Aundh, Satara

The town of Aundh is situated 26 mi. S.E. of Satara. Population (in 1911) about 3500, home of the Aundh State, a princely state (1699–1947). It is now part of Satara District in Maharashtra State.The town is known for its very old hill temple of the Devi Yamai. The Devi Yamai is the kuldaiwat of a large number of Marathi families. The top of the temple has images and idols of various Hindu Gods. The temple complex also contains the "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 art collection was formerly owned by Shri Bhawanrao Pantapratinidhi, the last ruler of Aundh. The present head of the 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.The Yamai temple holds an annual fair (Yatra) in honour of the goddess Yamai on the Pournima (Full moon day) in the Shaka month of Paush ( mid January).The yatra attracts thousands of devotees.One of the attraction of the fair is the lighting of the giant stone lamp stand (Deepmal).The fair includes food vendors, vendors selling local novelties,talent shows and movies.