Shri Dhawalibari Mata Temple Shirve, Navapur, Nandurbar

Nandurbar district is known as a tribal-dominated region. The tribal community is inherently nature-worshipping. This community, which worships everything from grass to tigers and cobras, sees the Divine in rivers, mountains, and even in stones and rocks. The Dhavalibari Mata Temple in Shirve, located in Navapur taluka, is a famous pilgrimage site in Nandurbar, serving as a place of faith for this community as well as many other devotees. In this temple, a narrow cave in the rock is worshipped as Dhavalibari (Annapurna) Mata. Devotees believe that this deity, who bestows welfare upon her followers, is spiritually awakened and grants their prayers. 

According to the villagers, the Dhavalibari Mata Temple in Shirve is approximately four hundred years old. In the past, all temples of the tribal community were under the open sky, and this is one such temple. It is said that one could travel to Saptashrungi Gad through the tunnel in the cave of this temple. When Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj looted Surat, he stayed at the Shirve Fort located behind the temple during his return journey. It was during that time that he ordered the construction of the temple for the Goddess here. Gold coins or mohurs are often found during excavations in this area. Regarding this, it is said that while the looted treasure of Surat was being transported along this route, some of those coins were dropped in this vicinity. 

There is a paved road to reach this temple, which is situated on a hill near Shirve village. The courtyard, enclosed by a boundary wall, is paved with paver blocks. Many paintings in the Warli style are drawn on the boundary walls. The structure of the temple consists of a Mukhamandapa (entrance hall), a Sabhamandapa (assembly hall), and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). One enters the temple from the mandapa, which is situated at a slightly higher level than the courtyard. In front of the Mukhamandapa, there are two circular pillars, and supported by the rear wall is a five-tiered square Shikhara topped with a Kalasha. To the right of the Mukhamandapa, there is an idol of Lord Ganesha housed within a shrine on a raised platform. From here, one enters the Sabhamandapa. In the center of the enclosed Sabhamandapa, there are two circular, intricately carved pillars, and between these pillars, adjacent to the wall, lies a narrow cave nestled between two stones. This cave is worshipped here as Dhavalibari Mata. In front of the cave, there is a small shrine with a roof supported by pillars on both sides. Beside this shrine stands a brass Trishula. 

The temple roof is surrounded by a low-height balustrade of pillars for support. In the center, there are two spires, one behind the other. The front, smaller spire is dome-shaped and adorned with floral and leaf motifs. At its apex is the Amalaka, topped by a Kalash. The rear, main spire is square-shaped and features replicas of smaller spires upon it. Near the steps leading into the temple courtyard, there are votive stones. Three stones arranged like a hearth A fourth stone is placed in the center, supported by other stones. Above this fourth stone, there are four to five spherical stones. This top stone must be lifted in such a way that the small spherical stones resting upon it do not fall off. Devotees believe that if one is able to lift the stone in this manner, Dhavalibari will fulfill their vows. The annual festival is celebrated at this temple on Navanna Purnima. This Navanna Purnima is observed on the full moon day of the month of Ashvin, which is Kojagiri Purnima. It is generally celebrated in households that depend on agriculture for their livelihood. One meaning of Navanna is new food. It is celebrated as the day to begin using the new harvest. There is a tradition of preparing kheer from the new grain and offering it as naivedya on this day. On this day, a toran made of mango leaves and ears of the newly harvested crop is hung at the doorway. This is an important day in the lives of farmers.

On the occasion of Navanna Purnima, thousands of tribal and farmer brethren from the surrounding areas visit this temple to seek the blessings of the Goddess. They offer the newly harvested grains from their fields, ears of corn, as well as cooked food to the Goddess. It is a tradition to express gratitude to the Goddess by offering sweet delicacies as Naivedya. During this time, the area takes on the appearance of a fair, with shops selling various goods. Apart from this, annual festivals such as Chaitra Padwa, Chaitra Navratri, Sharadiya Navratri, Dussehra, Diwali, Dev Diwali, and Holi are also celebrated at the temple. During all these festivals, tribal dance programs are organized at the temple. The traditional right to worship this Goddess remains intact with the tribal community even today.

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