Tuljabhavani Temple, Tuljapur

Tuljabhavani Temple in Tuljapur is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, the kuladevi (family deity) of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Bhonsle dynasty. The Goddess Bhavani in her fierce form is believed to have given Shivaji the sacred sword (Bhavani Talwar) that he used in his campaigns. The temple sits on a hill in the Balaghat range and the idol is said to be self-manifested (Swayambhu). The Navaratri celebrations here are among the grandest in Maharashtra with millions of devotees visiting over nine days.