Shri Kesharnath Temple Shedwai, Mandangad, Ratnagiri

Situated on the border of Gharadi and Shedwai villages in the Mandangad taluka of Ratnagiri district, the Kesarnath Temple is one of the ancient Vishnu temples of the Konkan region. Located near a perennial stream flowing through lush greenery, the idol of Keshav in this temple is approximately 800 years old. There is also a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva adjacent to this temple. On the day of Kartiki Ekadashi, *dindis* (processions) from many surrounding villages arrive here. The chanting of the Lord’s name during this time resonates throughout the area until the early hours of the next morning.

The legend of the temple states that hundreds of years ago, some devotees were passing through this area on foot, carrying the idol. They stopped near the stream to rest and placed the idol down. After resting for a while, when they prepared to continue their journey, they found they could not lift the idol. They realized that the Lord wished to reside there. Subsequently, this temple was built on that very spot. The beautiful and intricately carved idol of Lakshmi-Keshav here is considered a rare sculptural treasure of the Konkan. Shedwai village is located on the road branching to the right from Deogaon on the Mandangad-Dapoli road. The temple is situated in the Barskarwadi area of the village. Nestled in the lap of nature, near a perennial stream, this is a simple, traditional Konkani-style tiled-roof temple. A tin shed has been erected in front of the temple for the convenience of devotees. The main temple structure consists of a *sabhamandap* (assembly hall) and a *garbhagriha* (sanctum sanctorum). The temple plinth is about two to two-and-a-half feet above the ground, and it is constructed using laterite stone. Upon entering the *garbhagriha* from the open *sabhamandap*, one is blessed with the sight of the serene idol of Kesarnath.

This idol, carved from black stone with a greenish-black hue, stands three-and-a-half feet tall. The idol features distinctive and exquisite craftsmanship. According to iconography, based on the sequence of the attributes (Padma, Shankha, Chakra, Gada) held in the hands, this idol is that of Keshav. The lower right hand holds a lotus (Padma), the upper right hand a conch (Shankha), the upper left hand a discus (Chakra), and the lower left hand a mace (Gada). Since there is a small idol of Lakshmi near the left foot of the deity, it is identified as Lakshmi-Keshav. To the right of the idol is a sculpture of Garuda. Near the head of the idol, Mahesh is on the left and Brahma is on the right, with the *Dashavatara* (ten incarnations) carved on the *prabhavali* (arch). The clothing and ornaments of the idol are crafted with extremely delicate carvings. Beside this idol is an idol of Ganesha.

Two other idols with similar craftsmanship are located in Sadve and Talusare in the same district. It is believed that all three idols were created by the same sculptor. Beside this temple is a temple of Shankara. In this temple, there is a small *Shivalinga* and an idol of Nandi placed in a square, recessed area in the ground. The surroundings are characterized by dense foliage, a perennial stream flowing nearby, a small waterfall, profound silence, and the chirping of various birds.

The Kesarnath Temple area is also known as ‘Prati-Pandharpur’ (the Pandharpur of the region). A fair is held here on Ashadhi and Kartiki Ekadashi. Devotees who are unable to travel to Pandharpur for the *darshan* of Lord Vitthal make it a point to visit here. On Kartiki Ekadashi, a *dindi* program is held throughout the night. The area resonates with the chanting of the Lord’s name until dawn. After the *Kakad Aarti* in the morning, *prasad* is distributed to the devotees.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery