A temple is not just a collection of stones, bricks, and sculptures. Its soul comes from those who live, serve, and work there with devotion. Mukund Mandir in Akola received such a soul through Geetabai Deshpande, lovingly called Gitāātyā by everyone.
Geetabai belonged to the Chaudhary family, sister to Narayan Madhav Chaudhary and Shrikrishna Madhav Chaudhary. Later, she married Dhondopant Mukund Deshpande, blending two families’ legacies in the temple’s establishment.
After Mukund Mandir was built, Geetabai considered it her home. She resided in a room adjacent to the temple, ensuring visitors felt a warm and welcoming environment. She personally interacted with devotees, distributed prasadam, and engaged with children, creating a familial atmosphere.
At a time when women had limited roles in temples, Gitāātyā actively participated in rituals, aartis, and bhajans. During Navratri, she organized the community, empowering women to take an active role in spiritual and social activities.
Her nature was calm, disciplined, and service-oriented. She managed temple cleanliness, arranged prasadam, and guided devotees with love, treating everyone equally regardless of caste, creed, or social status. Her philosophy: “Before God, all are equal.”
Navratri, the main festival at Mukund Mandir, saw her full dedication. She participated in all activities — worship, aartis, bhajans, and cultural events like dandiya. She also oversaw annadan, ensuring everyone, especially the needy, was served with respect.
Geetabai’s relationship with devotees went beyond that of a temple caretaker. She shared in their joys and sorrows, comforted those in distress, and blessed children. Visiting the temple felt like visiting a family home.
Her life was wholly devoted to Mukund Mandir. She was the “living soul” of the temple. Even today, senior devotees recall the warmth she brought, and her service is felt in every corner of the temple.
Gitāātyā was not just a person but an ideal. She demonstrated that female power is alive not only in the deity but in daily life. Her dedication and simplicity continue to inspire future generations.
While Dhondopant Mukund Deshpande is rightly honored in the history of Mukund Mandir, the contribution of Geetabai Deshpande (Gitāātyā) is equally significant. She transformed the temple into a home of warmth and devotion, and her service, simplicity, and relationship with devotees remain an inseparable part of the temple’s legacy.