The temple is modest in size but massive in reputation. Victims of snakebites are brought here, and devotees perform a ritual called 'Dandvat' (lying flat on the stomach and rolling or crawling around the temple) to seek the Goddess's intervention for drawing out the venom.

The origins of the temple lie in the ancient tribal traditions of the Konkan, where snake worship (Naga panth) and the worship of local mother goddesses merged. The Peshwas later granted lands for the upkeep of this temple due to its importance to the local populace.