About
The Ekvira Aai Mandir is a Hindu temple
located near the Karla Caves near Lonavala in Maharashtra, India. Here, the
worship of the goddess Ekvira is carried on right next to the caves, once a
center of Buddhism. The temple is a prime spot of worship for the Aagri-Koli
People. But along with the Koli (fisherman) folk, Aai Ekvira is worshipped by
many some high caste, people especially those belonging to the CKP &
Daivadnya Brahmins & somewhat kunbi caste as their presiding family deity,
Kuldaivat. This temple-complex originally consisted of three alike shrines
built in a row all facing west. Of these, the central and the southern shrines
are preserved in full and rest of the structures are preserved only on plan and
that too brought to light in the clearance work. Maha-mandapa, varsha-mandapa
and gopura are situated in front of these three shrines and these three shrines
are surrounded by sixteen shrines of additional parivara devatas. The devotees
throng the temple on all occasions of Navaratri and Chaitri Navratra to worship
and celebrate. Animal sacrifices are also offered in this temple, including the
sacrifice of goat / chickens. It is believed that the Goddess has magical
powers.
Timings
All days of the week
5:00 AM - 12:00 PM
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM