Ancient Jai Vinayaka Temple Jaigarh, Ratnagiri, Ratnagiri

Located in the village of Chaferi near the holy site of Ganpatipule, the Jai Vinayak Temple is a special attraction for both devotees and tourists visiting the Konkan region. Built by the Jindal Group, this modern temple’s architecture is inspired by ancient temple construction styles, showcasing a unique blend of Buddhist and Hindu architectural elements. The temple of Jai Vinayak is situated in the heart of a beautifully developed garden. A unique feature of this garden is that trees corresponding to the 27 Nakshatras (constellations) have been planted here, which is why it is known as the ‘Nakshatra Garden’.

The temple is located on the Ganpatipule-Jaigad road. It was established in 2013 by JSW Energy Limited of the Jindal Group. The auspicious Hindu symbols of Om and Swastika, carved on the greenery outside the entrance of this temple, which features a fortification of laterite stone, immediately catch the eye. Upon entering the Nakshatra Garden, the lush green surroundings feel serene. A winding laterite stone pathway leads from the entrance to the temple. In the southeastern corner of the garden, there is a water tank built of laterite stone, where one can see various types of colorful fish and turtles.

A few steps from the water tank, near the laterite stone steps, is the Nagarkhana (drum house), flanked by two Deepmalas (lamp towers). On the left side of the temple, there is a six-foot-tall idol of Lord Hanuman housed in a small canopy. Right in front of the temple, in the Mushak Mandap, sits Mushakraj, the vehicle of Lord Ganesha. The brass idol of this mouse, holding a modak, features exquisite craftsmanship. Laterite stone has been used for the entire construction of the Jai Vinayak Temple, with minimal use of cement. The temple’s attractively designed shikhara (spire) also features unique artistry. On the walls at the back of the temple, the ‘Vakratunda Mahakaya…’ shloka is carved, with an image of Lord Ganesha above it. Beautiful sculptures of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, with baby Ganesha, are also carved on the walls here. Beneath the feet of these figures, one can see Nandi, the vehicle of Shiva, and Mushak, the vehicle of Ganesha. From the circumambulation path (pradakshina marg) behind the temple, looking towards the left offers a panoramic view of the sea. Every evening, the temple is illuminated with attractive lighting, which further enhances its magnificent appearance.

The temple structure consists of a Mushak Mandap, a spacious Sabha Mandap (assembly hall), and the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The door frame of the Sabha Mandap entrance features exquisite craftsmanship. Above it, on both sides, elephants with raised trunks are carved, with an auspicious kalash in the center. Above this is a beautiful image of the Sun. The Sabha Mandap and the area above the Garbhagriha feature wooden construction. The Garbhagriha of the temple has been built using innovative technology. It has six pillars, and the upper section features idols of the Ashtavinayaka. In the shrine, there is a serene, throne-seated idol of Jai Vinayak. This eight-foot-tall idol, weighing about 800 kg and adorned in a shela and pitambar (traditional garments), holds an ankusha (goad) in one hand, a pasha (noose) in the second, a modak in the third, while the fourth hand is in a blessing posture. This idol was crafted by a sculptor from Mumbai.

The idol was consecrated on 13 February 2013, on Magh Shuddha Chaturthi. A smaller idol of Lord Ganesha is kept near the main idol for daily worship. The temple priests perform daily rituals, abhishek, and aarti. Every month, on Sankashti Chaturthi, recitations and bhajans by local artists are held here. Often, programs featuring singing, bhajans, and abhangvani by visiting artists are also organized. Devotees can have darshan of Jai Vinayak from 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM. Various types of abhishek are also performed here upon the request of devotees. (Contact: Amit Bhatkhande, Manager, Mob: 9552577393)

On the ground floor of the temple is the ‘Kaladham’. Here, artworks by Konkan artists and products from self-help groups are displayed for exhibition. These products can also be purchased if desired. After exiting Kaladham, there is a small pathway that leads to a small dam. For devotees who wish to stay in this scenic environment, a Bhakta Niwas (pilgrim guest house) equipped with all amenities has also been built. (Contact: Temple Committee Office, Tel: 02357 242505)

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