About 7,500 akhand jyotis burn at Koradi's Mahalakshmi Jagdamba temple during Navratri

The Shri Mahalakshmi Jagdamba Mata temple at Koradi in Maharashtra's Nagpur district is counted among Vidarbha's major religious sites. The temple is about 15 km from Nagpur city. Devotees visit through the year, and special worship is held during Navratri, when large numbers come to seek the goddess's blessings. The temple's identity is tied to local folklore, religious beliefs and historical references of the area.

According to local beliefs linked to the temple, Koradi was known in ancient times as Jakhapur and was ruled by King Jholan. He had seven sons but no daughter. Wishing for a daughter, the king performed yajna, havan and penance. It is believed that Queen Gangasagar then gave birth to a girl, said to be named Jakhumai. In the folklore, Jakhumai is regarded as a form of Goddess Shakti.

According to a popular tale, Princess Jakhumai played an important role in a battle with the king of a neighbouring kingdom. While returning to her kingdom after the battle, she decided to halt at a spot at sunset. This spot is identified with present-day Koradi. By religious belief, Jakhumai appeared here in the divine form of Goddess Mahalakshmi Jagdamba. Devotees consider the idol installed in the temple to be self-manifested. This account is part of religious tradition and not an established historical event.

Local accounts of the temple's history mention the rule of the Bhosale Maratha dynasty of Nagpur. The temple's renovation is linked to the 17th century, though the exact date of its original founding is not clear. The Shri Mahalakshmi Jagdamba Sansthan was set up on July 24, 1987 to manage the temple complex.

Spread over about 150 acres, the shrine is known for its vast complex. It has a grand entrance gate, long queues for darshan, a deepstambh, a sabha mandap and several spaces for religious activities. Koradi lake lies near the temple and adds to the beauty of the surroundings. At night, the temple's illumination enhances its grandeur. Arrangements for cleanliness, security and other necessities have been made in the complex for devotees.

Devotees also hold a special belief that the self-manifested idol of Goddess Mahalakshmi Jagdamba seen here appears in three different forms during the day. Devotees link these forms to the goddess's divine power and glory, and believe they reflect her different qualities and powers. For this reason, darshan of the goddess holds special significance for visitors.

Akhand jyotis hold special religious importance at the Koradi temple during Navratri. On the occasion, about 7,500 akhand manokamana jyotis are lit by devotees in a special jyot bhavan in the temple complex. The lamps are regarded as a symbol of faith and devotion to Goddess Jagdamba. So many flames burning together fill the whole complex with a devotional atmosphere.

The akhand manokamana jyotis, lit on the first day of Navratri, are traditionally kept burning continuously through the festival. Special arrangements are made to look after them so that the lamps do not go out for want of oil or ghee. Devotees have the jyotis lit for the happiness and prosperity of themselves and their families, for peace and for the fulfilment of their wishes.

In addition, a main akhand mahajyoti burns before Goddess Jagdamba. According to information linked to the temple trust, arrangements have been made to keep this mahajyoti burning for the whole year, or 365 days. It is regarded as a symbol of devotees' unwavering faith and devotion to the goddess.

Devotees who want an akhand manokamana jyoti lit in their own name or their family's can arrange it through the temple trust. According to available information, a fee of Rs 2,100 is mentioned for this.

Puja, aarti and several religious programmes are held at the temple during Navratri. Information linked to the Maharashtra tourism department mentions about 20 lakh or more devotees arriving on the occasion. Devotees regard Goddess Mahalakshmi Jagdamba as a symbol of power, prosperity and protection. Besides Nagpur, devotees also come for darshan from other districts of Maharashtra and from other states.