Chandika Devi Temple is located in Juchandra village, near Naigaon East, in Vasai Taluka, Palghar District, Maharashtra. It is around 50 km from Mumbai and the temple is built on a hill about 400 feet high. According to local belief, the temple dates back to the Pandava era.
The main deity worshipped here is Chandika Devi, a fierce and protective form of Goddess Durga. She is also considered to be a form of Chamunda or Mahishasuramardini. The temple houses stone idols of Chandika Devi, Kalika Devi, Mahishasuramardini, and Lord Ganesha. Devotees also worship wooden models of lions, tigers, and other guardian symbols, which are placed inside the cave.
The temple is situated within a natural rock cave, lending it a mystical and ancient atmosphere. Originally, it was a small cave temple with minimal structures. In 2002, the temple underwent renovation and expansion to become a five-storey complex. There are around 200–300 stone steps from the west side of the hill, and a motorable road from the east that leads up to the entrance.
Long ago, during the time of the Mahabharata, the Pandavas were in exile and wandered through forests and remote regions. One part of their journey brought them to the forests near present-day Juchandra in Vasai, Maharashtra. This area was quiet and full of caves, hills, and dense trees—an ideal place for meditation and worship.
During their stay, it is believed that Arjuna, the mighty warrior and a great devotee of Goddess Durga, decided to perform penance and worship Chandika Devi, a fierce and protective form of the Mother Goddess. He wanted her blessings to gain strength and divine weapons for the great war that was to come.
Arjuna discovered a natural cave on a hill and began his intense prayers. Deeply pleased with his devotion, Chandika Devi appeared before him in her powerful form, glowing with divine energy. She blessed Arjuna and promised to protect dharma (righteousness). This sacred spot where she appeared became the location of the Chandika Devi temple we see today.
Over time, local villagers began experiencing divine signs and miracles in the area. They built a simple shrine inside the cave and started worshipping her regularly. The Goddess is believed to protect the region, remove fear, defeat evil, and bring peace to all her devotees.
The two biggest festivals celebrated here are the Navaratris—Chaitra Navratri (March–April) and Ashwin Navratri (September–October). These nine days are filled with special pujas, devotional songs, garba and dandiya dances, yatra (processions), and drama performances.
The Chaitra Yatra attracts thousands of devotees and includes palkhi processions, free meals, folk arts, and community activities. Other special days include Amavasya, Poornima, and Tuesdays and Fridays, when special aartis and archana are performed.