Lonavala is a popular hill station in Maharashtra, known for its scenic beauty and pleasant climate. But apart from its natural attractions, Lonavala also has a rich cultural and religious heritage. One of the most revered temples in Lonavala is the Ekvira Temple, dedicated to Goddess Ekvira, the patron deity of the Koli community.

The Koli community is a group of fishermen who live along the coast of Maharashtra and Gujarat. They worship Goddess Ekvira as their mother and protector. They believe that she grants them prosperity, safety, and fertility. The Koli community celebrates various festivals in honor of Ekvira Devi, such as Navratri, Chaitra Purnima, and Ashwin Purnima.

The Ekvira Temple is located near the Karla Caves, which are ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves dating back to the 2nd century BC. The temple is situated on a hilltop and can be reached by climbing about 500 steps. The temple complex consists of three shrines: the main shrine of Ekvira Devi, the shrine of Jogeshwari Devi on her left, and the shrine of the holy feet of the Goddess halfway down the hill. Visit during One day tour Lonavala Local sightseeing – Best Lonavala tour.

According to legend, the temple was built by the Pandavas during their exile in the forest. They were instructed by Ekvira Devi to construct a temple for her in one night. The Pandavas completed the task with their devotion and skill. The Goddess was pleased with them and blessed them with success in their endeavors.

The temple offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys. The temple is also a popular spot for trekking and photography enthusiasts. The temple attracts thousands of devotees every year, especially during the festivals. The temple is open from 5:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The Maha Aarti is performed at 5:30 am and 7:07 pm.

The Ekvira Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the spiritual and cultural essence of Lonavala. The temple is easily accessible by road or rail from Mumbai or Pune. The nearest airport is Pune International Airport, which is about 60 km away from Lonavala.

How to Rich Ekvira Temple Lonavala

Ekvira Temple Lonavala

• How to reach Ekvira Temple Lonavala by road?

Ekvira Aai Temple is located on the old Mumbai-Pune highway. Buses, taxis, and private vehicles are available from Mumbai and Pune to reach the temple. The temple is about 8 km from Lonavala and 49 km from Pune.

• How to reach Ekvira Temple Lonavala by train?

The closest railway station to Ekvira Temple is Lonavala, which is about 8 km from the temple. Almost all trains plying from Pune to Mumbai halt at Lonavala and one can catch a bus or cab from the station to reach the temple.

• How to reach Ekvira Temple Lonavala by air?

The nearest airports to Ekvira Temple are Mumbai and Pune airports, which are about 97 km and 60 km from Lonavala respectively. One can take a bus, taxi, or train from the airport to reach Lonavala and then take another bus or cab to reach the temple.

Overview of Ekvira Temple Lonavala

If you are planning to visit Lonavala, make sure to include Ekvira Temple in your itinerary. You will not only witness a magnificent example of ancient architecture but also feel the divine presence of Ekvira Devi.

Lonavala is a popular hill station in Maharashtra, known for its scenic beauty and pleasant climate. But apart from its natural attractions, Lonavala also has a rich cultural and religious heritage. One of the most revered temples in Lonavala is the Ekvira Temple, dedicated to Goddess Ekvira, the patron deity of the Koli community.

The Koli community is a group of fishermen who live along the coast of Maharashtra and Gujarat. They worship Goddess Ekvira as their mother and protector. They believe that she grants them prosperity, safety, and fertility. The Koli community celebrates various festivals in honor of Ekvira Devi, such as Navratri, Chaitra Purnima, and Ashwin Purnima.

The purpose of this blog is to provide you with some interesting facts and information about the Ekvira Temple Lonavala. You will learn about the history, legend, architecture, and significance of this temple. You will also get to know about the best time to visit, how to reach, and what to do at this temple. By the end of this blog, you will have a better understanding and appreciation of this sacred shrine for the Koli community.

