Tulja Bhavani Temple, Hindu temple in Dharashiv district, India

Tulja Bhavani is a Hindu sanctuary in Dharashiv district that displays an eight-armed goddess carved from black granite in the central shrine, standing about 3 feet tall. The figure is surrounded by pillars and the interior of the temple is lit by oil lamps, while the walls remain simply plastered.

The temple was built in the 12th century CE by Mahamandaleshwara Maradadeva of the Kadamb dynasty, and its masonry follows the Hemadpanthi style. The oldest inscription naming Tulja Bhavani is at Kati in Tuljapur taluka, dated 1397 CE. Chhatrapati Shivaji, founder of the Maratha kingdom, is said to have visited often, and the goddess is held to have given him the Bhavani sword.

The temple's hereditary priests, called Bhope, belong to the Maratha community and serve in turn, a system known as kamashi; 153 families share this duty. Pilgrims often keep a long-standing bond with one priest family, who act as hosts and receive offerings such as sari blouse pieces, bangles, coconut, vermilion, turmeric, puffed rice and flower garlands.

The management committee runs accommodations for pilgrims who wish to stay inside the compound, and several guesthouses and simple hotels also operate nearby. A visit during the major festivals means large crowds, so it is wise to arrive early in the morning or plan outside peak times.

The temple's key is kept by the mahant, the head priest: the main mahants, Guru Tukojibuva and Vakojibuva, live in the Kanheri math behind the temple, where the Annapurna temple stands. The goddess's image is moved from its throne only three times a year, and at Dussehra it is carried in a palanquin around the temple while devotees throw turmeric and vermilion.