Shree Navlai Devi Temple Amloli / Khodde, Guhagar, Ratnagiri

The three independent temples of Navlai Devi in the neighboring villages of Abloli and Khodade in Ratnagiri district are centers of faith for devotees in the surrounding region. During the Shimga festival, which is a major celebration in the Konkan region, the village honor-bearers perform a ritual on the village platform (sahana) in front of the Goddess’s palanquin where they strike themselves with sharp weapons on their bare bodies in a specific manner. This tradition, known as ‘Hanun Ghene’ (self-striking), has been practiced here for years. Devotees believe it is a unique feature of this place that they do not sustain any injuries during this ritual.

Abloli, a market town in Guhagar taluka, is nestled in a picturesque landscape. The temple of the village deity, Navlai Devi, is situated in a beautiful environment surrounded by Alphonso mango trees, jackfruit and cashew orchards, and traditional Konkan-style tiled houses. To reach this temple, which is located at a slight elevation, one must climb stone-paved steps. Now, a road has been constructed, allowing vehicles to reach the temple directly. In front of this temple, located in a nature-rich area, there is an idol of Nandi carved from a single piece of black stone on a platform. The temple stands on a plinth three feet above the ground. The structure consists of a assembly hall (sabhamandap) and a sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha). The assembly hall here is of the semi-hall type. There is a Shiva Linga near the entrance of the sanctum. On the platform here are the seven deities: Navlai Devi, Kedar, Vardan Devi, Chandika Devi, Kalika Devi, Labai Devi, and Manai Devi.

Apart from the Shimga festival, many other festivals are celebrated in this temple throughout the year. The Shimga festival begins after the first Holi is lit on Phalguna Shuddha Panchami. On the morning of Phalguna Purnima, the sacred fire (Holi) is lit. After the afternoon, a fair is held on the village platform (the Holi ground). The honor-bearers who perform the ‘Hanun Ghene’ ritual fast for the Goddess for nine days. On this day, the Goddess’s betel leaves (vida) are also offered. During the Shimga festival, the palanquin of all the deities from the temple visits every household. The palanquin travels through the village for about 20 days. To welcome the palanquin, households are cleaned, decorated with rangoli and lights, and festive meals are prepared. When the palanquin arrives at a home, devotees offer the Goddess a blouse piece and a coconut (oti). Vows are made and fulfilled at this time. Prayers are also offered to the Goddess for the well-being of the family. A procession of the Goddess is taken out when the palanquin returns to the temple. At this time, prasad is distributed to everyone. On Dev-Diwali, all villagers gather at the temple. At that time, the deity is first adorned with silver masks (rupe) and a lamp is waved (arti). Then, the honor-bearers and guests are also honored by waving the lamp. Villagers and those working in cities (chakarmani) eagerly attend the annual Gondhal ritual of the Goddess. On this day, the place takes on the appearance of a fair. During festivals like Raksha Bandhan (Pote), Dev-Diwali, Jagar, and Gondhal, the Goddess is adorned with silver masks and decorations.

In the nearby village of Khodade, there are two Navlai temples in Sahanwadi and Ganeshwadi. The temple in Deulwadi was renovated in May 2017. This temple has a fortification made of laterite stone. The spacious courtyard is paved. The temple structure includes a darshan mandap, assembly hall, and sanctum sanctorum. On a platform here, from left to right, are the idols of Kedar, Navlai Devi, Vardan Devi, Sonsakhali Devi, Trimukhi, and Chandika Devi. Many festivals, including Shimga and Navratri, are celebrated here throughout the year.

The meeting (galabhet) of these two sisters from Khodade village with the third sister in Abloli is a grand celebration here. After these sisters visit their brother Gopalji, all three palanquins are danced on the local Holi ground. Later, after the first palanquin meets, the second palanquin meets the Goddess of Abloli. While one palanquin meets the Goddess of Abloli, the villagers dance the other palanquin on one side. For this meeting, people from both villages lift the devotees carrying the palanquins. The meeting of the palanquins on their shoulders is performed amidst the sounds of shehnai, the beating of drums, and the bursting of firecrackers. It is said that during this meeting of the three sisters in Abloli, the coconuts inside the palanquins are exchanged automatically.

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