Mata Roop Bhawani was a 17th century Hindu Saint who was also known as Akhileshwari (her birth name). She was born to Pandit Madhav Joo Dhar at Nawakadal. As per the legent, Pandit Madhav Joo was ardent devotee of Maa Sharika and used to offer prayers for hours at Hari Parbat. It is said that one day, Maa Sharika appeared before him and asked for a boon.
Pandit ji asked for Maa herself in the form of his daughter and that is how Akhileshwari was born on Poorna Amavasya in the month of Zyeshta. Akhileshwari followed his father on the path of spirituality. Although she was married, but because of the mistreatment received from his husband and in-laws she left the house in pursuit of God.
She performed her Sadhana in solitude at Cheshma Shahi, Manigam, and Vaskura. These places, including her birthplace at Safa Kadal, are now famous as Ropa Bhawani Asthapanas.
Mata Roop Bhawani left for heavenly abode on the Saptami Tithi, in the month of Magha, (Magh Gha’at Pa’ch Satam) in the year 1721, Bhavani’s soul took flight forever. The legend relates how her devotees, filled with grief, carried her body towards the cremation ground. On the way they met the village head who, on seeing the funeral procession, asked whom they were carrying.
On hearing that it was Roop Bhavani, he was very startled, for he had just seen Bhavani walking down the road by which he came. The devotees looked inside the coffin and found nothing there but some alak (locks-of hair) and some flowers. The alak are even today worshipped with great reverence. Her body was never found.
