Historic Adityanath Temple Nevre, Ratnagiri, Ratnagiri

The Adinath (Suryadev) Temple in Nevare, located a short distance from Ganpatipule in Ratnagiri District, is one of the renowned Sun Temples in the Konkan region. Situated amidst a naturally abundant environment, this ancient temple serves as the village deity (Gramdaivat) and a living, awakened shrine (Jagrut Devsthan) of the area. A unique feature of this temple is the Shimogotsav, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm for a remarkable one and a half months, alongside other festivals. Every year, during the Holi celebrations here, coconuts are also offered by the Muslim brethren of the village, thus showcasing a beautiful example of religious harmony.

A short distance from Nevare village, this temple is nestled amidst dense foliage, slightly inward from the main road. The temple is surrounded by a compound wall made of laterite stone. Within this wall, there are numerous niches (Devdyas) for placing lamps. Lamps are lit here on Tripuri Pournima. Upon entering through the main gate, one beholds three Deepmalas (lamp towers) alongside the compound wall – two small and one large. The entire temple courtyard is paved with laterite stone. There is an old well here, and a sturdy shed has been constructed a few steps from it for the convenience of devotees. This shed houses some ancient idols, which are also worshipped daily.

The construction of the Adinath Temple is of laterite stone. The temple’s structure comprises a Sabhamandap (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The Sabhamandap features wooden pillars, and ancient idols of Vardaan Devi and Pavnay Devi are enshrined adjacent to the Garbhagriha wall. Idols of Devi Manai and Devi Dharankarin are also present here. At the rear, there is an old idol, which is believed to be of Adinath. On the pedestal within the Garbhagriha, a Ganesha sculpture and two lotus flowers are carved into the circular ornamentation at the base. Upon the pedestal rests the idol of Adinath, sculpted from black stone. This idol has two arms, with a conch (shankh) held in the right hand and a discus (chakra) in the left. The idol is adorned with an ornate crown on its head, earrings (kundalas), a thick garland around its neck, a Suryakanta Mani (sunstone) on its chest, a sacred thread (Yadnyopavit) on its left shoulder, and a dhoti draped around the waist extending to the knees. On both sides below the idol, figures of women fanning with chowries are carved.

Besides the main idol, there is another idol of Adinath outside the Garbhagriha. Upon viewing this idol, carved from black stone, one senses its profound antiquity. It features an arched halo (Mahirapi Prabhaval), a Karandmukut (basket-shaped crown), a garland around the neck, lotus flowers held in both hands raised to the shoulders, a three-layered girdle (mekhala) at the waist with the lower two layers extending down to the thighs, and at the feet of this Adinath, on both sides, are carved figures of short female attendants holding a lotus or a chowrie-like object in one hand.

On the circumambulation path (Pradakshina Marg), at the rear of the temple, there is a Gomukh (cow’s mouth spout). The sacred water (Teerth) from the Abhishek performed on the main deity of the temple flows out from here. An old well is also present within the temple premises. Adinath is the family deity (Kuldaivat) of the original resident families here, including Soman, Datar, Mahajan, Pendse, Vartak, and Kunte. A grand fair is held at this temple during Dev Diwali. A three-day festival takes place during Rathsaptami. Devotees from the surrounding region (Panchkroshi) attend both these festivals in large numbers.

The Shimogotsav is the main festival here. While Shimogotsav in Konkan typically lasts for about 15 days, here it extends for a remarkable one and a half months. On the day preceding Phalgun Pournima, the deity is adorned with various forms (rupe). Thereafter, the deity is ceremoniously seated in a palanquin (Palkhi). This Palkhi is then carried to the spot where the Holi is lit. After the traditional Hom (sacred fire ritual) is performed, the Palkhi proceeds through 640 houses across the twelve hamlets (wadis) of the village. The Palkhi takes at least three days to visit each hamlet. During this time, vows are made to the Goddess. In every hamlet, a ‘Mand’ (temporary shrine) for the Goddess is set up, and programs like Haldi-Kumkum (auspicious rituals), Naman (devotional salutations), etc., are also held. The festival concludes after one and a half months, when the deity’s Palkhi returns to the temple. It is likely that this is the only Shimogotsav in Konkan that lasts for such an extended period. The villagers affirm that Adinath is a living, awakened deity (Jagrut Dev), and many have experienced the manifestation of His divine power.

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