 The steps were built by Umabai Dabhade in 1710 AD.The steps are also seen with figures of Rama, Hanuman, Radha and Krishna, Dattatreya, and of tortoise at a few places on many temples dedicated to Durga or Mata.It is believed that the "Devi Mahatmya", a sacred book which extols the greatness of Devi and her exploits, was composed at this place by the sage Markandeya.