Mahavidya Devi Temple – Mathura

Mahavidya Devi Temple is situated towards west side of Mathura city near Ramleela ground. It is also known as Ambika Devi. This magnificent temple is built in Nagar style of architecture on high plinth level. It’s astonishing sculpture and vast dimensions attracts devotees from far and wide. On the auspicious day of Dusshera, the people enacting as Ram-Laxman performs puja here before proceeding for Ravan Vadh. As in many Indian temples, this temple has its own kund known as Mahavidya Kund.

The idol of Mahavidya Devi is erected on high lamps and is greatly decorated. The beautiful eyes of the deity are splendid and attract immediate attention of viewers. These seem to shine and radiate with a divine light. Daily puja is performed at this temple. The deity is said to be the Kul Devi of Nand Baba (foster father of Lord Krishna) of Gokul. It is also believed that Pandavas during their stay in forests (vanavas) stayed here and performed puja of Goddess Shakti. The present temple is said to be erected by Marathas and was renovated by Tantrik saint Sheelchandra in 1907.

This temple is associated with a Vidyadhara named Sudarshana. Vidyadharas are known to be the supernaturals. They bore magical powers and used to fly and reside in Himalayas. They are believed as semi-gods or Up Devas. It is said that once Nand Maharaj, Queen Yashoda and whole family including Krishna, Baldev and other gopas went to Ambikavan for pilgrimage. There they stayed overnight after taking bath in the sacred water of Saraswati River and worshipping Gokarna Mahadev or Pashupati. Suddenly a huge python caught Nand and started to swallow him. Everyone present there tried to help but could not. Feeling helpless, Nand Baba cried for Krishna and as soon as Krishna touched python with his toe thumb, the python transformed into a beautiful Vidyadhara. On being asked, he revealed that once while roaming in an airplane, he made fun of Angira Muni and few other sages because of their deformed bodies. They cursed him to become a python but as Krishna touched his Lotus feet, the Vidyadhara was free of this curse and thought his life to be complete and successful.

This temple is famous for its prestige of fulfillment of wishes. Devi is particularly known to bless women who want to marry or are married but have problems in their lives. Women also ask blessings for the health and longevity of their husbands.