History of Ekvira Temple Lonavala

Lonavala

The history of Ekvira Temple Lonavala dates back to the ancient times when the Pandavas, the heroes of the epic Mahabharata, were in exile in the forest. According to legend, they were instructed by Goddess Ekvira, who appeared before them, to build a temple for her in one night. The Pandavas completed the task with their devotion and skill. The Goddess was pleased with them and blessed them with success in their endeavors. One Day Mumbai to Lonavala-Khandala Trip by Private Cab

The temple was later patronized by various historical figures and dynasties, such as the Shilahara kings, the Yadava kings, and the Peshwas. The temple also witnessed several battles and invasions, such as the Mughal attack in 1664 and the British siege in 1818. The temple underwent several changes and renovations over time, such as the addition of new shrines, mandapas, and gopuras. The temple is now a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. One Day Pune To Lonavala Khandala Tour Package By Private Cab

Architecture and Design of Ekvira Temple Lonavala

The architecture and design of Ekvira Temple Lonavala reflects the ancient and diverse influences of Hinduism and Buddhism. The temple is located near the Karla Caves, which are rock-cut caves that date back to the 2nd century BC and were once a center of Buddhist learning and worship. The temple complex consists of three main shrines facing west, dedicated to Goddess Ekvira, Goddess Jogeshwari, and the holy feet of the Goddess.

The shrines are surrounded by sixteen smaller shrines of other deities. The temple also has a maha-mandapa, a varsha-mandapa, and a gopura that are situated in front of the main shrines. The temple is built with stone and brick and has intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology.

The temple is also decorated with colorful flowers, lights, and flags during festivals. The significance of the temple’s design is that it represents the harmony and integration of different faiths and cultures. The temple is a symbol of the devotion and skill of the Pandavas, who built it overnight as per the Goddess’s wish. The temple is also a symbol of the protection and blessings of Goddess Ekvira, who is the mother and patron of the Koli community.

Religious Significance of Ekvira Temple Lonavala

The religious significance of Ekvira Temple Lonavala lies in its role in Hindu mythology, its festivals and rituals, and its religious beliefs and practices. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Ekvira, who is regarded as a form of Goddess Renuka, the mother of Parashurama, one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The temple is also associated with the Pandavas, who built it overnight as per the Goddess’s wish during their exile.

The temple is the kuladevi or the clan deity of the Koli community, who are fishermen and worship Ekvira as their mother and protector. The temple is also revered by other communities such as the Aagri, CKP, and Daivadnya Brahmins. The temple celebrates various festivals in honor of Ekvira Devi, such as Navratri, Chaitra Purnima, and Ashwin Purnima. During these festivals, the devotees throng the temple to offer prayers, perform rituals, and seek blessings.

Some of the rituals include animal sacrifice, palkhi procession, and coconut breaking. The religious beliefs and practices associated with the temple are that the Goddess has magical powers and can grant prosperity, safety, and fertility to her devotees. The devotees also believe that by climbing the 500 steps to reach the temple, they can attain spiritual merit and purification.

Tourist Attraction and Visitors Experience at Ekvira Temple Lonavala

Ekvira Mandir Lonavala tourist attractions and experiences are a fusion of spirituality adventure and culture. The temple offers a variety of activities and facilities for tourists such as trekking photography sightseeing and various shopping. The temple is located near the Karla Caves which are ancient Buddhist rock caves that exhibit the art and architecture of the past. We also get a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and mountains of the temple.

The temple has a souvenir shop where students can buy religious items handicrafts and snacks. The temple also has a parking lot and restrooms for the convenience of darshan. Observance of certain local customs and traditions in the temple is to be respected and observed by the students. For example, modest clothing should be removed before entering the temple, avoid taking photos inside the garbhagraha, and avoid consuming meat or alcohol in the temple premises.

The tourist should also participate in the religious rituals and ceremonies performed in the temple such as offering prayers flowers coconuts or animal sacrifices to the goddess. Tourists can witness festivals such as Navratri, Chaitra Poornima and Ashwin Poornima celebrated in the temple with great enthusiasm and devotion. Tourists can experience the temple as a place of faith power and grace It is believed that the temple has magical powers and can fulfill the wishes of the devotees.

Tourists can experience the divine presence of Ekvira Devi, the mother and protector of the Koli community. Tourists can also learn about the history, legend and culture of the temple and its people One can also enjoy the peaceful and scenic atmosphere of the temple and its surroundings

The Future of Ekvira Temple Lonavala

The plans for future development and preservation of the temple are aimed at enhancing the temple’s appeal and value for the visitors and the locals. The importance of preserving the temple for future generations is that it is a historical, cultural, and religious heritage that showcases the ancient and diverse influences of Hinduism and Buddhism.

