Historic Koteshwari-Manai Devi Jamge, Khed, Ratnagiri

The Koteshwari-Manai Devi Temple in Jamge, located in the Khed taluka of Ratnagiri district, is one of the most famous and ancient temples in the Konkan region. The Goddess is renowned for fulfilling the vows of her devotees and responding to their earnest calls. The Navratri festival is the grandest celebration held here, during which thousands of devotees arrive to seek the blessings of Koteshwari-Manai Devi. A unique feature of this temple complex is the magnificent Shivsrushti, established to commemorate and honor the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

The legend of the temple is that the Palgad Fort is located at some distance from where the temple currently stands. This hill fort was integrated into Swarajya during the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Palgad, situated at the foothills of this fort, is the birthplace of Sane Guruji, and his memorial is also located here. The idols of the Goddess were consecrated in this fort by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj himself. At that time, the responsibility of the fort was entrusted to a chieftain named Pratapji Kadam. After some time, due to the collapse of the fort’s structure during Muslim invasions, the Kadam family relocated the village to Jamge. They themselves also came to reside here. In 1660, the deity’s shrine was also brought here. Since then, this sacred site has been located here. The temple attained its present form after its renovation on 13 May 2002.

Jamge village is nestled in the lap of nature. One can reach the temple by passing through the Jambha stone archway located on the village road. Moving further from here, in front of the main entrance at a short distance, the attractive sculptures of Mavalas operating cannons on the left side catch one’s attention. On both sides of the entrance, there are large statues of elephants. These elephants carry howdahs, with mahouts guiding them. A short distance from here, statues of armed Mavalas mounted on horses can be seen on both sides. In the structure designed like a palace, there is a distinctive statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj seated on a throne. Beside him, they Jijau is the guiding light.

At the entrance of the temple, there are large statues of elephants with their trunks raised on both sides. The temple is surrounded by a massive fortification wall made of laterite stone. One enters the temple courtyard through the archway in this fortification. Inside, in front of the temple, there are newly constructed large lamp pillars (Deepstambhas) on both sides. The pillars in the assembly hall (Sabhamandapa) of the two-story temple are adorned with intricate carvings and paintings. On one side of the assembly hall, there is a monolithic statue of Nandi. In the open sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha) in front of it, there is a Shivling. Outside this sanctum, to the left, are the idols of Lord Ganesha, and to the right, Lord Hanuman. In the second sanctum sanctorum here, Goddess Koteshwari-Manai is enshrined. Behind these idols, there is an image of the Sun, with lions on both sides. The temple also houses stone idols of the Navagrahas: Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangala (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Rahu, Ketu, and Shani (Saturn). 

Navratrotsav is the main festival celebrated here. Known as a place that grants the wishes of devotees, thousands of pilgrims from across the Konkan region and various districts of the state visit during this festival. During this period, devotees offer vows to the Goddess and also fulfill them. Throughout the festival, programs such as Kirtan, Bhajan, Jakhadi dance, and Garba are organized at the temple. Every year, May 13th is celebrated as the temple’s anniversary. A Chandika Yajna is performed during the three-day ceremony. The Shimga festival here is also famous. On the day after Holikadahan, the Goddess’s palanquin is taken to the Palgad Fort. It is said that the palanquin feels heavy while being carried up to the fort, but once it reaches the fort premises, it becomes as light as a flower.

There are many attractive sculptures near the artificial pond in the temple premises. In the center of this pond, on a raised platform, stands a large sculpture of Nandi, with an attractive and grand idol of Mahadeva facing it. Near the Nandi sculpture, there are also statues of mermaids. The pond is surrounded by sculptures of elephants. A short distance from this temple, a waterfall nestled in the dense forest is a major attraction for visitors. Many tourists come here for monsoon excursions.

Every three years, a yatra is held in the nearby village of Ambaye, in which the deities Koteshwari-Manai hold the first right of honor. Only after this does the program of the ‘Lat’ (procession/ritual) begin.

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