YAMAI Mata Temple
Situated on the top of the hill in the town of Aundh in the satara district of Mahrashtra, Yamai temple is one of the picturesque temples of Maharashtra. The legend says that the Goddess Mahalaxmi of Kolhapur & Sri Rama(Lord Vishnu) used to call her Ye-mai in Marathi which means ‘come together’ and it was from that the temple started to be called as YAMAI Temple which is quite popular amongst tourists and devotees of devi.
In the temple area there is the head of Danav Aundhasur, well carved Shivling and Nandi. The idol of (Devi Mahishasur Mardini) Yamai is in black stone & 2 meters high and is sitting in a cross-legged position which is the main attraction of the temple. Also this temple is very respected and frequented in large number amongst the Marathi Families. Gayatridevi Pantpratinidhi who is the current head of the ruling family managing the temple has also installed 7kgs of gold kalas (कळस) on the top of the Yamai Temple. During British rule Aundh was the capital of Maratha.
On Paush Pornima, there is Annual Yatra, thousands of devotees and tourist come here for yatra.
The temple had an Elephant ,used for procession and various ceremonies of Devi from 50 years. In 2017, the temple made the decision to send the elephant to an elephant sanctuary, as showing signs of aging and declining health. And also for wellbeing of Elephant; where he could receive specialized care.
There is Shri Bhavani Museum in temple complex, it is established from the private collection of the Maharajas of Aundh. It is located on the middle section of the hill where one can go by Car or can climb steps. The Museum has collection of painting of the 19th and 20th centuries artists such as M. V. Dhurandhar, Baburao Painter, Madhav Satawalekar, and Raja Ravi Varma, Henry Moore British artist special for his Mother and child stone structure. Bhawani Museum is one of the first art museum of India.
It is 44 km. from Satara Bus stand. 85 km. from Panchgani. From Satara by bus or car we can reach here. Satara is well developed city of Maharashtra and is well connected from various cities like Mumbai, Pune, Solapur, Kolhapur, Ratnagiri etc.
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