Prasanna Shree Sulkai Devi Temple Sulewadi (Rewanagar), Khanapur, Sangli

Hindu Dharma is fundamentally a nature-worshipping tradition that reveres the five great elements, known as the Panchamahabhutas: Earth, Water, Air, Fire, and Space. Mountains and valleys serve as symbols of the Earth element. From this belief, the tradition of worshipping deities such as Dongaryadev, Daryadev, and Sulkai in their natural, unformed state began. Over time, idols of these deities were installed in many places. Nevertheless, in some locations, these deities are still worshipped in their original, natural forms. One such ancient shrine is situated in the mountains near Sulewadi. Here, a rock pinnacle that emerged from the mountain is worshipped as the goddess Sulkai.

The Sahyadri mountain range was formed approximately fifteen crore years ago. The age of the mountain pinnacles here must also be in the range of crores of years. However, the site of the Sulkai Devi temple is said to be five hundred to six hundred years old. The legend regarding this temple states that Ambabai of Kolhapur had come to visit Revansiddhanath of Mulasthan. At that time, Revannath was seated in deep meditation. Therefore, Ambabai remained seated behind the Nandi. When Revannath awoke from his meditation, he saw that Ambabai had come to visit him. With great respect, he asked her to reside in the pinnacle on the mountain of Sulewadi. According to the words of Revannath, the Goddess merged into this pinnacle. Since then, she began to be worshipped by the name Sulkai. It is from this Goddess that the local village became known as Sulewadi.

This temple is situated on a hilltop near Sulewadi village. There is a paved road leading up to the temple courtyard. After the renovation that took place a few years ago, the temple has acquired its current modern appearance. Since the foundation of this concrete-built temple is about four feet higher than the courtyard, six One has to climb stairs to go up. The temple structure is designed with a hall for cultural programs on the ground floor of the two-story temple and the sanctum on the upper floor. There is a spacious open courtyard in front of the hall. The ground here is covered with Kota stone flooring. In the courtyard, there are ২০ stairs each on the left and right sides to go to the upper temple, and the entrance to the hall is in the center. There are windows in the walls on both sides for light and ventilation in the hall. On the upper floor, there is a railing on all four sides and the temple is in the middle. There are ১৬ semi-pillars on the left and right sides of the railing. Electric lights are installed on these pillars for illumination. 

The temple, designed with a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), requires ascending two steps to enter the Sabha Mandap. The fully open Sabha Mandap features four pillars at the front and six pillars along the circumambulatory path on both sides of the Garbhagriha. The pillar bases are square, and the pillar shafts are hexagonal. The shafts are adorned with lotus flower carvings at both the bottom and the top. All these The pillars are connected to each other by arched gateways. On both sides of every arched gateway, there is a lotus flower design. Along the circumambulation path, ancient idols, Shiva Lingas, and Nandi statues discovered within the temple premises have been placed.

Ahead is the entrance to the sanctum sanctorum. There is intricate carving on both sides of the entrance. The door frames are adorned with floral vine motifs, and an idol of Lord Ganesha is placed on the lintel. In the center of the sanctum sanctorum lies the tip of the self-manifested pinnacle. This pinnacle has emerged from the ground. On the tip of the pinnacle, the mask of Goddess Sulkai is depicted with turmeric and vermilion. The Goddess is adorned with fine garments and necklaces made of cowrie shells. Beside the Goddess, there is a stone smeared with vermilion, used for placing the sacred roof tiles. 

There are a total of five spires on the temple: two on the front side of the roof, one each on the right and left sides, and the main spire above the sanctum sanctorum. The spire located in the center above the assembly hall is dome-shaped, while the other spires are square. In the main spire, there are two-tiered spires on each of the four walls, topped with a semi-amalaka and a finial. All the spires are crowned with an amalaka at the top, followed by a finial and a flag. 

The annual temple festival of the Goddess is celebrated with great enthusiasm over four days, from the first Monday to Thursday of the Vaishakh month. During this fair, bullock cart races and wrestling matches are held, adding to the vibrancy of the event. Thousands of devotees from across the state visit during these four days to seek the Goddess’s blessings and fulfill their vows. The area takes on the appearance of a bustling marketplace, adorned with shops selling a variety of goods. Festivals such as Navratri, Dussehra, Diwali, and Chaitra Padwa are celebrated at the temple. There is a large influx of devotees visiting for darshan every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday.

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