Prasanna Shree Bhargavaram Temple God’s Congealment, Vol. Rajapur, t. Ratnagiri

The Bhargavram Mandir at Devache Gothane, near Rajapur, is revered as one of the prominent temples dedicated to Bhagwan Parashuram. After Shri Brahmendraswami Dhavadshikar, a devotee of Parashuram and guru to the Peshwas, arrived in the village of Gothane in South Konkan for residence in the years १७१०-११, Shrimant Thorale Bajirao Peshwa bestowed this village upon him as an इनाम (gift). Under royal patronage, Brahmendraswami undertook the renovation of the ancient Govardhaneshwar Mandir here and consecrated a metal idol of Parashuram within it. This temple holds special significance due to the idol having been established by Shri Brahmendraswami himself.

The original name of this village, situated along the creek between Rajapur and Jaitapur, was Gothane; however, because it was granted as an इनाम for the Deity, it came to be known as ‘Devache Gothane’. There is another village named Gothane in Rajapur Taluka itself, which is called ‘Donivade Gothane’. In the heart of the village, amidst a naturally abundant environment, the Bhargavram Mandir is encircled by a laterite stone wall, and its courtyard is entirely paved. The temple’s entrance resembles the gateway of a fort, crowned with an octagonal shikhara. Adjacent to this entrance stands an ancient and large stone दीपमाळ (lamp tower). In front of the main temple, there is also a दीपमाळ and a Tulsi Vrindavan, beyond which lies the temple’s Sabhamandap (assembly hall). Observing the original temple, it appears that this tiled Sabhamandap was constructed at a later period. The temple’s layout comprises a Sabhamandap, Antaral (vestibule), and Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum).

The temple’s Sabhamandap has an open design, and its arched wooden pillars are adorned with intricate carvings. These pillars are painted, making the Sabhamandap appear captivating. On the horizontal wooden beams along the three sides of the Sabhamandap, the name ‘Ram’ is inscribed within lotus blossoms at १०८ places. The entrance to the Antaral within the Sabhamandap is intricately carved, and on the ललाटबिंब (central panel) of the doorframe, there is an idol of Shri Ganesha. Within the Antaral, there is a Nandi carved from a single stone, and near the entrance to the Garbhagriha, there is an idol of Shri Ganesha. Similar to the Antaral, the door of the Garbhagriha also features carvings. Inside the Garbhagriha, the Shivlinga of Shri Govardhaneshwar is not in the center but is positioned to the right. (Generally, the Shivlinga is at the center of the Garbhagriha). In the central part of the Garbhagriha, on the Devapeetha (platform), rests a copper idol of Shri Parashuram. This idol, approximately two feet in height, is adorned with a silver mask. A unique feature of this idol is its posture of namaskar, with the parashu (axe) tucked under its left armpit. Such an idol of Parashuram is considered rare. Alongside this idol, there are also metal idols of Brahma Dev and other Goddesses. This temple houses a bell weighing approximately one and a half tons. It is said that after conquering Vasai, Chimaji Appa collected some bells from Portuguese churches and distributed them to various temples, and this is one of them.

The main temple is constructed of stone and is topped with an octagonal dome. The temple walls feature various sculptures, including that of the Gandabherunda (a mythical bird with one human or bird body, but two heads and two wings). In the temple courtyard, there are shrines dedicated to Ganapati, Garud, Lakshminarayan, Kalikadevi, Hanuman, and Shri Datta. Festivals such as Ram Navami, Hanuman Jayanti, Ashadhi-Kartiki Ekadashi, Gokulashtami, Tripurari Pournima, Makar Sankranti, Mahashivratri, and Dussehra are celebrated at the temple. Fairs are held here on Dussehra and Ram Navami. Additionally, the Bhargavram Jayanti Utsav is celebrated on Akshaya Tritiya, and an Utsav is observed on Shravan Shuddha Navami to commemorate Brahmendraswami’s Punyatithi (death anniversary). During the festivals, the first honor of worship goes to Govardhaneshwar, followed by the worship of Bhargavram.

The temple offers various pujas, abhishekams, Ekadashni (eleven recitations of Rudra’s stotra constitute one Ekadashni) abhishek, Mahanivedya, and Laghurudra abhishek for a certain fee. (For rituals, please contact: Arun Dixit: ७२६४९८९९३६, Jayant Date: ७७९८८७२१९४)

Along with the medieval Bhargavram Mandir, this area also features numerous Stone Age rock carvings (sculptures carved on plateaus / horizontal rock surfaces). If one proceeds a short distance along the path (पायवाट) behind the temple, one can view the distinctive rock carvings there. There are more than ten rock carvings in the vicinity, some of which depict human figures. In March २०२२, nine of these rock carving sites were included in UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites. Another unique feature of this village is that the magnetic waves in the rocks here cause compasses to show an incorrect direction. It is said that this is a rare place in the world where laterite rocks exhibit magnetic displacement. Furthermore, fossils dating back millions of years have also been found in this area. During the monsoon, small and large water bodies form here. The area is filled with over ३० species of grass and more than १५० species of colorful rock flowers (flowers on grass-like plants growing on rocks). Rare large Hornbill birds can also be seen here. Due to the diverse features of the area, many tourists and researchers from around the world visit, alongside devotees.

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