Goddess Mahatma Katha
The Sri Mahalaxmi Jagdamba Mandir is located in Koradi, about 15 km north of Nagpur. The area, previously known as ‘Jakhapur,’ has historical significance linked to the temple premises. Legends tell us that the name ‘Jakhapur’ was associated with the roaming spirits of the past. This region was once under the rule of King Jholan.
King Jholan had seven sons: Janaoba, Nanaoba, Banoba, Baira, Khairoba, Agro, and Dattasur. Despite this, the king was disheartened as he didn’t have a daughter, often referred to as ‘Kanyaratna’ or the jewel of a girl. In his quest for a daughter, the king undertook sacrifices and intense worship. His prayers were answered when his wife, Queen Gangasagar, bore him a daughter.
The birth of the princess brought immense joy to the city. Celebrations were grand, and people were mesmerized by the beauty of the young princess. Her eyes shone bright, and her laughter was infectious. King Jholan, looking at his daughter, felt as if he wasn’t looking at a girl but a divine goddess in human form. As she grew, her enchanting beauty became the talk of the town, and prosperity seemed to fill every corner of the kingdom.
In a neighboring kingdom ruled by the King of Kirad, stories of the princess’s beauty reached their ears. Curiosity piqued; the King of Kirad’s daughter ventured into the jungle with a select group of soldiers to witness the princess’s beauty firsthand. Upon her return, she described the beauty to her father, which made the king desire the princess as a bride for his son. He sent a proposal to King Jholan, but it was declined. Angered, the King of Kirad threatened war unless his proposal was accepted.
During a council meeting, Princess Jakumai, the celebrated daughter of King Jholan, bravely announced her readiness for battle against the King of Kirad. Recognizing his daughter’s fierce determination and realizing she was not just a mere girl but a force of nature, King Jholan acquiesced to her wishes. The two kingdoms clashed in a great battle. Despite the fierce opposition, the King of Kirad was defeated and pleaded for mercy at the feet of the mighty Princess Jakumai. She spared him but warned against further injustices.
Following the battle, the victorious Princess Jakumai returned to the kingdom, but it’s believed that as the sun set, she turned into a divine form. This place, where the transformation took place, is today known as ‘Dattasur.’ The area also has a rich heritage of three representations of the mother goddess, depicted as a young bride in the morning, in her prime at noon, and elderly in the evening.
Historical artifacts suggest that the temple is ancient. It’s believed that the Bhosale dynasty once ruled this region. Over time, devotees constructed accommodations and expanded the temple premises. The Sri Mahalaxmi Jagdamba Mandir was established on July 24, 1987, as a testament to the region’s rich history and religious significance.
There are still remnants from the past in the area today, such as the ancient Gomukh spring, Kevadhi trees, and the Shital sea. Legends also speak of a time when villagers sought refuge in Jakhapur from diseases like cholera. They believed that after visiting the temple and seeking blessings, one could find relief from ailments and miseries. Many tales speak of blessings the goddess bestows upon her devotees, ensuring their prosperity, knowledge, and well-being.
In conclusion, the story of the Sri Mahalaxmi Jagdamba Mandir and its surrounding areas isn’t just about history but also about faith and the belief in the protective and benevolent power of the divine.
