Shakti, in its varied forms, is worshipped throughout India since time immemorial. Over time, many wonderful legends were woven around glorifying the Goddess. One such legend is of the very revered Hinglajdevi whose seat - the ancient Jwalamukhi Hinglajdevi Mandir Hinglaspur in Nandgaon Khandeshwar tehsil is presently witnessing a great rush of devotees during the Navratrotsav. According to the legend, the Goddess was greatly worshipped at Hinglaj in present day Balochistan in Pakistan. To this day, the Shri Hinglaj Mata Mandir is the largest Hindu pilgrimage centre in Pakistan. Legends say that the Jwalamukhi Devi, somehow dissatisfied with the devotion, was in search of a true devotee and urged Lord Brahma to solve Her problem. Lord Brahma, then advised her to go to Varhad (Vidarbha). So from the present day Balochistan she came to Akoli, a small village in Akola district. Near the village was a forest called Satya Aranya, where Amritgir Maharaj was performing penance.

 

The Goddess sought his help in finding a true devotee. Amritgir Maharaj then told her about Chimanaji Maharaj. Chimanaji Sattaji Bhagat was an ardent devotee of the Goddess. He built not one but three grand Parkots for the Goddess, including a huge meeting hall. The construction of the Parkots is said to have been completed by 1303 AD. He created huge wells for other seekers and devotees and these wells fill up during monsoon. Chimanaji’s reverance made the temple famous. The village too was named Hinglajpur after Hinglaj Devi. The legend also speak about the various trials and tribulations which Chimanaji had to go through as he was tested by Jwalamukhi Hinglajdevi. Every time Chimanaji Maharaj succeeded in proving his devotion. But people of Akoli village, through some evil deeds lost favour of the Goddess and She decided to leave the village.

 

The palanquin of the Goddess then came to the Hanuman temple of Hinglaspur village in Nandgaon Khandeshwar. Since then the mandir has become famous and devotees from distant places reached to the temple to take darshan of the Goddess. Particularly during the Navratrotsav, devotees throng in large numbers. Hom-havans are organised on the auspicious occasion of ‘Ashtami’. This year too the ‘yatra mahotsav’ started by Chimanaji Maharaj and going on for generations, has pulled huge crowds.