Shree Mahakali Mata Temple Chaul-Belai, Alibaug, Raigad

Nestled in the Alibaug taluka, the village of Chaul is an ancient and historically significant location on the western coastline. In ancient times, this village was known as a city of temples. Even today, a large number of historical structures can be seen here. On the route passing through the Belai hillocks of Chaul, at a distance of about two kilometers, lies a vast lake named Dolsamudra. The renowned Mahakali Mata Temple is situated in the vicinity of this lake. This temple is said to be about three hundred years old. During the period of Chaul’s prosperous trade and commerce, people of many castes and religions resided here, among whom the Twashta Kasar community built this temple. This place is known as a prominent and spiritually vibrant deity shrine in the Alibaug taluka.

Studying the historical changes in the name of Chaul reveals that this village was known by different names during the eras of various dynasties. In the Kanheri inscription from the Satavahana period in one hundred thirty CE, it is mentioned as Chemulya. In one hundred fifty CE, the Greek geographer Ptolemy referred to it as Simulla. The name is recorded as Chemulya in a copper plate of the Shilahara kings from one hundred ninety-four CE, and as Chaul in a Yadava-era inscription from twelve hundred ninety-eight CE. During the Portuguese period, it was called Chaul or Seul, while in the eighteenth century during the era of the Maratha Navy, this village was an important part of the Ashtagar region.

Historical evidence highlights the significance of the Mahakali Temple here. In the Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency of eighteen hundred eighty-three, the Mahakali Temple at Chaul-Belai is mentioned as an important geographical and religious site in this region. Furthermore, this temple finds mention in the book ‘Notes on the History and Antiquities of Chaul and Bassein’ written by Dr. Joseph Gerson da Cunha in eighteen hundred seventy-six. Da Cunha gave the ancient name of Chaul as ‘Champavati’ and stated that this temple at Belai is a Shakti Peetha protecting the ancient borders of Chaul. Historical references indicate that during the Maratha Empire, Sarkhel Kanhoji Angre granted lands for the maintenance of this temple. The soldiers in Angre’s navy had unwavering devotion to this Goddess.
On the wooden pillars of the old assembly hall (sabhamandap) of the Mahakali Goddess temple, seventeen hundred and two is found carved. From this, it is concluded that a major renovation of the temple must have taken place during that period, and the original temple must be even older. Having been affected by the invasions on Upper Chaul by the Mughals in sixteen hundred and twelve and by the Siddhi of Janjira in sixteen hundred and eighty-four, this temple must have been revived in the subsequent period, specifically in seventeen hundred and two. Later in the twentieth century, in nineteen hundred and eighty-six, the Twashta Kasar community undertook the renovation work of this ancient structure. During this process, in July nineteen hundred and eighty-nine, lightning struck the temple, causing a crack in the sanctum sanctorum. However, the idol of the Goddess remained completely unharmed in this natural disaster. Following this incident, the community members decided to build a new sanctum sanctorum, and the new temple was consecrated on fourteenth May two thousand.

This temple of Mahakali Mata is situated in an area rich in natural beauty. Coconut and betel nut groves surround the temple. The road leading to the temple through these groves is paved with paver blocks. Right in front of the temple, on a large raised platform, stands a lamp pillar (deepastambh). Ascending five steps from the courtyard, one enters the entrance hall (mukhamandap) of the temple, which stands on a high plinth. The architectural structure of the temple consists of an entrance hall, an assembly hall, and the sanctum sanctorum. The entrance hall here is semi-open in nature. From here, one enters the two-story assembly hall of the temple. There is a balcony on the upper floor of the spacious assembly hall. Beyond this, leaving a circumambulation path (pradakshina marg), lies the sanctum sanctorum. Near the front wall of the entrance to the sanctum sanctorum, to the left on a platform, is a brass Shiva Linga. On the right wall is an image of Vishwakarma seated on an elephant. According to mythological tradition, Vishwakarma is considered the chief architect and sculptor of the gods. According to the Rigveda and various Puranas, Vishwakarma created the palaces and cities of the gods. This includes famous places such as Indra’s Amaravati, Lord Krishna’s Dwarka, Ravana’s Lanka, and the Pandavas’ Indraprastha. Along with this, he is also believed to have designed various weapons and chariots for the gods.

Inside the sanctum sanctorum, upon a vajrapitha, stands the idol of Mahakali Goddess. This idol of the Goddess is black in color and has four arms. The Goddess holds a sword in her upper right hand and a trident in her left hand, while her lower hands hold a nectar vessel and a blood vessel. Adorned with various garments and ornaments, the Goddess wears jewelry and a crown on her head. To the right of the Goddess is the sculpture of her mount, the tiger, and to the left is the idol of Shakti. Severed heads of demons are carved at the feet of the Goddess. To the left of the main idol of the Goddess is a vermilion-anointed idol of Ganesha. There are temple spires (shikharas) above the viewing hall and the sanctum sanctorum of this temple.

Every year on Chaitri Gudi Padwa, Shravana Pratipada, and Vaishakha Shuddha Ekadashi, a festival celebrating the Goddess’s ‘Wadi’ is held. On the day of this festival, a palanquin procession of the Goddess’s mask takes place. This palanquin sets off towards the temple with great enthusiasm. During the festival, the temple is adorned with attractive illumination, and the Goddess is decorated with various kinds of flowers. For this celebration, members of the Twashta Kasar community gather from Thane, Mumbai, Pune, and various parts of the state. On this occasion, accomplished individuals from the community are felicitated, and various cultural programs are organized.

Navratrotsav is the grandest festival celebrated at this temple. During the nine-day period, Lalita Panchami and Maha Ashtami hold special significance, during which fire sacrifices (hom-havan) and religious rituals are performed. On the day of Dussehra, hundreds of villagers gather here to cross the symbolic border (simollanghan). A large fair is also held here on Magha Purnima. On this occasion, devotees devoutly offer a traditional basket of offerings (oti) to the Goddess and fulfill their vows. Especially for the blessing of progeny and the fulfillment of the dream of a new home, many devotees pray to the Goddess here. Devotees can visit the temple for darshan daily from six in the morning to eight in the evening.

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