Distance to Ekvira Temple is
- 8 KM from Lonavala.
- 5 KM from Central Point Lonavala (Shivnari Bus stop).
- 49 KM from Pune (Maharastra).
- 97 KM from Mumbai (Maharashtra).
- 13.9 KM from Kamshet
Origin and Name: Ekvira Devi is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Renuka or Goddess Shakti. The name “Ekvira” is derived from the Sanskrit words “Ek” (one) and “Vira” (brave), emphasizing her powerful and singular nature.
There are several temples dedicated to Ekvira Devi, with the most famous one located near Lonavala in Maharashtra. This temple is situated atop the Karla Caves and attracts a large number of devotees, especially during the Navratri festival
The famous Ekvira Aai Mandir is a Hindu temple near the Karla Caves, close to Lonavala and Mumbai in Maharashtra. Goddess Ekvir is worshiped by Hindus and people from other faiths and is right next to the cave.
This temple is a place of worship for the Koli and Agri communities. While the main goddess is Ekvira Mata, to her left is Jogesvari Devi. Ekvira Aai temple is on a hill, and you must walk around 500 steps to reach the Mandir.
It is amid the famous Karla caves, which the Archeological Survey of India protects.
It’s a temple for the Koli (Fishermen) community on the Mumbai-Pune highway. It’s also known as Karla Caves. The goddess is also called ‘Ekvira Aai’ in Marathi.
During festivals (Navarathri and Chaitra), the Koli people climb the tall mountain, which has 350 man-made steps, to reach the temple and worship Aai Ekvira.
Koli tribes offer animal sacrifices in the temple to Aai Ekvira. They offer goats and chickens.
What is the story of Ekvira AAI?
According to the legend, the Pandavas built the Ekvira AAI temple during their exile in the forest. Once when Pandavas visited this holy place, Ekvira Mata appeared before them. She instructed them to build a temple for her.
To test the Pandavas’ Karya Diksha (work ethic), the Goddess insisted that the construction be done overnight. The Pandavas then indeed built this beautiful temple in one night. Impressed by the bhakti (devotion) of the Pandavas, the Goddess blessed them and granted them the boon that nobody would discover during their secret exile.
The temple is located on a hill. One needs to ascend around 500 steps to reach the temple. It is surrounded by Karla caves, which the Archeological Department now protects.
While the main deity is Ekvira Mata, to her left is Jogeswari Devi. One gets an excellent view of the surroundings from the hilltop. Halfway down the hill, there is a temple for the holy feet of the Goddess.
Important Information about Ekvira Devi Temple
The temple is located in the notch of the hill that runs along the Ekvira Devi Road and is enclosed by the Karla caves. You’ll need to climb up 500 steps to get high in the Temple.
Address: Ekvira Devi Rd, Karla, Maharashtra 410405
Timings: 5:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm until 9:00 pm.
Aarti Timings: 5:30 am and 7:07 pm are the times of the Maha Aarti.
How many Steps are there at Ekvira Aai temple Karla
This is a beautiful temple located on the top of the hill. You will need to climb 500 steps to reach the Mandir. You can use your vehicle or public transport and bypass around 300 steps, but you still have to walk 200 steps to the temple.
What is the time of Ekvira Devi Temple Lonavala?
The Ekvira Devi Temple in Lonavala does not have fixed opening and closing times as it is a place of worship and can be visited throughout the day. However, visiting the temple during the daytime is generally recommended for a better experience.
The temple receives many visitors, especially during weekends and holidays, so planning your visit accordingly is advisable to avoid crowds. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to check for specific timings or restrictions related to unique festivals or events that might affect the temple’s accessibility.
Best time of the year to visit the temple
This temple can be visited anywhere during the year. Due to its proximity to Lonavala, it has a delightful climate. You can certainly appreciate the beauty of nature as you walk up the steps toward the temple.
You can consider visiting during the rainy season as you can find waterfalls, and the entire Ghat is covered with greenery. This makes the landscapes even more glorified.
The mountain is covered with greenery with spurts of water fountains during the monsoon season. This place is a popular tourist attraction, especially during the monsoon season.
How to Reach Ekvira Temple By Road
Ekvira Temple is situated on the old Mumbai-Pune highway. You can use the Mumbai Pune Expressway to get to Lonavala or Lonavala via the old Mumbai Pune highway that runs close to the Expressway. Go on the older Mumbai Pune from Lonavala and drive to Pune 10 km. You will see a large gate towards Ekvira Aai Temple on the left.
From Pune, take a direction toward Mumbai and take a right turn just before Lonavala for Ekvira temple. Because it is located on the Highway and is a significant location for devotees from Mumbai and Pune, numerous privately owned State Transport (ST) busses can be found to take you to Ekvira temple. You can rent taxis or an auto from Lonavala to get to Ekvira Aai Temple.
How to Reach Ekvira Temple By Rail
Lonavala is the nearest railway station that can be used to get to Ekvira temple. Tourists can use the ST bus from Lonavala or hire a cab or auto to get to Ekvira. Every one of the Mumbai Pune trains stops at Lonavala station. Tourists will have many ways to get to Ekvira from the station’s premises. Express trains daily that run through Lonavala are:
- Mumbai- Pune Deccan Queen
- Mumbai- Pune Deccan Express
- Mumbai- Pune Pragati Express
- Mumbai- Pune Sihangad Express
- Mumbai- Pune Indrayani Express
Reaching Ekvira By Air
Mumbai or Pune Airports in Mumbai and Pune are the nearest airports to Ekvira Temple, Lonavala. If you fly into Mumbai or Pune, you can travel to Lonavala via bus or train and hire a cab to Ekvira temple.
While the main deity is Ekvira Mata, to her left is Jogeswari Devi. One gets an excellent view of the surroundings from the hilltop. Halfway down the hill, there is a temple for the holy feet of the Goddess.
The mountain is covered with greenery with spurts of water fountains during the monsoon season. This place is a popular tourist attraction, especially during the monsoon season.
Also Read:
- Places to Visit in Mumbai – 13 Famous Places
- Mumba Devi Temple – Goddess Mumbadevi
- Temples in Mumbai
