The Bahiram Baba Mandir, located near Karanja-Bahiram in the Amravati district of Maharashtra, is a revered hill shrine dedicated to Bahiram Baba, a deity closely associated with Lord Shiva. Perched atop Bahiram Hill, approximately 3 kilometers from Karanja-Bahiram and about 20 kilometers from Achalpur, the temple attracts numerous devotees, especially during its annual fairs.
Historical Significance: Constructed in the early 1800s by a farmer named Tulsiram Madhge, the temple quickly became a central gathering place for villagers who considered Bahiram Baba their family deity. Over time, it evolved into a social hub where communities would convene for worship, entertainment, and communal activities.
Annual Bahiram Yatra: One of the temple's major events is the Bahiram Yatra, a grand fair commencing in the third week of December and continuing for approximately 45 days, concluding in early February. This yatra draws lakhs of devotees who participate in rituals, seek blessings, and partake in communal festivities. The fair is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, featuring traditional foods like aaloo-vangyachi bhaji (potato and brinjal curry) and rodga (a type of bread) offered as prasad.
Cultural Practices: Historically, the temple was a site for animal sacrifices, a practice that was discontinued following the reformative efforts of Sant Gadge Baba, who advocated against such rituals.
Visiting the Temple:
Location: The temple is situated atop Bahiram Hill, approximately 3 km from Karanja-Bahiram and 20 km from Achalpur.
Accessibility: Visitors can reach the temple via the Paratwada-Kharpi-Bahiram-Khomai-Baitul road. During the yatra, certain routes may be temporarily closed or redirected to manage the influx of devotees.
Offerings: Devotees traditionally offer gud-bhaakar (jaggery and bread) and other local delicacies as part of their worship.
Nearby Attractions: The region around Bahiram Baba Mandir is known for its scenic beauty, nestled in the foothills of the Satpuda ranges. Visitors can explore the natural landscapes and experience the rich cultural heritage of the...
Read moreAbout 210 Kms from Nagpur, at the heart of India, Bahiram is a temple atop a hill. It has a misshapen orange idol, butter smeared at all times, that represents ‘God Bhairavnath,’ a fierce manifestation of Shiva, arguably the most important among the trilogy of Hindu Gods. This temple was built in the early 1800s by a farmer called Tulsiram Madhge. It quickly became the gathering place for villagers from all around who designated this temple as their ‘family deity.’ It also became a social center where villagers gathered to worship, get entertained, shop and also look for alliances for their marriageable sons and daughters. It is no coincidence that Bahiram yatra happens when the main agricultural season is over, produce has been sold and farmers have free time and money in their pockets. Earlier animal sacrifices happened regularly, mostly of goats. The meat consumed as ‘festive feast’. This led to a well revered saint of the times, ‘Sant Gadge Maharaj,’ making it a place where he propagated Rationalism in Religious Practice and banished animal sacrifice about 45 years ago. A distinctive feature of Bahiram is that most devotees cook food here, as against bringing packed food from home or eating at restaurants. (These days restaurants have come up too, but they make food as per your specifications). Cooking is carried on exclusively in clay pots sold in the yatra itself for this purpose. All raw material, like vegetables, condiments, and spices are also available in the market. The most popular meal is rodage and bittya (baked hand pounded wheat cake, fried in clarified butter after baking), dal (lentils) and spicy eggplant (aubergine) vegetable curry. Non veg fare is made too, in fact, many city folks come only for cooking mutton and chicken, something they may not be...
Read moreBahiram Baba Temple in Amravati is a sacred Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Bahiram, a revered deity in the region. The temple is nestled in a serene environment, surrounded by lush greenery and a tranquil atmosphere.
The temple's architecture is a blend of traditional and modern styles, with intricate carvings and vibrant paintings adorning its walls. The main sanctum sanctorum houses the majestic idol of Lord Bahiram, which is adorned with flowers, garlands, and other offerings.
Devotees throng the temple to seek the blessings of Lord Bahiram, who is believed to possess miraculous powers. The temple is particularly famous for its fulfillment of wishes, and many devotees claim to have had their desires fulfilled after offering prayers here.
The temple's priests perform daily puja rituals, which include the offering of flowers, fruits, and other items to the deity. The temple also celebrates various festivals throughout the year, including the annual Bahiram Baba Festival, which attracts devotees from all over the region.
The temple's surroundings are equally captivating, with several smaller shrines and monuments dotting the landscape. The temple's management also provides various amenities, including parking, restrooms, and refreshments, to ensure a comfortable and enriching experience for devotees.
Overall, the Bahiram Baba Temple in Amravati is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking spiritual enlightenment, solace, or simply a glimpse into the region's rich...
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