, including the sacrifice of goat or chickens. It is believed that the Goddess has majestic powers.