Sri Devi Mahatme

The land was later purchased by Tulasabai Rattihalli from Minajigi for a residence. Her son, Hanumanth Rao, served in the Khanapur Police Department, and his son, Sri Abhilash, was deeply spiritual from a very young age. Their family deity was Saundatti Yellamma.

Though only a young child, Abhilash began worship as his grandmother instructed. Gradually, miraculous events began to occur: ghee, oil and tender coconut water began to ooze from the wall. At night the sound of anklets could be heard, and the fragrance of incense, jasmine and champaka flowers filled the air.

During his pre-university years his younger brother passed away unexpectedly. On the day of the final rites, Abhilash developed a severe fever and was hospitalised. Doctors diagnosed dengue and held out little hope. Semi-conscious, he was given a substance by an unknown person, slipped into a coma, and by evening was declared dead.

Yet he experienced leaving his body, saw his family grieving, and journeyed in a form of light toward higher realms, where the Goddess summoned him. With her command he returned to his body, which regained warmth and life, and doctors confirmed his recovery. Though the experience lasted three days for him, only a few hours had passed in the physical world.

Inspired by the Goddess, plans were made to build the temple. An Ashtamangala Prashna was conducted by the renowned Tantric Sri Satyanarayana Bhat from Kerala. It revealed the presence of a Brahmarakshasa at the site and identified the Goddess as a 33-year-old divine manifestation.

Through proper rituals the spirit was liberated, and the Goddess was established in accordance with sacred tradition. She is of a Rajasic nature, balanced between calmness and fierceness, blessing devotees with virtue while destroying negativity. Hence she is revered as Chandika Durgaparameshwari.

The Goddess declared that she would grant darshan through Sri Abhilash Guruji himself, and to this day devotees receive divine guidance through him. She personally directs the rituals, adornments and offerings.

Later, Nagayakshi also manifested and was established along with the Asta Kula Navanag. Sacred Saligrama forms were also discovered at the temple.