The temple was built by Chimajji Appa, the younger brother of Bajirao Peshwa after the Marathas defeated the Portuguese in 1739. Situated on top of a hill, the temple looks like a miniature fort and has 52 steps leading up to it.
Goddess Vajreshwari or Vajrayogini is the presiding deity at the temple. Idols of Goddess Renuka and Goddess Kalika sit on either side of the deity. Idols of Lord Ganesh and other gods and goddesses are carved onto the pillars and walls of the temple. Photography is not allowed within the temple.
The Gurudev Sidha Peeth also famously remembered as Shri Gurudev Ashram is a tribute to his Guru (Teacher/ Guide) by Swami Muktanand in 1949. The Guru had attained Mahasamadhi. This is a spiritual institute where people from all walks of life and countries arrive to seek solace in the divine atmosphere. The Ashram is spread over an area of 70 acres.
The institute was founded by Swami Muktanand in 1949 and the credit for turning this place into a full time spiritual center also goes to him for it was he who decided to settle down and take care of the ashram. However, only few areas are available to common public for visit. The Ashram has also been instrumental in developing the area surrounding it through generation of local employment. Now the settlements around the Ashram consist of populace from tribes coming from nearby forests.
