Shree Kalambadevi Temple Nandgaon-Vesvi, Mandangad, Ratnagiri

Located just a few minutes away from Bankot Fort in the Mandangad taluka of Ratnagiri district, the Kalambadevi Temple in Nandgaon-Vesvi is a place of deep faith for many devotees. A unique feature of this temple is that during the Shimga festival, the Goddess’s palanquin crosses the border of Ratnagiri district to visit her brother, Kalbhairav, at the Harihareshwar Temple in Shrivardhan taluka of Raigad district, returning here on the tenth day. Thousands of devotees participate in this palanquin procession. This Goddess, who is the family deity (Kuldaivat) of the Kayastha and Sonar communities, is also considered the protector of the Koli community.

One can reach Vesvi Jetty by crossing the Savitri River via a ferry boat from Bagmandala, near Harihareshwar in Shrivardhan Taluka. It is also accessible by road from Mangaon via the Ambet Bridge-Mandangad route. There is a path leading to the temple from the village of Vesvi, situated at the foothills. Near the incline on this path, the road splits into two. The left road leads towards Dapoli and Mandangad, while the right road leads to the temple. As we travel along the winding roads through the mountains, admiring the nature-rich surroundings, we reach the Kalambadevi Temple. This temple is located one km away from the famous Bankot Fort. The temple’s attractive shikhara (spire) can be seen from a distance.

It is said that previously, the abode of this Goddess was at the nearby place of Hamadba. From there, the Goddess arrived here. There is a record of this temple being renovated in 1842. During the renovation and refurbishment carried out in 2020, new idols were consecrated in place of the ancient ones. The old idols have been preserved in the area behind the temple. This two-story temple is situated slightly below the road level. The ground floor houses a assembly hall (sabhamandap) for religious rituals, and the temple is located on the second floor. One enters the temple’s viewing hall (darshanmandap) on the second floor by climbing about 20 steps from the temple courtyard. The temple structure consists of a darshanmandap, a sabhamandap, and a sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha). In the darshanmandap, there is an idol of a tortoise on a small pedestal. The entrance to the temple is wooden and intricately carved, with an idol of Shri Ganesha on the lintel of the door frame. The sabhamandap here is spacious. Looking out from the windows of this sabhamandap, one can see the sea extending up to the Bagmandala jetty.

In the sanctum sanctorum here, there are a total of seven idols placed on a small pedestal: Mahalakshmi, Bapdev, Kalambadevi, Gavrakhi, Haroba, Chandvinkarin, and Shevaraikarin. All the idols are made of black stone. Bapdev is the master of the Goddess, Haroba (Kalbhairav of Harihareshwar) is the brother of the Goddess, and the other four are her sisters. The idol of Kalambadevi, situated between Bapdev and Gavrakhi, The equestrian idol is slightly taller than the other idols. The Goddess wears a crown on her head and is adorned with various ornaments. The golden-colored garments and jewelry on the black stone idol enhance the Goddess’s beauty. It is said that this Goddess is a form of Goddess Mahalakshmi of Kolhapur. Like the Mahalakshmi of Kolhapur, there is a Shiva Linga on the head of the Goddess’s ancient idol. The shrine of Chakran Deva, the guard of the Goddess, is also located within the temple premises. A panoramic view of the sea can also be seen from the temple’s circumambulation path (pradakshina marg).

Three major festivals are celebrated at this temple: Navratrotsav, Dev-Diwali (Jatrotsav), and Shimgotsav. During the Jatrotsav held on Dev-Diwali, thousands of devotees visit to make vows (navas) and fulfill them. During Shimgotsav, the Goddess’s palanquin (palkhi) is taken out of the temple. After traveling through the surrounding five villages (panch-kroshi), this palanquin is taken to the Harihareshwar Temple in Shrivardhan taluka. On the tenth day, the palanquin is brought back here. Thousands of devotees attend this palanquin procession. Once every three years, the ‘Gondhal’ ritual of this Goddess is performed. This Gondhal, which takes place in the month of May, is known as ‘Pangicha Gondhal’. Many devotees are present on that occasion as well.

Kalambadevi is the Kuladevata (family deity) of the Sonar and Kayastha communities here. This Goddess is also the Aaradhya Daivat (revered deity) of the Koli community. Every boat of the Koli community that sails the sea from Harna port in Dapoli to Dighi port in Raigad pays homage to this Goddess. There are 13 Manakaris (honored representatives) of this Goddess, which also includes representatives of the twelve Balutedars. During the Shimga festival as well as after Dev Diwali, ceremonial betel leaves (Manaache Vide) are offered here. These are presented to the Manakaris as a mark of honor for their service to the Goddess.

Devotees can have darshan at this temple from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Until 12:00 PM, the Kaul (divine oracle) is offered to the Goddess. It is believed that after the afternoon, the Goddess goes to Harihareshwar to assist her brother, Kalbhairavnath.

Bankot Fort here is an attraction for both tourists and history enthusiasts alike. The village of Velas, located near Bankot, is famous for the conservation of Olive Ridley turtles. Thousands of tourists visit during the Turtle Festival held here in March. Velas, the ancestral village of Nana Phadnavis, also houses beautiful temples dedicated to Rameshwar, Durgadevi, and Kalbhairav.

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