Ekvira, Hindu pilgrimage temple in Karla, Maharashtra, India
Ekvira is a hilltop shrine near Karla reached by 500 steps, housing three main shrines aligned together with sixteen additional structures dedicated to secondary deities. The complex includes different sections like the main hall and the pillared hall, forming a complete pilgrimage destination.
This shrine originates from ancient times, with a local legend attributing its overnight construction to the Pandavas during their forest exile. This mythological connection gives the place deep spiritual importance in the regional tradition.
The Koli and Agri communities regard Ekvira as their protective deity, and you can see traditional rituals practiced here during major festivals like Navratri. These ceremonies reflect how deeply rooted this shrine is in the daily spiritual life of local people.
This shrine welcomes visitors throughout the day, with morning and evening prayer times at different hours that shape the daily rhythm. Wearing comfortable shoes is a good idea, as the climb up the 500 steps requires some physical effort.
This shrine sits next to the Karla Caves, ancient Buddhist rock-cut structures, making this region a place of multiple religious layers. Visitors can explore both Hindu and Buddhist sites in one area and see how different traditions share the landscape.
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