Historic Dargoba Temple / Chilabai Devi Temple Pare, h. Khanapur, sangli

Human emotions, relationships, and subtle nuances of kinship are often woven by people into the sacred stories and legends of their revered deities. Frequently, these legends take shape in exquisite sculptures, while at other times, they are reflected through the sacred positioning of temples and divine shrines. Unfolding the profound emotional bonds of husband and wife, brother and sister, and sisters-in-law, one such divine shrine stands amidst the tranquil hills of Pare village. This sacred pilgrimage center (*Devasthan*) is thousands of years old and is revered as a living shrine (*Jagrut Devasthan*). 

According to the ancient legend associated with this temple, a devout follower of Lord Shiva from this village named Bayappa Kasar used to undertake regular pilgrimages to Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh to seek the holy *darshan* of Lord Kaal Bhairav. As old age set in, making the arduous journey impossible, he earnestly implored Lord Kaal Bhairav to come and reside in his village. The Lord agreed to come, but put forth a strict condition to Bayappa: “I shall stay here only if you offer your son and apply a tilak of his blood to Me.” In devout obedience, Bayappa applied the tilak of his son’s blood to the deity. Pleased with his utmost devotion, the Lord agreed to reside here, and the son was restored to life. Thus, Lord Kaal Bhairav, who arrived here honoring the earnest prayer of His devotee, came to be affectionately revered as Lord Dargoba. 

Nestled in the lap of the hills of Pare village, alongside the main temple of Lord Dargoba, there are two distinct temples dedicated to the Lord’s sister, Goddess Chilabai, and His wife, Goddess Mitabai—representing the relationship between sisters-in-law—making a total of three temples. These temples are situated at the foothills within a spacious courtyard paved with paver blocks and stone tiles. 

In this courtyard stand two square *Tulsi Vrindavans*. Ahead is a five-tiered circular stone lamp tower (*Deepmaal*), featuring distinct projections for lighting lamps. The tiers of the *Deepmaal* are divided by circular rings. Beside the lamp tower are several Sati stones and hero stones (*Veergal*). Resting on the platform of an adjacent *Samadhi* are sacred stone footprints (*Padukas*). In front of the entrance to the Chilai Devi Temple stands a grand black stone idol of Nandi on a large platform, adorned with intricate craftsmanship and vibrant painting. Behind this Nandi idol stands another *Deepmaal*. Entrance to the Chilabai Devi Temple courtyard is through a beautifully arched gateway constructed from red stone, flanked on both sides by sculptures of guardian deities (*Dwarapalas*). Situated gracefully on the banks of a lake, the Chilabai Devi Temple is built in the traditional Hemadpanthi architectural style. Inside the sanctum sanctorum (*Garbhagriha*) rests a serene idol of Goddess Chilabai sculpted in black stone. A short distance from the Chilabai Temple lies a modest shrine dedicated to Goddess Mitabai. 

Moving further along the stone steps from the Chilabai Devi Temple, one reaches a welcome arch. The welcome arch is supported on both sides by circular pillars, topped with a cusped archway and a balcony (*sajja*). Above the balcony are three decorative crowns (*bashingas*), featuring sacred depictions of Lord Dargoba on horseback, Goddess Chilabai, and Goddess Mitabai. A sacred spire (*Kalash*) adorns the central crown. Brass bells are suspended from a horizontal beam near the welcome arch. Nearby stand another *Deepmaal*, a small Shiva temple, and a shrine dedicated to Saint Revansiddha. 

From here, a pathway of approximately 450 stone steps leads up to the main Dargoba Temple, lined with a protective safety railing. At the upper end of the steps stands a sturdy gateway. The very first step of this entrance features a traditional *Chandrashila* (moonstone step) in the center and two *Kirtimukha* motifs on either side. Beyond this lies the paved upper courtyard of the temple. In the courtyard, facing the temple beneath a decorated canopy (*Meghdambari*), is a black stone idol of Nandi. On a raised rectangular platform in the courtyard stand lamp towers on both sides, with a decorative railing facing the valley and iron protective railings on the other three sides. Accessible via iron stairs, this elevated platform offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Chilabai Temple and the lake below. 

Seven steps lead up into the main assembly hall (*Sabhamandap*) of the temple, uniquely structured like a seven-tiered platform. The steps are fitted with iron safety railings on both sides and an arch above. The delicate carvings on the door jambs and the motif on the lintel (*Lalatabimba*) at the narrow entrance of the assembly hall have faded over time. Beyond lies the sanctum sanctorum, shaped like a sacred niche (*Devakoshta*), containing a natural rock cliff face. This is devoutly believed to be the back of Lord Dargoba Himself. Lamp niches (*Deepakoshtas*) are carved on both side walls inside the sanctum. 

A sacred spire (*Kalash*) crowns the center of the temple’s sloping square roof. On the outer wall of the temple, under a canopy, rests a sacred *Shivlinga*. A short distance from the main temple lies a small shrine dedicated to Lord Khandoba. Further up along the mountain trail, a canopy houses a horse-face shrine (*Ashwamukha*), believed to represent the divine steed of the deity. Grand annual fairs (*Yatras*) are held here on the auspicious occasion of Dasara and during the Mula Nakshatra in the month of Chaitra.

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