Shri Mauli Mata Temple Ready, Vangurla, Sindhudurg

Swayambhu Shri Mauli Mata is the Gramadevata (village deity) of Redipattanam, known today as the village of Redi, which was an important maritime port in ancient times. This Goddess is known by the name Amba. She is considered the Goddess of Truth. All devotees hold the ‘Kaul’ (divine oracle) of Mauli Mata, who is the center of faith for countless devotees, in the highest regard. It is said that the original temple of Mauli Mata was built here in the thirteenth or fourteenth century. Later, in the year 1828, the villagers renovated this temple. Subsequently, between the years 2000 and 2008, the temple was renovated and beautified without disturbing the original structure of the ancient sanctum sanctorum. 

The legend of this temple is that Ram Kamat and Bhatnagas from Jodhana (Goa) had come to this part of the Redi region for hunting. In those days, this area was a dense forest. They were exhausted after hunting. Night had fallen, so they decided to camp by a lake. They built a ‘machi’ (raised platform) on a nearby tree and slept there. At midnight, Bhatnagas saw a palanquin glowing with divine radiance. He woke up Ram Kamat and showed him the palanquin. They were amazed to see such a palanquin in the dense forest at such an unearthly hour. Later, they fell asleep. In his sleep, Bhatnagas had a dream. In the dream, the Goddess Mother was saying, “My place is near the ‘Durga’ (fortification/ruins) here. Clean that place and establish a village there. I will ensure the welfare of all.” Upon waking up in the morning, Bhatnagas told Ram Kamat about this dream. After informing the people of the nearby village and searching the area around the Durga, they found the idol of the Goddess here. She was consecrated at this very spot. Over time, this region developed.

According to another legend, a merchant’s cargo ship was once stranded on the seashore due to a storm. He was helpless due to the stormy rain and gusty winds. Remembering the Goddess, he folded his hands with deep devotion and prayed, “Save me from this calamity.” Shortly thereafter, the storm subsided. The atmosphere became calm. The merchant was overjoyed. After that, he reached the current village of Redi near the coast. In gratitude for saving him and his ship by the grace of the Goddess, he built a temple for the Goddess in this village near the coast. That temple is the current Mauli Mata Temple. 

The architectural style of the currently renovated temple displays a beautiful blend of both Nagara and Dravidian styles. The work was carried out under the guidance of the architect Mr. Sawant from Mapusa village. Artisans and sculptors from the northern and southern regions were invited for the construction. This temple is situated in a large courtyard. One enters the temple premises through a magnificent Gopuram, which is the entrance arch of the temple courtyard. On the wide pillars of the Gopuram, sculptures of the four-armed Lord Vishnu holding the conch, discus, and mace are carved. Above these pillars are canopies, topped with small finials. The Gopuram has a Dravidian-style roof with five finials on it. As soon as one enters through the Gopuram, there are many shops selling worship materials on one side of the path. Directly in front is the grand structure of the temple. Outside the temple, there are shrines of Nagadevatas (serpent deities) on all four sides. 

The temple structure consists of a Mukhamandapa (front hall), a spacious open Sabhamandapa (assembly hall), an Antarala (vestibule), and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). In front of the temple stands a Deepastambha (lamp pillar) built of laterite stone. Its star-shaped design makes it stand out. Beside it, on a platform, is a stone Tulsi Vrindavan. The temple’s Sabhamandapa has three entrances on three sides. The entrance facing the Deepastambha is the main one. 

After climbing two small steps, one enters the Mukhamandapa. It features two square stone pillars on the sides, a large ornate arch above them, and the entrance within. The door frames are intricately carved. At the base, sculptures of two gatekeepers (Pratiharis) are carved. Above the frame, in the center of the lintel, an image of Lord Ganesha is carved. In the semi-circular area above it, there is a sculpture of Mother Mauli in the center on the wall, flanked by sculptures of two elephants fanning her with whisks. The threshold, or ‘Mandara’, is also carved. It has an ‘Ardha-chandrashila’ (a semi-circular step). The roof of the Mukhamandapa is ‘Gajaprishthakara’ (shaped like the back of an elephant). 

The Sabhamandapa here is rectangular and open in nature. There are stone benches on the sides. The inner pillars have beautiful carvings. The entire floor is tiled. The horizontal golden-colored strips near the ceiling on the pillars are also decorated with carvings. On the ceiling area, there are small sculptures of lions and deities. A special arrangement has been made for the smoke from the sacrificial fire (Yajnakunda) in the Sabhamandapa to escape directly outside. This very beautiful temple’s Sabhamandapa has a pagoda-shaped roof. On it, there are golden lion images on all four sides . The low shikhara (spire) of the Sabhamandapa has a finial. 

The Antarala of the temple has an entrance with an arched doorway. On the wall of the Antarala, where the arch of the entrance begins, two large lion sculptures are carved. On the lintel, there is a ‘Vyala’ (mythical creature), flanked by relief sculptures of elephants. The ceiling of the Antarala has floral carvings. Due to the large semi-circular windows, the Antarala is airy and well-lit. The arches of these windows also feature beautiful carvings. One ascends three steps from the Antarala to enter the Garbhagriha. The entrance to the Garbhagriha is also magnificent. There are two large pillars on the sides, flanked by sculptures of four-armed goddesses. On the lintel of the door frame, there is a sculpture of Goddess Mahishasuramardini seated on a lion.

The Garbhagriha of this temple is also spacious. Large brass bells are hung inside. In front of the two large pillars on the sides are sculptures of gatekeepers. Above the lintel, there is a relief sculpture of the Goddess with elephants fanning her. The Goddess is seated in a silver ‘Makhar’ (shrine). The form of the Goddess is in a semi-circular anthill shape. On it, eyes, a nose, and a forehead made of silver sheets are visible. Above the Garbhagriha is a square-shaped shikhara. This shikhara has many niches for deities. There is a finial on the dome-shaped part at the top of the shikhara. 

During the annual pilgrimage, specifically on Kartik Amavasya, the original sanctum portion of the Goddess is covered with a cloth. In front of it, on a raised platform, the silver idol of the Goddess is placed. This festival idol is depicted holding a spear in her right hand, a sword in her left, and pulling the tongue of a buffalo with one hand. This idol is adorned with a saree and gold ornaments. All the articles belonging to the Goddess are made of silver. During the Navratri festival, special worship of the Goddess is performed. From Nag Panchami to Narali Purnima, a Bhagavata Saptaha is organized here. During this period, continuous bhajan and kirtan ceremonies take place. During the annual fair, a Dashavatar play is performed here. A large crowd gathers to witness it. Hundreds of devotees visit this temple every day. Devotees and villagers make their important decisions only after seeking the Goddess’s divine guidance (Kaul).

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