Ancient Mahalaxmi Temple Umbarde, Vaibhavwadi, Sindhudurg

The Mahalakshmi Mata Temple in the village of Umbarde, located in the Vaibhavwadi taluka, has a history spanning at least 350 to 400 years. Local devotees believe that the Mahalakshmi here is a deity who grants wishes and specifically answers the calls of women visiting their maternal homes. Consequently, during the temple festivals, there is a large gathering not only of local residents but also of those who have migrated elsewhere for work. This temple houses several Virgal (hero stones) and Sati shilas (memorial stones for satis), which encapsulate the ancient history of the village.

Regarding the history of the Mahalakshmi Temple, it is said that this village was once part of the Bawada Mahal of the Kolhapur princely state. This region was previously under the rule of the Mauryas, Satavahanas, Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas, Shilaharas, and the Yadavas. In the year 1318, Malik Kafur defeated the Yadavas here. After 1489, Adilshahi rule was established, which lasted until 1659. It was during this period that this temple was founded in Umbarde. The legend associated with this is that during the Adilshahi regime, a chieftain named Ramchandra Dalvi Patil was traveling with his army from here to visit the Ganga at Rajapur. At that time, he received a divine vision of the Goddess in this village. However, he ignored it and continued on his way. Suddenly, his army fell ill. He then remembered the vision of the Goddess and prayed to her, promising that if he reached Rajapur safely, he would build her temple upon his return. Accordingly, he later built this temple in Umbarde. 

The village of Umbarde is situated on the route from Vaibhavwadi to Gaganbawada via Bhuibawada. This is a traditional Konkani-style tiled temple of the Goddess. An archway leading to the temple is visible right by the road in the village. One enters the temple courtyard through this arch after climbing 11 steps. In the front section of the temple, on a raised platform, stands a five-tiered square lamp pillar (Deepastambha). Climbing four steps in front of it leads to the circumambulation path (Pradakshina marg) of the temple. A unique feature of this temple’s construction is that it is built on a large plinth (Jagati). The temple structure is built inwards, leaving a circumambulation path resembling a veranda. This path has stone pillars supporting a tiled roof that extends from the temple spire. 

Climbing four steps from the circumambulation path, one enters the main hall (Sabhamandap). The hall is structured with stone and wooden pillars, sturdy beams, and a sloping roof on all four sides. Upon entering the hall, one’s attention is immediately drawn to the large square stone pillars in the center. These pillars are carved from monolithic stones and remain unpolished. The design of these pillars and the beams above them resembles the Hemadpanti architectural style. The capitals of the pillars feature circular wooden bases, topped with square blocks, and adorned with cross-shaped brackets (Tarangahasta) that support the beams. These wooden brackets are intricately carved with flowers, birds, patterns, and images of Nagas (serpents). While many temples feature Kichaka figures on their brackets, a unique feature of this temple is the presence of Vyala (mythical beast) figures on the brackets, which underscores the antiquity of the temple. In one corner of this hall, under the ceiling, the Goddess’s palanquin is kept. 

Beyond the main hall lies the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha). There are five small arches in front of the sanctum. Inside, in the center, is the stone idol of Goddess Mahalakshmi placed on a Vajrapitha. To the right and left of this idol are ancient stone sculptures of various deities, including a four-armed Goddess in Padmasana, a sword-bearing Goddess, and another deity holding a curved sword.

Leaning against the outer wall of the sanctum are a Sati shila and a Virgal. A Virgal is a memorial stone. In the past, if someone attained heroic martyrdom in battle, while protecting cattle, or for a sacred cause, a Virgal was erected in their memory. It was usually an upright rectangular stone with a triangular top, featuring carved panels depicting the hero’s sacrifice. This particular Virgal shows the battle scene in the lower panel, his departure in a palanquin above it, and in the two panels above that, his wife who became a Sati with him. On the adjacent Sati shila, two figures of satis are carved, with a hand symbol above them. These images are also worshipped here with great devotion. 

Every year on Tripurari Purnima, a grand festival of the Goddess is held at this temple, attracting thousands of devotees. During Navratri, the temple premises take on the atmosphere of a fair. A five-minute walk from this temple is the Someshwar Mahadev Temple. This temple, painted entirely in white, houses a Shiva Linga made of black marble. Behind this temple is a stone-built water tank (Kund). It is said that this tank contains water throughout all twelve months of the year.

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