Aundh, Satara

The town of Aundh is situated 26 mi. S.E. of Satara. Pop. (in 1911) about 3500, home of the Aundh State, a princely state (1699–1947). It is now part of Satara District in Maharashtra State.

Overview

The town is known for its hill temple, called the Devi Yamai temple. The temple is very old but very attractive, and Devi Yamai is the kuldaiwat of a large number of Marathi families. The top of the temple is very beautiful and has images and idols of various Hindu Gods. The temple complex also contains the pleasant "Shri Bhavani Museum", with paintings drawn by various well-known Indian artists including Raja Ravi Varma and the famous "Mother and Child" stone structure by Henry Moore. the collection was owned by Shri Bhawanrao Pantapratinidhi, the last ruler of Aundh. The present head of former ruling family, Gayatridevi Pantpratinidhi has installed a 7 kg. solid gold 'Kalash' or crown on the pinnacle of the Yamai temple on the hill at Aundh.

Another temple of Devi Yamai is located in the town; apart from the one on the hill.

See also

• Aundh State
• Aundh Experiment