Sacred Ai Kalamba Devi Temple Gadab, Pen, Raigad

The temple of Aai Kalambadevi is nestled on a hillock within the boundaries of Gadab village, alongside the Mumbai-Goa Highway, in Pen Taluka of Raigad District. The history of this temple has been passed down through generations in local tradition, and this Goddess is revered as the village deity (Gramdevata) of Gadab. According to historical references, the valiant Maratha soldiers (Mavale) of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had halted at this temple for some time while carrying the treasure from Kalyan. The grand fair held on Chaitri Pournima (full moon day of the Chaitra month) and the tall Devkathi (sacred pole) competition within it are considered the main cultural highlights of this temple.

The mythological legend associated with this temple is linked to a demon named Kaal (Kalamb). In ancient times, this demon wreaked havoc in the region. To subdue him, the revered sages (Rishimunis) performed intense penance and worshipped Adi Shakti (the Primordial Power). Following their austerities, Adi Shakti manifested Herself and, by slaying the demon Kaal, liberated the villagers from their distress. The spot where the Goddess rested after vanquishing the demon is known as ‘Devicha Maal’ (the Goddess’s Hillock). It was due to this victory that the Goddess came to be known as Kalambadevi. Over time, a self-manifested (Swayambhu) stone idol of the Goddess was discovered by a member of the Patil family of the village, and they consecrated the deity at that very spot. Even today, out of profound devotion to the Goddess, members of the local Patil family do not wear green or black attire. The honor of performing the Goddess’s worship and the ritual of erecting the Devkathi also traditionally belongs to this family.

This temple of Kalambadevi is considered immensely significant both historically and spiritually. Historical references indicate that the valiant Maratha soldiers (Mavale) of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj rested at this temple for some time while bringing back the treasure from Kalyan. Furthermore, the villagers hold a deep-seated belief that, whether it was the plague epidemic that spread across the country in 1944 or the recent global pandemic of Corona, no calamity has ever befallen the Gadab region (Panchkroshi) due to the Goddess’s divine grace and their devotion. With unwavering faith, the villagers narrate that the Goddess is still seen by many, wandering through the village. The Goddess is described as adorned in a green saree (Paatal), a blouse (Choli), with a forehead full of vermillion (Kumkum), a blanket (Kaambali) on Her head, and a stick with ankle bells (Ghungarachi Kathi) in Her hand.

The temple is situated on a medium-sized hillock near Gadab village, alongside the Mumbai-Goa Highway. After ascending a short climb from the highway, one enters the temple courtyard (Prangan). From this courtyard, ascending 18 to 20 steps leads to the Mukhmandap (front hall) of the temple. Beautiful gardens have been developed on both sides of the staircase path, adorned with numerous ornamental and flowering plants. The temple’s architecture comprises a Mukhmandap, a Sabhamandap (assembly hall), and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). Through the entrance of the Mukhmandap, one enters the spacious Sabhamandap of the temple. In the Sabhamandap, near the front wall of the Garbhagriha, numerous trophies won in the Devkathi competitions are displayed. The doorframe (Dwarashakha) of the Garbhagriha entrance features intricate carvings, and a murti (idol) of Ganapati is enshrined on the lintel (Lalatbimba). In the center of the Garbhagriha, the vermillion-smeared murti of Kalambadevi, in the form of a rice grain (Tandala Rupa), is majestically seated. A silver mask is adorned upon it.

In the temple, the Navratri festival and the fair held in the month of Chaitra are celebrated with immense fervor. On Ashwin Shuddha Pratipada (the first day of the bright fortnight of Ashwin), the Goddess’s palanquin (Palkhi) is brought to the temple from the village with musical fanfare, and with the Ghatasthapana (installation of a sacred pot), the Navratri festival commences. During these nine days, Aartis (ritualistic worship with lamps), Bhajans (devotional songs), and various cultural programs are organized on the fifth and seventh days (Maala) of the festival. The greatest attraction of Kalambadevi is the grand fair held on Chaitra Shuddha Chaturdashi (the fourteenth day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra). On this day, at Brahmamuhurta (the auspicious hour before dawn), the Goddess is given a sacred bath (Abhishek) and adorned with a new saree and ornaments. In the afternoon, the Goddess’s palanquin is brought from the Marudevi Temple in the village, and the main festivities of the fair begin. During this fair, devotees fulfill their vows (Navas) by performing ‘Tula’ (a ritual of weighing oneself or a relative against offerings).

The Devkathi competition here is a special attraction of this fair. Many bamboo poles are tied together with cloth and ropes to create Devkathis ranging from 50 to 100 feet in height. These Devkathis are thick at the base and taper towards the top. They are adorned with cloths of various colors and flags. Approximately 50 to 100 young men carry these heavy Devkathis on their shoulders, bringing them to the temple amidst the resounding beats of drums (Dhol) and traditional trumpets (Tasha). Outside the temple, a sturdy bamboo platform (Parat) is erected. Climbing onto it, the young men erect these Devkathis with the help of ropes. The village whose Devkathi is the tallest and stands correctly on the platform, is awarded a prestigious prize and honor. After winning this competition, the victorious villagers carry the trophy in a procession through the village. For the darshan (sacred sight) at this awakened (Jagrut) holy place, a large number of devotees gather every Tuesday. On other days, the temple is open for darshan only during Aarti times, around 7 AM and 7 PM.

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