by Madhura Janorkar

The covid pandemic made us live in a situation that was not even imaginable by any of us. The empty roads, restricted areas, masks, and increased familiarity of words like lockdown and curfew were followed with the empty premises of temples. Temple is a place that one may visit for many reasons. It might be to ask for something, to repay something, or to just feel that soothing calmness of the environment.

 Once situated in what used to be the outskirts of Pune, the ‘Padmavati Devi’ temple was a prime picnic spot for various families and school trips. However, with the development, the temple is now situated in a highly busy residential area, merely 3 kilometers from Swargate. Interestingly, when the idol was found, it was small and circular in shape. However, with time it is being said that the idol is increasing in size.

 While talking to Mr. Bibwe, who is the priest, it was hard to miss the faith with which he spoke. The pain of seeing the empty and soundless premises of Devi’s temple was evident in his eyes as he spoke about the pandemic situation. There was no funding, no donation, nothing as the gates of the temple were forced shut to the devotees. Every single thing during these tough months was managed by the Bibwe family themselves staying true to what their ancestors left for them.

 The Bibwe family are the founders of the temple and now, their 9th generation is in charge of the temple duties. Bibwe ancestors used to plough rice fields in the Konkan region, and sell them in markets. While doing so, it is said that the goddess presented at the bull’s feet. Hence, feet which are called ‘Padma’ became the origin of her name ‘Padmavati’, an avatar of goddess Lakshmi.

 The surroundings of the temple are beautifully adorned with huge banyan and peepal trees and open ground. In addition to this, there is a Ganpati mandir, Sheetala Devi mandir, Shankar mandir, and Maruti mandir on the same premises.

“The goddess is facing north and there are five soldiers standing in front of her.” Says the information booklet of the temple. The vehicle of the Padmavati goddess is the mighty lion. The devotees, previously, used to show the soldiers and lion offerings of goat and chicken. However, with the new generation taking the reins, they have stopped the practice and they no longer allow the offerings or butchering of animals in the temple.

The prime festivities of Padmavati Devi are observed in the ‘Navratri’ and ‘Paush Mahina’. The frequent devotees visit the temple every Tuesday and Friday. The yatra in the month of paush and Dussehra sees a huge celebration with the sounds of drums. The Devi’s palkhi is escorted from the Bibwevadi village to the temple during the Dussehra festival and then returns to Bibwewadi in the evening. Post that, the temple is closed for people and reopens for visits on Kojagiri Pournima.

The Pooja thali for the Devi contains coconut, supari, kevada, five bangles, fani, khan, and flower garland”, says Mr. Bibwe. The devotees also prepare food items like puranpoli and dalbhaat with faith and love to offer their dear goddess and get her blessings.

 With the changing times, the family has not failed in keeping up with the pandemic restrictions while allowing the public to seek blessings. They have ensured proper sanitation with the availability of sanitisers. The bell in the temple is not accessible to avoid persistent touching by people. Currently, they refrain from accepting any food items as well. The extreme mandir is off-limits to avoid crowds of people and a safe distance is maintained between anyone who is offering prayers.

 Overall, the Padmavati temple is an amazing devotional and tourist spot to visit in the prime area of Pune. It is also an example of keeping up with the recent changes while not hurting the devotees’ sentiments.

About the Author:

Madhura Janorkar is a BA Journalism and Mass Communication (Second Year) at Vishwakarma University. She can be reached at [email protected]