Shri Kshetra Patna Devi

Getting there

• By air

  Jalgaon Airport is the nearest, about 45 km from the temple.

• By train

  Chalisgaon Junction (CSN) is the nearest railway station.

• By road

  State transport buses run from the Chalisgaon bus station, and forest department buses take visitors to the temple.

Why devotees come here

Shri Kshetra Patna Devi stands in the forest of the Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary, 18 km from Chalisgaon in Jalgaon district. It is the home of Shri Chandika Mata, the Kuladevi of Khandesh. The Devi Bhagavata counts it among the Varadahasta Shaktipeeths.

The temple is considered a sacred site in the Khandesh region. According to the Devi Bhagavata scripture, the Varadahasta of Devi fell here, which makes it one of the Varadahasta Shaktipeeths. Legend says that after slaying the demons Chanda and Munda, the Devi was given the name Chandika. Shri Chandika Mata is now the Kuladevi of Khandesh.

The temple was first opened to the public on a solar eclipse day in 1228 A.D., on Ashadha Amavasya. Its idol is nine feet tall and has eighteen arms, a symbol of the awakened power of the Mother who is worshipped here.

The temple lies in the Gautala forest. The district describes the place as a confluence of faith, history and nature. It lists the site as historic, natural and religious.

Tips for your visit

• Lodging is arranged by the Chandikadevi Trust for devotees, so ask the trust about rooms before you travel.
• Along the path you can visit the Hemadpanthi Mahadev Temple, the Kedareshwar Temple hidden in dense woods, the Dhavaltirth and Kedarkund waterfalls, and a standing Ganpati idol.
• About three kilometers away are the Pitalkhora Caves, Shringar Chawdi, Sitanhani, Nagarjuna Kothi and the Forest Reading Centre.
• The district describes the Pitalkhora Caves and the sites nearby as ancient and historically rich.

Questions people ask