Ancient Sundernarayan Ganesha Temple Deobandh, Mokhada, Palghar

Palghar, situated between Thane and Nashik districts, is known as a tribal-dominated district. The Ganesh temple located at Devband in the Mokhada taluka of the district was built as part of an effort to cultivate values through the path of religion and spirituality among the local tribals who struggle with problems like malnutrition, poor health, and addiction. It is said that the name ‘Devband’ originated from the legend that the Gods themselves built a dam in the riverbed near the temple. The Panchadhatu (five-metal) idol of Lord Ganesha in this temple is renowned for being ‘Jagrut’ (spiritually awakened). The architecture of this temple, a beautiful example of sculpture, is a replica of the Shri Sundarnarayan Temple in Nashik.

Mokhada taluka, located in the east of Palghar district, is a tribal-dominated region covered with forests, hills, and valleys. There is a large population of tribal communities here, including Warli, Kokna, Katkari, Dhor Koli, ‘Ka’ Thakur, and ‘Ma’ Thakur. With the aim of fostering a paradise of value-based education among the illiterate tribal community, guiding this devout society on the path of spirituality, and improving their standard of living by freeing them from addictions and providing employment, the Shri Sundarnarayan Ganesh Sanskar Kendra was established through the Sahyadri Adivasi Bahuvidh Seva Sangh, under the initiative of senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh organizer Moropant Pingle. The idol of Ganesha was consecrated in the temple built by this center on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Jayanti on 12 February 1986. Thousands of devotees from the surrounding areas were present at this ceremony. Since the consecration of Ganesha here, many tribals and devotees from the area began visiting for Darshan. This temple is a place of faith and inspiration for many.

In terms of tourism, the Mokhada taluka is rich with attractions such as the tourist spot Khodala, the Pandavleni caves at Vashala, the Sunset Point at Suryamal, the ancient Shiva temple at Osarvira, and the Jagdamba Mata temple at Mokhada. Devband, situated in a very remote and hilly part of this taluka, is a picturesque location. The Pinjal River flows through here in serpentine curves. A massive boulder blocks more than half of the riverbed. The legend goes that this boulder did not fall here naturally, but appears to have been intentionally placed sideways in the riverbed, leading to the belief that the Gods themselves built this dam of stone. According to the belief of some locals, it was not the Gods, but Bhima, the strongest of the five Pandavas, who placed this boulder here. That is why this area is named ‘Devband’.

The temple is nestled in the lap of nature in a quiet and pleasant environment. After entering through the arch of the temple located along the road, one enters the temple courtyard. Benches have been provided for devotees in this courtyard. There is also a well in the temple premises situated on the riverbank. The temple consists of an open assembly hall (Sabhamandap) with many pillars, a sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha), and a circumambulation path (Pradakshina Marg). The temple pavilion has one main dome and three smaller domes around it. There is a spire-shaped tower above the sanctum sanctorum.
The Panchadhatu idol of Ganesha is placed on a Vajrapitha in the sanctum sanctorum. The idol is adorned with intricate carvings. A serpent belt (Sarpamekhala) surrounds the pot-bellied (Lambodara) form of this four-armed idol. In the back hands, the idol holds a sword (Khadga) and an axe (Parshu), while the front right hand is in a blessing posture (Ashirwad Mudra). Ganesha holds a Modak in his left hand. A mouse (Mushak) is near the left thigh of the idol. This idol was donated to the Shri Sundarnarayan Ganesh Sanskar Kendra by a Ganesh devotee named Vasantrao Dixit. Many devotees and tourists visit this temple to seek the blessings of the awakened Ganesha. Various religious programs are organized here during the Ganesh Utsav in the month of Bhadrapada. The temple’s anniversary celebration is held on the day of Ganesh Jayanti during the Maghi Ganesh Utsav. On this day, more than ten thousand devotees from Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, and Nashik districts, along with tribal families from Palghar district, come for Ganesha’s Darshan. Arrangements for their meals are made by the Ganesh Sanskar Kendra.

During the festival, addicted tribal individuals are brought here in a purified state, and a Tulsi garland is placed around their necks. Thereafter, the person is administered an oath of de-addiction. Since the tribal community is inherently devout, a positive impact of this oath taken before the Deity is observed. Through the Ganesh Utsav, the organization’s workers carry out programs to enlighten the local tribals and administer the de-addiction oath to them. Many tribal brothers perform Bhajans and Kirtans here.
Through the Sahyadri Adivasi Bahuvidh Seva Sangh, the Shri Sundarnarayan Ganesh Sanskar Kendra strives for the holistic development of the tribals. With the aim of fostering a sense of unity among the tribals, the center distributes 40 idols of Ganesha to 40 villages in the area under the ‘One Village One Ganpati’ initiative. On the second and fourth Sunday of every month, doctors from Thane, Dombivli, Ghoti, and Igatpuri visit here. Free medical treatment is provided to patients from over a hundred villages and hamlets in the area. Patients with serious illnesses are sent to large hospitals in Thane and Nashik. The organization runs a hostel for tribal students in the area. Community weddings are also held in front of the temple. The organization also makes efforts for the conservation of medicinal plants found in the surrounding forests. In the land donated by the Sundarnarayan Devasthan of Nashik, the center, with the cooperation of local tribals, cultivates crops like rice and finger millet (Nachni). Additionally, the center demonstrates experiments to increase agricultural yield through modern techniques to the local tribal brothers.

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