Nestled in a serene corner of the Karelibaug area, the Bahucharaji Temple has been a spiritual cornerstone for the city’s residents for more than 150 years. Dedicated to Goddess Bahuchar Maa, an incarnation of the mother aspect of Shakti, this temple is a vibrant center of faith.
Historical Origins
The temple’s origins trace back to 1763 when a devotee named Kameshwar Shukla discovered a ‘yantra’ inscribed on a piece of paper in a nearby lake. Inspired by this divine find, he constructed a small temple on the site and named it Becharaji. Later, an Ahmedabad-based devotee, Jagpurushottam Panchal, commissioned a larger temple complex, including several small temples on the premises.
Significant contributions to the temple’s growth came from Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad I, who donated Rs 8,933 in 1823 for its construction. The Gaekwads, deeply moved by their devotion to the goddess, continued to support the temple through regular donations.
Temple Complex
The Bahucharaji Temple complex includes not just the main shrine but also several small deras (small temples), an octagonal tank, a well, and a now-derelict Dharamshala. A unique feature of the temple is its population of “Kukdas” (chickens), which roam freely around the premises and are considered sacred by devotees.
A Tradition of Communal Harmony
The temple is also known for its role in a special ritual during Moharram. The Tazia from Hakimwada in Nagarwada is brought to the temple, where the high priest sprinkles holy water on it and offers a coconut as a gesture of respect. This practice, believed to have started during the reign of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, symbolizes the deep communal harmony of the city.
Festivals and Fair
The Bahucharaji Temple comes alive during Navratri, with elaborate lighting and a bustling atmosphere as devotees of all ages come to seek the goddess’s blessings. The surrounding area transforms into a lively fair, filled with stalls selling offerings such as sugar candies, garlands, coconuts, and the essential “red chunaris.”
In recent years, the temple underwent a significant refurbishment, rebuilding from the ground up to address the deterioration of the old structure. This renovation has revitalized the temple, preserving its rich heritage while ensuring it remains a central place of worship and community gathering.
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