Historic Durga Devi Temple Guhagar, Guhagar, Ratnagiri

Goddess Bhavani of Tuljapur, Goddess Mahalakshmi of Kolhapur, Goddess Mahakali of Adivare, and likewise, Goddess Durgadevi of Guhagar are deeply revered places of faith for countless devotees. On one side of Guhagar stands the temple of Shri Vyadheshwar, and on the other is the temple of Goddess Durgadevi. Both are the presiding deities of Guhagar, and it is the firm belief of the local residents that they safeguard the entire region. Fulfilling the vows of her devotees and venerated as a divine, living presence, Goddess Durgadevi is the ancestral family deity (Kuldevi) of many Kokanastha and Karhade Brahmin families.

According to the legend of the temple, after Lord Parashurama pushed back the sea, a Brahmin named Shridhar established the village of Guhagar by filling the land with sand and soil. Thereafter, internal divisions arose among the people in this prosperous and fertile region. Taking advantage of this, many robbers and pirates arrived by sea and began harassing the local villagers. To vanquish them, Goddess Jagadamba Assuming the form of Mahishasuramardini, She fought against these tyrannical oppressors using weapons such as the goad, trident, serpent, and axe, and by vanquishing the enemies, She granted the village protection and freedom from fear. Afterwards, to rest, the Goddess paused near a Rui tree on the seashore here and embedded a pearl from Her nose ring into one of its leaves. A few days later, the Goddess appeared in a divine dream vision to some villagers and instructed them, “I am near the Rui tree; search for Me and erect My temple.” Accordingly, when the villagers searched, they discovered the pearl embedded within the leaf. Hailing the Goddess with loud chants of glory, the villagers consecrated Her at this location. Today, the Dharmastambha present at this place is considered the original abode of the Goddess.

Adorned on all sides with lush green foliage, this entire area is captivating, and standing right in its center, the temple of Goddess Durga truly stands out. Previously, the temple was small; however, following the restoration and renovation carried out in 2006, it has been transformed into a spacious and beautiful two-storied shrine. The temple structure consists of an open Sabhamandap, a main Sabhamandap, and the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The open Sabhamandap features three arches, with stone benches about two feet high arranged along the inner side. The main Sabhamandap is two-storied. During events and festival gatherings, seating arrangements are provided on the upper floor as well, especially for women devotees.

On the pillars on both sides of the entrance to the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), there are intricate carvings, with two lions depicted standing facing each other at the top. Inside the Garbhagriha, on a platform, seated upon a silver throne, is an eight-armed marble idol of Goddess Durga, approximately two and a half feet in height. The Goddess holds various divine weapons in Her hands, including a trident, discus, mace, bow, conch, sword, spear, shield, and axe. The Prabhavali (halo) behind the Goddess is also made of silver. Beautiful silver craftsmanship can be seen on both the throne and the Prabhavali. In a platter before the idol are the silver Padukas of the Goddess. A wide Pradakshina path (circumambulation pathway) surrounds the Garbhagriha.

The temple is built in the Panchayatana style, featuring four additional shrines at its four corners alongside the main shrine of Goddess Durga. Among these is the Lakshmi Narayan temple, which houses beautifully crafted idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Narayan. The Ganpati temple showcases exquisite wooden craftsmanship and enshrines a saffron-colored idol of Lord Ganpati. The Surya temple houses a metal idol of Lord Suryanarayan, while the Mahadev temple enshrines Nandidev and a large Shivlinga carved from black stone, adorned with Nagdevata (the serpent deity). Although these four shrines have been constructed using modern techniques, portions of the old intricate wooden carvings can still be seen today. Adjacent to these temples lies a large sacred lake flanked by stone steps on all four sides.

A short distance from the temple stands a Dharmastambha. It is said that this is the original abode of the Goddess. At the top of the pillar, there is an idol of Nandideva. Its Below, face motifs and a few flowers are carved. On the lower portion, idols of the deities Shri Lakshmi, Shri Durga, and Shri Ganesh are carved. This pillar is square at the base, octagonal above it, sixteen-sided above that, and circular at the top. Adjacent to the pillar is a small niche containing an idol of Lord Hanuman.

A unique feature here is an exquisite carpet beautifully adorned with gold zari work. At its center is an image of a peacock spreading its vibrant plumage, surrounded by intricate floral vine patterns along the borders. Woven into it is the inscription, ‘Pandit Hari Mani Jaipur Mi. Fa. Su. Rudis 1856 Umravati’. This suggests that it was likely woven in and brought from Jaipur. It is recorded that this was offered by Dhondo Gopal Luktuke. Additionally, there is a magnificent, large glass crystal chandelier. This chandelier and the carpet can be viewed only during festival occasions.

Since the Peshwa period, 14 Khandis of rice, coconuts from six trees, and six rupees were provided annually for the festival of Goddess Durga. The Goddess possesses a full-length silver mask (Rupe). It is adorned only on the day of Navami during the Chaitra Navratri festival and for all ten days during the Ashwin Navratri festival. It is said that the Goddess’s pearl was first discovered by the local Jangali (Kunbi) community. Therefore, they hold the sacred honor of keeping the Goddess’s silver mask in their custody. Even today, this pearl remains a part of the Goddess’s ornaments. The Goddess’s saree is changed three times a day, and she is dressed in a *parkar* (skirt) at night. On every Tuesday in the month of Paush, the Goddess is draped in a rich *Shalu* saree. Coconuts are not broken before the Goddess in this temple throughout the year; however, once a year on the day of Dhulwad, a coconut from every household in Guhagar is offered and broken. On the night of Dhulwad, an *Abhishek* with colored water is performed first for Shri Vyadreshwar, and on the following day, for the Goddess.

There is a Veda Pathshala within the temple premises. Here, education in the Rigveda is imparted following the traditional Gurukul system. All expenses for both students and teachers are borne by the Temple Trust. Under the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ initiative, the educational expenses of economically underprivileged girls are permanently sponsored. Music training is also provided to girls who have a passion for singing. The Trust periodically organizes blood donation camps and extends relief aid to flood victims. In addition, there is a well-equipped Bhakta Niwas capable of accommodating approximately 100 devotees. (Contact: 02359 240665) Dining/cafeteria facilities are also available here. Devotees can seek the blessed Darshan of Durga Mata here from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

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