The temple is also a source of pride and identity for the Koli community, who have been worshipping Goddess Ekvira for centuries. The temple is also a testimony to the devotion and skill of the Pandavas, who built it overnight as per the Goddess’s wish. The role of tourism in the temple’s future is that it can generate revenue and awareness for the temple’s maintenance and conservation.

Tourism can also promote the temple’s popularity and accessibility among domestic and international visitors. Tourism can also create opportunities for employment and empowerment for the local people, who can offer their services and products to the tourists. Some of the plans for future development and preservation of the temple are:

• To improve the infrastructure and facilities at the temple, such as parking, restrooms, lighting, security, signage, etc.
• To restore and renovate the temple’s structures and sculptures, such as the shrines, mandapas, gopura, carvings, etc.
• To protect and conserve the temple’s environment and surroundings, such as the Karla Caves, the hills, the valleys, etc.
• To develop and diversify the temple’s attractions and activities, such as cultural shows, exhibitions, workshops, festivals, etc.
• To educate and engage the visitors and the locals about the temple’s history, legend, architecture, significance, etc.
• To collaborate and cooperate with the government, NGOs, media, academia, etc. for the temple’s development and preservation.

FAQ’s

How many steps are there in Ekvira Temple?

There are about 500 steps to reach the main shrine of Ekvira Temple. The temple is located on a hill near the Karla Caves.

Which temple is famous for Ekvira?

The Ekvira Aai Mandir near Lonavala in Maharashtra is the most famous temple for Ekvira. It is the kuladevi or the clan deity of the Koli community, who are fishermen and worship Ekvira as their mother and protector.

How can I go to Ekvira Temple by train?

You can go to Ekvira Temple by train from Mumbai or Pune. The nearest railway station is Lonavala, which is about 8 km from the temple. You can take a bus, auto-rickshaw, or taxi from Lonavala to reach the temple.

What is the time of Ekvira Devi Temple Lonavala?

The temple is open from 5:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The Maha Aarti is performed at 5:30 am and 7:07 pm.

What is the train ticket price for Ekvira Mandir?

The train ticket price for Ekvira Mandir depends on the distance and the class of travel. For example, from Mumbai to Lonavala, the ticket price ranges from Rs. 50 to Rs. 300 for general class and from Rs. 200 to Rs. 1000 for AC class.

How do I travel to Ekvira?

You can travel to Ekvira by road or rail from Mumbai or Pune. The nearest airport is Pune International Airport, which is about 60 km from Lonavala. You can take a bus, auto-rickshaw, or taxi from Lonavala to reach the temple.

What time is morning aarti in Ekvira AAI?

The morning aarti in Ekvira AAI is at 5:30 am. It is a part of the Maha Aarti that is performed twice a day at the temple.

What is the story behind Ekvira Devi?

The story behind Ekvira Devi is that she is a form of Goddess Renuka, the mother of Parashurama, one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. She is also associated with the Pandavas, who built the temple for her in one night as per her wish during their exile in the forest.

Conclusion:

In this blog we explore Ekvira Mandir Lonavala a sacred temple of Koli community and a popular tourist destination in Maharashtra. We learned about the history, legendary architecture and significance of this temple We have also learned about the festival rituals and beliefs associated with this temple. This informed the future development and preservation plans of this temple Ekvira Mandir Lonavala is a place of faith power and grace.

It is a place where one can experience the spiritual and cultural essence of Lonavala It is a place where you can find ancient art and architecture. This is the only place where one can experience the divine presence of Ekvira Devi, the mother and protector of the Koli community. If you are interested in visiting this temple, we recommend that you plan your trip in advance and book your tickets and accommodation accordingly.

We recommend that you respect and follow the local customs and traditions of the temple You may behave so that there is no disturbance or damage to the temple premises. You can enjoy the scenic beauty and peaceful surroundings of the temple. We hope you enjoyed reading this blog and gained some valuable insights and information about Ekvira Mandir Lonavala. We hope you will visit this temple soon and share your experience with us. Thanks for reading this blog and have a great day.