Shree Zolai Mata Temple Winhere, Mahad, Raigad

Konkan is considered the land of Parashurama. This coastal region is blessed with a great religious heritage. The Mahad Taluka of Raigad district holds immense historical significance, as it was here that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj established the capital of Swarajya, the Raigad Fort. Situated at the southern tip of this Mahad Taluka, nestled within the Sahyadri ranges and on the border of Raigad district, lies the village of Vinhere. The Zholai Mata Temple in Vinhere is considered the main center of the ‘Gaon Rahati’ (village administration) tradition of the entire Konkan region. The temple tradition in Konkan is primarily based around village deities and folk deities. The Zholai Mata of Vinhere has a close connection with the religious history of Mahad. Zholai Devi is considered the ‘elder sister’ of Vireshwar Maharaj, the presiding deity of Mahad.

The Zholai Mata Temple at Vinhere is a place of historical and administrative importance. This temple has received official recognition since the British era, and a historical charter from the year 1886 is still available today. It contains detailed mentions of the land owned by the Goddess and the management of the temple. During the Maratha Empire, temples in this region also received royal patronage. As Mahad was an important port and commercial hub, villages like Vinhere were strategic locations on military and trade routes. In the Konkan ‘Gaon Rahati’ tradition, the Goddess is referred to as the ‘Landlady’ (Malkin). Zholai Mata of Vinhere is considered the owner of 84 revenue villages in Mahad and Poladpur Talukas, known as the ‘Chaurya-ashi Chauras’. In the social structure of these 84 villages, the Goddess holds the supreme position, and the joys and sorrows of every village are linked to her.

An ancient legend is told about Zholai Mata. It is said that a devout girl leaped into the ground to protect her purity, and the form of the Goddess manifested there. This idol of the Goddess was found at a place called ‘Zhol Khasan’ in Phalkewadi in this region. The idol was brought to the current location in a ‘Zholi’ (a cloth bag), which is how she came to be named ‘Zholai’. The reference to the Zholai Devi at Wadi, near Pachad at the foothills of Raigad Fort, is also linked to the Vinhere temple. This demonstrates the influence of this Goddess across the entire South Raigad region.

The temple of the Goddess is located in the central part of Vinhere village. One enters the temple courtyard through the gateway in the surrounding wall. The current appearance of the temple was attained after the renovation of the original red laterite stone structure some years ago. The entire construction of this temple is made of white marble stone. One enters the Darshan Mandap by climbing five steps from the courtyard. The structure of the temple consists of three Darshan Mandaps, a Sabha Mandap, an Antaral (vestibule), and the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). In the small marble shrines on both sides of the main Darshan Mandap are the idols of Koljai Devi and Waghjai Devi. All the Darshan Mandaps and the Sabha Mandap here are semi-open in nature. All the pillars here feature distinctive carvings. There are niches (Devkoshtakas) on both sides of the walls of the Antaral. The door frames of the Garbhagriha feature ornate pillars, and there is a Shikhar Toran above the entrance. In the Garbhagriha, on a Vajrapitha, stands the idol of Zholai Mata carved in black stone. This idol is in the form of Mahishasurmardini, where the Goddess is seen suppressing Mahishasura under her feet. Weapons like a trident and a sword are carved in the hands of the Goddess. She wears a crown on her head and ornaments around her neck. Four smaller idols, two on each side of the main idol, have been installed. These sub-idols are also made of black stone and are in a standing position. All these five idols are arranged in a single line. This eight-armed (Ashtabhuja) form of the Goddess is considered a symbol of Shakti. In the temple premises, there is a Mahadev temple that is about 250 years old. For the protection of the village, along with Zholai Mata, temples of her five other sisters are located in various directions in Vinhere. Among these, the Zholai Mata temple is in the west, the Waghjai and Koljai temples are in the east, the Somjai temple is in the north, and the Bhairi temple is in the south.

This temple is considered a great example of social harmony. According to the Konkan ‘Gaon Rahati’ tradition, every community is given a place of honor in the temple festivals. These honors have been passed down through generations, reflecting the unity of the village. The Bhoi community are the main custodians of the Goddess’s palanquin; they perform the task of carrying it. The Katkari community considers it an honor to light the ‘Hilal’ (torches) during the procession. The Dhobi community washes the clothes and carpets of the Goddess. The Sonar community takes responsibility for polishing the masks and jewelry of the Goddess. The Gurav or priest manages the daily worship and offerings. When representatives of the 84 villages gather during the festival, no discrimination is practiced. Due to the relationship with Shri Vireshwar Maharaj of Mahad, when the Goddess’s palanquin goes to Mahad during the procession, the people of Mahad welcome her as a ‘Maherwashin’ (a daughter visiting her maternal home). The Gondhali community performs ‘Gondhal’ and songs of ‘Jagaran’, making the festival night a traditional celebration. Many literary figures, cultural scholars, and artists have visited this temple and praised its architecture and traditions.

The biggest festival in Vinhere is the ‘Chhabina Utsav’. This ceremony is celebrated every year on the day of Tukaram Beej, which falls after Holi. Devotees from 84 villages gather in Vinhere for this festival. At night, the palanquins of Zholai Mata and her five sisters—Waghjai, Koljai, Somjai, and Bhairi—are decorated and taken in a procession. The Janani Mata of Tamne village and the Kalkai Mata of Shiraswane village also come to visit Zholai Mata. This procession is marked by the light of torches and the resonance of traditional musical instruments. The greatest historical feature of this festival is the ‘Government Salute’ given to the Goddess by the police administration. At this time, police personnel fire five rounds from their guns to pay tribute to the Goddess. Only after receiving this salute does the palanquin of the Goddess proceed further. This tradition is believed to have started during the British era. The practice of starting and concluding the festival with the participation of ‘Tamasha’ (folk theatre) is still preserved today. During Navratri, there is ‘Jagaran’, ‘Ghatsthapana’, and an eternal lamp (Akhand Nandadeep) in the temple for nine days. The ‘Simollanghan’ ceremony takes place on Vijayadashami. Devotees can have the darshan of Zholai Mata daily from 6 AM to 1 PM and from 3 PM to 9:30 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