Prasanna Shree Aaravali Sun Temple Aaravali, Sangameshwar, Ratnagiri

The Sun Temple, located in Brahmanwadi, Aravli, in Sangameshwar Taluka of Konkan, is renowned throughout the surrounding region (Panchkroshi). In this temple, a grand three-day anniversary (Vardhapan Din Utsav) celebration is held from Vaishakh Shuddha Panchami to Saptami. A unique feature of this village is that all its original residents, who have settled elsewhere for employment or business, make it a point to be present in the village for this festival. For everyone’s convenience, the entire village is provided with morning breakfast, tea, and lunch and dinner for all three days during the festival period.

Regarding the idol of Suryanarayana here, it is said that the original idol in this temple came from the Adityanarayana Temple in Ambav. Shri Ponkshe of Ambav desired an idol of Surya seated on a chariot for the temple there. As this was not achieved, he did not consecrate this idol but instead placed it at the village boundary. Around the same time, in 1822, a Telangi Brahmin named Brahmabhat used to wander in this region (Panchkroshi), seeking Korann (dry alms, uncooked grains). He saw this idol at the entrance of Ambav and felt that a temple should be built for it. With Shri Ponkshe’s permission, he took possession of the idol. Shri Patankar of Aravli provided land for this idol, and it was consecrated in a tiled-roof temple. Brahmabhat would use the grains he collected through Korann to prepare Khichadi during Dhundurmas (Dhanurmas) and distribute it as Prasad. This tradition of Dhanurmas Khichadi, which began approximately 200 years ago, continues to this day.

Aravli village is located after Savarde on the Mumbai-Goa Highway. This village is famous for its hot water springs and the Sun Temple. The temple of Suryanarayana is situated in the central part of the village. After the renovation (Jirnoddhar) of the 200-year-old temple in 1990, it acquired its present form. The temple’s structure consists of a Sabhamandap (assembly hall) with the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) at its center. Within the Garbhagriha, a black stone idol of Surya, three to three and a half feet in height, is enshrined. Behind this idol is a Prabhaval (halo/aureole), and on both lower sides of the Prabhaval are the consorts of Surya. This two-armed idol holds a conch (shankh) in one hand and a discus (chakra) in the other. In two small niches within the wall behind the idol, there are idols of Hanuman and Ganapati. The Garbhagriha has a spacious circumambulation path (Pradakshina Marg) within the Sabhamandap itself.

The arrangement for the temple’s worship is also unique. The temple does not have a dedicated priest. There are approximately 40 houses in the village. Each of these houses is allocated 15 days in a year for the temple’s worship. Accordingly, the daily rituals (Puja-Archa) are performed here. The temple’s anniversary celebration (Vardhapan Din Utsav) is observed for three days on Vaishakh Shuddha Panchami, Shashti, and Saptami. During these three days, Sahastra Aavartane (thousand repetitions of sacred chants) are performed, and Sour Abhisheka (ablution with Surya Sukta) is conducted. This festival, which commenced in 1830, will complete 200 years in 2030. Similar to other villages in Konkan, many residents of this village have also settled elsewhere for employment or business. When they came to the village for the festival, they used to have to bring all their provisions for three to four days of breakfast. Recognizing this difficulty, the temple trust (Devasthan) now provides free breakfast and meals to the entire village during the festival period. Additionally, on Ashadhi Ekadashi, an ‘Akka’ (continuous musical offering) is held in the temple, meaning uninterrupted Veena playing is performed from 5 AM on one day until 5 AM the next day. The tradition of plays performed here during the festival period is more than 125 years old.

Another tradition of this village is that if any learned and virtuous person (Vidwan Satpurush) visits, arrangements for one meal are made for them by one family each month. It is said that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had gifted this village as ‘Aandan’ (a gift of land) to Deshpande’s daughter-in-law for her ‘Choli-Bangadi’ (blouse and bangles, a traditional gift to a married woman). Some celebrities are also associated with this village. Singer Prathamesh Laghate hails from this very Aravli village, while it is the in-laws’ home (sasar) of singer Mugdha Vaishampayan and actress-poet Spruha Joshi.

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