Goddess Tukai is widely worshipped in Maharashtra and parts
of north Karnataka, Telangana and Madhya Pradesh. She is also the family deity
of many communities in Maharashtra. There are two beliefs regarding Goddess
Tukai – one is that she is another name of Goddess Tuljabhavani. Another belief
is that she is a manifestation of Mother Goddess Durga, who annihilated demon Mahishasura.
There are numerous small shrines dedicated to her in rural
Maharashtra. Annual yatra to the shrines are observed with great pomp.
In some rural areas, animal sacrifices were offered to the deity.
She is worshipped for peace and prosperity. Couples offer
prayers to her for healthy children. She is also worshipped before harvest and
also at the start of a new farming season.