Pavitra Phulai Devi Temple Sasavane, Alibaug, Raigad

The village of Sasavane, situated along the coastline in the Alibag taluka of Raigad district, is known across the country and abroad for the sculpture collection of the world-renowned sculptor Nanasaheb Karmarkar. In this same village stands the ancient temple of Phulai Devi, the presiding deity of the local Koli and Agri communities. Since the founding of the village, the Goddess has been revered as the protector of the Konkan coastline and a guardian during times of crisis. According to historical references, some local chronicles mention that the Goddess blessed and protected the forts and the naval fleet in the Alibag region.

According to the Sahyadri Khanda of the Skanda Purana, after Lord Parashurama created the Konkan land, he established various forms of Shakti in different places to protect the region; Phulai Devi is considered one of these awakened Shakti Peethas. According to mythology, in ancient times, a haughty demon caused obstacles in the yajnas of sages and the lives of the people in this region. To be freed from this crisis, the sages worshipped the Adi Shakti, and pleased by their devotion, the Goddess manifested. When the Goddess arrived, the entire area blossomed with fragrant flowers, and there was a shower of flowers from the sky. Due to this change in nature, the Goddess received the name ‘Phulai’. With her radiant power, the Goddess defeated the demon and freed the region from fear. Such deities situated on the seashore are also addressed as ‘Sindhurakshak’ (Protectors of the Sea). They protect the villagers from natural disasters coming from the ocean.

Sasavane village is surrounded by coconut and betel nut groves, and this temple is located 18 kilometers away from the taluka town of Alibag. One can reach here in about one and a half hours by water transport from the Gateway of India in Mumbai via Mandwa. There is a beautiful arch on the path to this temple, which is located in the center of the village. From this arch to the temple, a paved road with paver blocks has been constructed. From here, one climbs seven to eight steps to enter the spacious courtyard in front of the temple. There is a lamp pillar (Deepstambha) in this courtyard. The temple structure consists of a Darshan Mandap, Mandap, Sabha Mandap, and Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The Darshan Mandap and Mandap here are semi-open. From this Mandap, one climbs four steps to enter the Sabha Mandap of the temple, which is situated on a high platform. The large, enclosed Sabha Mandap here has marble flooring. Beyond that, leaving aside the circumambulation path (Pradakshina Marg), is the structure of the Garbhagriha. In the Garbhagriha, on a Vajrapitha, the idol of Phulai Devi is placed in a beautiful marble shrine (Makhar). Adorned with various clothes and ornaments, the idol has a metal mask and a crown on its head. To the right of this idol is another smaller marble shrine. In that shrine, there is an idol of Lord Ganesha. In front of the idol of the Goddess, below the Vajrapitha, are the Goddess’s sandals (Padukas). There are two separate spires (Shikharas) over the Sabha Mandap and the Garbhagriha of the temple. These square-shaped spires, which taper from bottom to top, feature replicas of many smaller spires. At the top of both spires are two Amalakas and a Kalash above them.

Various festivals and celebrations are organized in this temple throughout the year. Among these, the Navratri festival is celebrated on a grand scale. During these nine days, various forms of the Goddess are worshipped and anointed, and a Homa-Havan is performed on the ninth day. During the festival, married women visit their maternal homes to offer the Goddess an ‘Oti’ (a ritual offering). For the Maha-Aarti held in the evening during the festival, devotees must register in advance to offer a saree to the Goddess. A large fair (Yatra) of the Goddess is held in the month of Chaitra, and at this time, an important ritual called ‘Gavtakani’ is performed. On this day, all the villagers circle the village boundary, and this day is decided based on the situation. Magh Shuddha Shashthi is the temple’s anniversary, and many religious programs are held on this day. The temple committee provides Maha-Prasad to the devotees at this time. The second major fair is held on the day of Narali Purnima. At that time, the Koli community members are present in large numbers. There is a special tradition of performing a ‘Tula’ (weighing ceremony) after the fulfillment of a vow. Devotees offer fruits, flowers, sweets, or sugar equal to their own weight to the Goddess according to their capacity. Devotees can have the darshan of Phulai Devi in this temple every day from 7 in the morning to 1 in the afternoon and from 4 in the evening to 9:30 at night.

Apart from this temple of Phulai Devi, the village of Sasavane is famous everywhere due to the sculpture collection of the world-renowned sculptor Padma Shri Nanasaheb Karmarkar. After Nanasaheb’s passing, his original residence was converted into a museum. More than 150 sculptures created by him are kept here for exhibition. These sculptures are made from mediums like bronze, cement, and plaster of Paris, and they appear extremely lifelike. The sculpture of a Koli girl named ‘Hira’ in this museum has been acclaimed worldwide. Apart from this, realistic sculptures of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, various animals, and great personalities can be seen here. This rare heritage of Nanasaheb’s art is still preserved with equal affection by his family today, and this gallery is a major center of attraction for tourists.

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