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Ancient temples are abundant across Maharashtra and among them, the Ekvira Temple happens to be one of the major ones. It is located on top of a hill near the ancient Karla Caves, adding to the mysticism of the experience. Historical evidence surrounding the temple depicts its association with the Koli community in the state. A spiritual and scenic retreat, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Ekvira, an incarnation of Goddess Renuka, and holds great cultural and religious significance. So, the next time you are in Maharashtra, exploring the religious destinations around you, consider adding Ekvira Temple to your itinerary.
Quick Details
Ekvira Temple Address: Ekvira Devi Rd, Karla, Maharashtra 410405
Ekvira Temple Timings: 5 AM to 9 PM
Dedicated To: Goddess Ekvira (A form of Goddess Renuka)
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Nearest Railway Station: Lonavala Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Pune Airport
About Ekvira Temple
Photo: Akshay Prakash / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Ekvira Temple is believed to be more than 2000 years old and is considered sacred by the Koli fishermen who offer prayers here for their well-being and prosperity. Since the temple sits on top of a hill, the pilgrims who plan to visit the temple have to ascend around 500 steps for their devotion. Since the temple is located around the Karla Caves, the experience that you get to indulge inside the temple is truly magical, to say the least. You get to immerse yourself in the beauty and intricate carvings around the large rocks of the caves.
How To Reach
Photo: Sanjay Indiresh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Due to the offbeat location of the Ekvira Temple, most devotees are often confused about the journey and the correct route to get to the temple.
By Air: To get to the Ekvira Temple, Pune Airport is the nearest airport. There are numerous options available to get from the airport to Lonavala via taxi, bus, etc. Once you reach Lonavala, the temple is a short distance away.
By Rail: Lonavala Railway Station is the nearest railhead from the temple, which is accessible through various local trains from both Mumbai and Pune. From the station, visitors can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple, which takes around 30 minutes.
By Road: Ekvira Temple is easily accessible by road. If you’re travelling from Mumbai, it’s around 105 km away via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The drive takes about 2.5 hours. You can consider hiring a taxi or drive yourself to the temple as well.
Things To Do At Ekvira Temple
Upon reaching the Ekvira Temple, you can immerse yourself in numerous activities involving worship, religious experiences and cultural significance.
1. Seek Spiritual Blessings At Ekvira Temple
Photo: Dineshkannambadi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The primary reason most visitors come to Ekvira Temple is to seek blessings from Goddess Ekvira. It is one of the leading places of worship among the Koli community and during Navratri, when the grand celebrations usually take over. The inner sanctum is decorated, and the Goddess is worshipped in an atmosphere filled with chants, prayers, and rituals. On a regular day, you can attend the morning and evening aarti inside the temple to truly immerse yourself in the spiritual essence of the place. Since the temple often gets crowded easily, you can plan your trip early in the morning.
2. Trek To Ekvira Temple And Karla Caves
Photo: Yashodas / Wikimedia Commons
Another unique experience that you can’t miss out on when planning your visit to the Ekvira Temple is the trek to the top. Surrounded by the Karla Caves, the adventurous journey is quite one-of-a-kind. Reaching the Ekvira Temple involves a short yet steep trek of around 500 steps. The climb itself offers scenic views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and the Sahyadri mountain range. Along the way, you’ll also notice small stalls selling flowers, coconuts, and offerings to the deity. Karla Caves is a short distance away, so you can combine both the destinations and explore them on the same day.
3. Explore The Historical Significance Of Ekvira Temple
Photo: Shvets Anna / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
While Ekvira Temple is a place of worship, it also holds immense historical value. The architecture of the temple is simple yet holds elements of ancient Indian craftsmanship. It is believed that the temple is more than 2000 years old, making it an important site for both devotees and history enthusiasts. You can also learn about the cultural significance of the Koli fishermen community, who consider the Goddess Ekvira their protector and guardian. You can find local guides or even ask the local people around and they will share stories.
4. Enjoy Panoramic Views Of Lonavala From The Hilltop
Photo: Zoshua Colah / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Since the Ekvira Temple is located on top of a hill, you get to witness some of the most alluring views from the top of the temple. There are numerous vantage points from where you can witness stunning views of the green valleys of Lonavala. It’s a perfect spot for photography and simply soaking in the views of the surroundings. Although the monsoon season makes the trek quite difficult, the months between June and September are usually the best time to visit and explore the surroundings.
Places To Visit Around Ekvira Temple
The area around Ekvira Temple is packed with several tourist attractions that make for a full day’s itinerary.
1. Bhaja Caves
Photo: Phadke09 / Wikimedia Commons
Bhaja Buddhist Caves are one of the most popular ancient rock-cut caves to visit around. This comprises 22 ancient rock-cut caves dating back to the 2nd century BCE. Similar to the Karla Caves, even these were used by the Buddhist monks as residences and meditation spaces. The main cave features a large chaitya and impressive sculptures of deities, elephants, and other figures carved into the walls. You can also explore the set of 14 stupas inside the caves, which is its highlight.
Distance From Ekvira Temple: 7.2 Km
Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM
2. Lohagad Fort
Photo: Rashmi.parab / Wikimedia Commons
Among the popular trekking destinations around Lonavala, Lohagad Fort happens to be one of the most popular spots. The fort is around 12 km from the temple, and this hill fort was once used by the great Maratha ruler Shivaji Maharaj to store his treasury. It’s a relatively easy trek, making it suitable for beginners, and offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and the Pawna Lake. You also get to witness the massive gates, ramparts, and ruins of ancient structures of the fort when visiting.
Distance From Ekvira Temple: 10.3 Km
Timings: 24*7
3. Pawna Lake
Photo: Sharadsy / Wikimedia Commons
Ideal for picnics and quick getaways, Pawna Lake is a great spot for you to unwind and relax. It is an artificial lake, which was created by the damming of the Pawna River. It’s an ideal spot for nature lovers, offering opportunities for boating, and camping by the lakeside. The beauty of this lake is even better during the monsoon season, when the lake is filled to the brim with sparkling water.
Distance From Ekvira Temple: 28.5 Km
Timings: 24*7
Where To Stay
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Given the growing popularity of Ekvira Temple and the surrounding sightseeing spots, people often flock around to spend a few days in the area. Lonavala is the nearby city where you can spend your days in. Some of the highly rated properties in the area include Hotel Karla Villa, Hotel Sainiwas, Karla Retreat, Serenity by Devansh and Siddhi Holiday.
Where To Eat
Photo: Kashmira3091 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
If you are looking for good restaurants and food joints around Ekvira Temple, there are quite a few different options available. You can enjoy amazing food and local traditional cuisine. Some of the popular restaurants in the area are Hotel Deepak Restaurant, The Olive Tree Resort, The Kinara Village Dhaba and Papa’s Village.
Tips To Consider
Photo: Amey_A / Wikimedia Commons
To have a great experience exploring the temple and the surrounding areas, consider the following tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes for the climb to the temple.
- Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds.
- Since you will be trekking and walking around, carry water and snacks.
- Be mindful of the monkeys around the temple; avoid carrying visible food items.
- The best time to visit is during the winter months for pleasant weather.
Ekvira Temple is one of the leading pilgrimage sites around Maharashtra, offering stunning views of the Sahyadri range in the surroundings. Beyond the rich history and the cultural significance, the journey to the temple also offers a blend of spirituality and scenic beauty. You can plan your visit with TripXL to ensure a memorable and enriching experience.
Cover Photo: Akshat.saxena21 / Wikimedia Commons
