Historic Ugwai Devi Temple Dajipur, Olwan, Radhanagari, Kolhapur

Forest deities, who can be called the link between wildlife and human life, protect the forests as well as humanity. The word ‘Aai’ (Mother), denoting motherhood, is prefixed to the names of these deities of creation. In the mountains of Dajipur and Olavan villages in Radhanagari taluka, there is an ancient and unique temple of one such forest deity, Ugawai. Since it is located on the mountain top, the rays of the rising sun perform ‘Abhishek’ (ritual bathing) on the Goddess to begin the day; hence, the Goddess is known by the name Ugawai. Devotees believe that this deity, residing in the dense forest, is ‘Jagrut’ (awakened) and grants their wishes.

This temple of Ugawai Devi was built in the year १९३९ during the reign of Chhatrapati Rajaram (Third) Maharaj of the Kolhapur princely state, the son of Rajarshi Shahu Chhatrapati. An inscription to this effect is present in the temple courtyard. However, villagers say that like the sites of other forest deities, the place of Ugawai Devi here has existed since ancient times. According to cultural scholars, the forest deity was and is an integral part of the culture of human groups living in dense forests. That is why the history of these deities and temples reaches back to the very dawn of human civilization. It is said that this temple of Ugawai Devi is also very ancient. Devotees also believe that since new creation happens from the seeds falling in the forest, the Goddess who brings this about is addressed as Ugawai.

After reaching the foothills from the village, one can reach the temple on the mountain top via a flight of stairs. A motorable road was constructed a few years ago to reach this temple nestled in the dense forest. This has been a great convenience for elderly and disabled devotees who wish to visit. Some stone steps have been built to reach the temple courtyard from this unpaved road. The courtyard was paved with paver blocks in the year २०१४. There is a pavilion with a tin roof in this courtyard for the convenience of devotees. Near the front wall of the main temple, some ancient stone sculptures and broken remains of the old temple are displayed. The structure of the temple consists of a ‘Sabhamandap’ (assembly hall) and a ‘Garbhagriha’ (sanctum sanctorum). The assembly hall is of modern construction and has a circumambulation path for the sanctum. On this circumambulation path, many ‘Satisheela’ (memorial stones of Sati) and stones are placed along the wall. All the Satisheela here have two sculpted frames. In some stones, more than one woman is visible. Also, in one frame, the sculpture of a husband and wife along with their child is carved. The two sculpted frames in the stone, the sculptures within them, and the bent arm from the elbow, which is an integral part of the Satisheela, do not show much refinement in the carving. This indicates that these stones were erected in memory of women from common families who became Sati. Women coming here also worship these Satisheela by applying turmeric and vermilion.

From the assembly hall of the temple, there is a wooden entrance to the sanctum. There is an image of Lord Ganesha on the lintel of the entrance. In the sanctum, on a ‘Vajrapitha’ (diamond pedestal), there is an ‘Uthav’ (relief) type idol of Ugawai Devi made of black square stone. Here, the Goddess is in the form of Ashtabhuja (eight-armed) Mahishasuramardini. The Goddess, mounted on a lion, holds a trident, sword, mace, staff, shield, fire pot, nectar vessel, and noose in her hands. Mahishasura lies under the feet of the Goddess, and the lion has wounded the buffalo. The Goddess’s martial spirit is clearly evident from this idol. The Goddess has a crown on her head and is adorned with garments and ornaments. To the right of the Vajrapitha, there is a stone idol of a four-armed, weapon-wielding Goddess. To the left is an ancient sculpture of the Goddess in the form of Mahishasuramardini.

This four-sided temple has a tin roof and a tall, tapering ‘Shikhara’ (spire) in the center. At the base of the spire, there is a ‘Bashingi’ railing on all four sides, and at the top, there is an ‘Amalaka’ and a ‘Kalash’ above it. The spire has vertical ridge carvings. A few steps away from the temple, there is a tall observation tower with an iron ladder. From this tower, one can see the vast region of Phondaghat and the Konkan land.

१२१ species of butterflies are found in the picturesque surroundings of the Ugawai Devi temple. Bird watchers come here to observe and study various species of birds. Nearby are the Radhanagari Nature Information Center, Hatti Mahal, and Mauli Kod Waterfall. There is a large number of devotees coming to the temple for the Goddess’s ‘Darshan’ and tourists coming for nature observation in the area.

The main annual fair is celebrated with great enthusiasm and religious programs on ‘Dev Diwali’. Thousands of devotees from the surrounding area come on this day for the Goddess’s Darshan and to fulfill their vows. Married women fill the Goddess’s lap with offerings of ‘Khana’ (blouse piece) and coconut, and offer a saree and blouse to the Goddess. On this day, ‘Maha-Abhishek’ is performed on the Goddess at dawn, followed by worship, and the Goddess’s palanquin procession is taken around the village. Apart from this, every three years on ‘Paush Shukla Dashami’, the ‘Gondhal’ ritual of the Goddess is performed. Annual festivals like Chaitra Navratri, Sharadiya Navratrotsav, Dussehra, and Diwali are celebrated. During all festivals, programs like ‘Bhajan’, ‘Kirtan’, ‘Pravachan’, and ‘Jagaran’ are organized in the temple.

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