Prasanna Shree Jagdamba Bhavani Temple Vashi, Pen, Raigad

Located seven kilometers from Pen on the Mumbai-Goa Highway, the village of Vashi is revered as a holy place sanctified by the divine presence of Goddess Jagadamba Bhavani (Varsubai). Devotees from Alibaug taluka as well as Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Thane, Mumbai, and Pune districts visit here for darshan. Every Tuesday evening, a grand Maha Aarti of the Goddess is performed at the temple. The honor of conducting this Aarti requires advance booking for up to two years. On the day of the Maha Aarti, the worshipper holding the privilege performs the sacred worship (puja-archa) and Abhishekam of the Goddess. The Goddess is widely renowned for fulfilling the desires of her devotees and answering their solemn vows (navas).

This temple of Goddess Jagadamba Bhavani at Vashi is said to be around one thousand years old. According to temple legend, in ancient times, like the Mughals, the Portuguese also embarked on a spree of destroying Hindu temples across Maharashtra. Since the fame of Jagadamba Bhavani of Vashi was widespread, they decided to demolish this temple as well. As the Portuguese army approached Vashi village via Dharamtar, a swarm of fierce, bloodthirsty bees suddenly materialized and attacked the soldiers. Consequently, they were forced to retreat, and the temple remained intact and unharmed.

According to another legend, on July 17, 1947, the passenger vessel ‘Ramdas’, traveling between Mumbai and Rewas, struck a rock near Rewas port and sank. Around 600 passengers lost their lives in the tragedy, with only 75 surviving. Among the survivors was Mangaldas Padamji Patil, a prominent citizen of Vashi village. He recounted that as the vessel began to sink, many tried to swim to safety, including himself. Exhausted from battling the storm and huge waves, and with the shore still far away, he saw death approaching and prayed fervently to Goddess Jagadamba Amba Bhavani for deliverance. Just then, he spotted a wooden log floating right before him, and with its support, he reached the shore safely. Upon returning home, he first went to take darshan of the Goddess and then narrated the divine miracle to the villagers.
As the ancient carved wooden pillars of the temple were damaged by termites, it was decided to renovate the shrine. Retaining the main sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) and the exact location of the deity’s idol, the temple acquired its present form after renovations completed in 2010. Situated at the center of Vashi village, this two-story temple features a spacious courtyard. The architectural layout consists of a Darshan Mandapa, Sabha Mandapa, Antarala (antechamber), and Garbhagriha. The temple stands beside a vast lake spanning about 12 acres. Ascending five steps from the Darshan Mandapa leads into the spacious Sabha Mandapa. Large windows are provided in this enclosed assembly hall to ensure ample light and ventilation. Beyond the Sabha Mandapa, leaving space for the Pradakshina (circumambulation) path, lie the Antarala and the Garbhagriha. On the front wall of the Antarala, niches (devakoshtas) on either side of the entrance house idols of Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanuman. The wooden doorframes (dwarashakhas) feature intricate artistic carvings. The pillar jambs display idols of mace-bearing Dwarapalas (gatekeepers), while the lintel (uttaranga) bears the carved name ‘Bhavani Jagadamba’ along with decorative art.

Inside the sanctum sanctorum, placed upon a Vajrapitha within a marble shrine (makhar), is a four-armed stone idol of the Goddess standing approximately four feet tall. Smeared with sacred vermilion (shendur), the idol is adorned with a silver crown and various ornaments. Rising above the sanctum sanctorum is an 80-foot spire (shikhara) topped with a sacred Kalasha, making it visible from a distance of five to six kilometers. Within the temple premises are shrines dedicated to Vitthal-Rukmini, Paduka Temple, Shri Ram, Ganesha, and Mahadev. Among these, the Mahadev Temple dates back to the sixteenth century, giving this area its popular name, ‘Deul Aali’ (temple lane).

The Goddess is renowned for rushing to the aid of her devotees and fulfilling their inner desires. Many devotees lay their petitions (garhani) before the Goddess and pledge vows (navas). During the Navratri and annual Yatra festivals, large crowds gather to fulfill their vows, which includes the ritual of Tula (weighing against offerings). Many devotees fast for five to ten days and arrive at the temple to fulfill their vows amidst the joyful music of traditional instruments and singing praises of the Goddess. Daily Aarti takes place at the Shri Jagadamba Bhavani Temple at 5:00 AM and 7:00 PM, during which time the temple remains open to devotees. In addition, a grand Maha Aarti is held every Tuesday at 7:00 PM. During the nine days of Navratri, thousands of devotees wait in long queues to seek the sacred darshan of the Goddess. In the temple’s Homa Kunda, a sacred fire (Homa) is lit by several priests amidst ritual prayers and the chanting of Vedic mantras. On the ninth day, a grand palanquin (palkhi) procession of the Goddess is taken out. Following the Navratri festival, the annual temple fair (Yatra) is held on Chaitra Shukla Purnima.

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