Ancient Satai Devi Temple Kongale, Dapoli, Ratnagiri

Kongle is a village situated along the banks of the Anjarle creek in the Dapoli taluka of Ratnagiri district. Away from the main settlement of the village, nestled in a dense forest, lies the Peshwa-era temple of Satai Devi. This is a self-manifested (Swayambhu) shrine and the presiding deity (Gramadaivat) of Kongle. Mother Satai is renowned far and wide as a goddess who fulfills the vows of her devotees and responds to their calls. Although the shrine is located in a very remote area, thousands of devotees from all over Maharashtra come to seek the blessings of Satai.

The village is situated in the lap of two hills along the Anjarle creek in Dapoli taluka. To reach the village, one must travel along a winding mountain road. The current temple of Shri Satai Devi is a modern construction. The temple acquired its present form after the renovation carried out in the year 2012. Previously, the temple of Satai was made of wood, stone pillars, and had a tiled roof. Villagers of Kongle say that witnessing the glory of Satai Devi, the Peshwas themselves built the temple. The renovation of this temple has been done while preserving the original structure of the Peshwa-era temple.

The temple architecture consists of a Darshan Mandap (viewing hall), Sabha Mandap (assembly hall), and Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). A corrugated sheet shed has been erected in front of the temple for the convenience of devotees. There is an attractive arch at the main entrance, featuring sculptures of the gatekeepers Jaya and Vijaya. The Sabha Mandap of the temple, which is three feet higher than the Darshan Mandap, is spacious. In the sanctum sanctorum, there is a self-manifested idol of Satai made of black stone. During festivals and auspicious occasions, she is adorned with a saree, blouse, various ornaments, and a gold and silver mask. Apart from this, there are also ancient stone idols of Manai, Zolai, Kaleshri, Jakhmata, Waghjai, Dev Chatkoba, and Dev Hanumant in the sanctum. There are two sub-shrines on the left and right sides of the sanctum.

Every year, the annual Jatrotsav (fair) of Satai is celebrated on Chaitra Krishna Panchami. Major festivals like Shimgotsav and Navaratrotsav are also celebrated in the temple. Every year, on Phalguna Shuddha Panchami, the first Holi fire is lit, marking the beginning of the Shimgotsav of Shri Devi Satai in Kongle. At this time, the palanquin of Satai Devi leaves the temple at night and travels through the villages of Kongle and Anjarle. The residents of Anjarle also wait eagerly for the palanquin. The palanquin travels through Anjarle village all night to visit the families of some prominent Brahmin dignitaries of Anjarle. It departs from Anjarle village at dawn. At this time, traditional Tipri dance is performed before the goddess’s palanquin in the Tada-cha-Kond area. Hundreds of people come at dawn to watch the Tipri dance. When the palanquin returns to the Satai Devi temple, a holy fire (Homa) is lit at dawn. Also, the Sherne procession of Satai’s palanquin during the Shimgotsav period is very famous. This ceremony of taking out the Sherne with the decorated palanquin takes place in the evening.

Navaratrotsav begins in the temple from Ghatasthapana. Ghatasthapana is performed in the Satai Devi temple, and a garland is offered on the Ghat every day. During this period, traditional cultural programs like Bhajans, Kirtans, and Jakadi dance are celebrated in the temple every night. During Navaratrotsav, there is a crowd of women from the surrounding five villages in the temple to offer Oti to Satai. Vows are also made before the goddess during this time. As Satai Devi is famous for fulfilling vows, many devotees come to visit Satai Devi during the Navaratrotsav period. On Vijayadashami and Kojagiri Purnima, along with other programs, Dandiya dance is also performed in the Satai Devi temple at night. All the villagers participate in this dance.

The entire area of Satai Devi is adorned with lush greenery. There is a perennial stream near the temple. The water from this stream is used for worship and rituals in the temple. Since the Satai Devi temple and Kongle village are in a very remote area, a Bhakta Niwas (pilgrim accommodation) facility has been provided in the temple premises for devotees coming from afar. This goddess is the family deity (Kuladaivat) of many families in the area. There is an ancient Shiva temple next to the temple. Along with the ancient Shiva Linga, the ancient stone idol of Lord Ganesha in the temple is unique.

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