Divine Dewaleshwar Temple Sector 12, Kharghar, Panvel, Raigad

Dewaleshwar Temple is situated in Sector 12 of the Kharghar node, known as a planned node in Navi Mumbai. Located in Panvel Taluka of Raigad district, this temple is a major place of faith for thousands of devotees in the region. Amidst the bustling urban environment, this Shivalaya is regarded as a symbol of peace and devotion. Every day, hundreds of devotees visit this temple for the Darshan of Lord Mahadev. Devotees devoutly believe that the deity grants their wishes. In particular, childless couples especially come here to offer vows (navas).

In Hindu scriptures, Lord Shivashankar is revered as the savior of the universe and the deity of dissolution. According to the Puranas, Shiva is formless and infinite. As elaborated in the Shiva Purana and Linga Purana, there is an ancient tradition in the country of worshipping the Shivlinga as the symbol of Shiva’s formless aspect. The word ‘Dewaleshwar’ translates to the God of Gods. It is with this profound reverence that Mahadev is worshipped in this temple. Devotees believe that Lord Shiva is Bholenath, who is easily pleased even by simple offerings. Preserving the same Vedic traditions and spirit of devotion as the ancient temples of the land, this modern Dewaleshwar Temple stands as a shrine of deep faith. It is believed that this form of Lord Shiva destroys the afflictions of the human mind and illumines the path to self-knowledge (Atma-Jnana).

The history of this temple is closely tied to the growth of Kharghar city. Following the 1990s, Kharghar began expanding rapidly through CIDCO. As the local population grew, devotees felt the need for a central place of worship. Responding to this need, several devotees from Sector 12 gathered and pledged to erect a grand Shiva temple here. To bring this vision to fruition, a board of trustees was established. Subsequently, the construction of the temple commenced through public contributions and generous donations from local devotees. The temple was built in a meticulously planned manner, adhering to the principles of Vastu Shastra. After years of dedicated effort, the Prana Pratishtha (consecration) of the Shivlinga was solemnized amidst Vedic chanting. Today, this temple is known as a vibrant (Jagrut) and sacred shrine in Kharghar.

The temple is set amidst a very spacious and open ground. It is encircled by a sturdy boundary wall featuring a grand entrance archway. This distinctive archway houses three entrance gates leading into the spacious courtyard of the temple. In this courtyard, comfortable seating is provided for devotees at various spots. Ascending nine steps from the courtyard leads to the Mukhamandapa (entrance porch) situated on a raised platform (Jagati). In the center of this semi-open Mukhamandapa, on a raised pedestal, rests a pristine white marble idol of Nandi. From the entrance porch, one enters the Sabhamandapa (assembly hall), which features elegant marble flooring. In the center of this marble-floored hall is a beautifully carved tortoise sculpture (Kasav-shilpa). Beyond it, a few steps descend into the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). In the center of the Garbhagriha rests a Shivlinga carved out of a single stone monolith set into the floor. This Shivlinga is encased in a copper cover, over which stands a serpent hood canopy and a copper Jalapatra (Abhishek vessel) above it, continuously dripping sacred water onto the Shivlinga. As Shiva is considered a deity of fiery energy, this tradition of continuous Jalabhishek is observed to keep Him calm and serene. In a niche on the rear wall of the Garbhagriha, an idol of Mata Parvati is gracefully enshrined. Spires (Shikharas) crown the Mukhamandapa, Sabhamandapa, and Garbhagriha. Among these, the main Shikhara over the Garbhagriha is designed in the Urushringa architectural style, adorned with numerous smaller spire replicas. At the crest of this Shikhara rests a large circular Amalaka topped with a golden Kalash. Within the temple courtyard, there is a Hawan Mandap (sacrificial hall) and a shrine dedicated to Lord Vitthal and Goddess Rukmini.

Daily worship and Puja take place at 6:00 AM, followed by the Maha Aarti at 7:00 PM. Tulsi Vivah is celebrated at the temple during the sacred month of Kartik. During the holy month of Shravan, the temple witnesses a vast gathering of devotees. Special Pujas, Laghurudra, Maharudra, and Bhajan recitations are organized every Monday. During this period, the entire temple complex is beautifully illuminated and decorated with flower garlands. Mahashivratri is the grandest festival celebrated at this temple, accompanied by a large fair (Jatra). Given the temple’s central location in the city, major traffic diversions are arranged during the fair. On this day, long queues of devotees form from early dawn for holy Darshan. On Mahashivratri, special Abhishek and Hom-Hawan dedicated to Lord Mahadev are performed. In the evening, a grand Palkhi (palanquin) procession of the deity is taken out through Kharghar city, with hundreds of devotees participating to the rhythmic beats of Taal and Mridangam. Mahaprasad is distributed by the temple management on the occasion of Mahashivratri. Additionally, festivals like Tripurari Purnima, Ganeshotsav, Navratri, Hanuman Jayanti, and Ram Navami are celebrated with immense devotion. Devotees can visit for Darshan of Dewaleshwar Mahadev daily from 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM and from 4:00 PM to 9:30 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