During the Sharadiya Navratri festival, there is a large gathering of pilgrims at temples across the country, including the ancient Ambika Devi temple in Akola, Maharashtra. Devotees arrive at the temple from early morning to worship the Mother. After visiting the shrine, they bring flowers, coconuts, turmeric, incense, lamps, and shawls.
Local residents also know this temple as Rizrav Mata. According to local legends, this temple is a center of deep faith dating back over 300 years. The goddess Ambika is called by different names here: some call her Bagattali Devi, while others call her Rizrav Mata. Pilgrims are convinced that the Mother removes their troubles and bestows grace upon her followers in all joys and adversities of life.
Pilgrims reported that for Navratri, the temple premises were decorated with bright lighting. People come early in the morning to see the beautiful decorations and the divine form of the Mother. An atmosphere of prayer and devotion prevails in the temple.
Not only local residents but also pilgrims from remote areas arrive at the temple. Some devotees from Mumbai have also come to Akola to worship the Mother. Pilgrims claim that staying at the feet of the Mother brings them peace of mind, and they pray for deliverance from problems. They have also shared their experiences related to the Mother's grace and blessings.
According to the temple caretaker, Anil, this temple existed even before the period of British rule. There is a belief that previously there was a flower garden around the temple premises, and it was there that the statue of the Mother was installed. Because of this, the Mother became known as Bagattali Devi. Over time, this place turned into the main center of faith for pilgrims.
In 1853, during British rule, a decision was made to demolish the temple and build a police station on the site. Engraving was conducted to reserve this area. However, despite all efforts, the police station could not be built. The British government repeatedly tried to erect a police station, but each attempt proved unsuccessful. Local residents began to consider this a miracle of the Goddess. It is said that since then, the goddess of this temple has been called Rizrav Mata, and today the locals continue to refer to the Goddess by this name.

