Temples

The temples of Kasheli

At the heart of Kasheli’s life sit its temples; the village deities have inspired generations of villagers to undertake new work. The five principal shrines are summarised below.

Shri Kanakaditya Sun Temple

The principal village deity — a form of Suryanarayan brought from Dwarka in the twelfth century. A surviving copper-plate establishes over 800 years of recorded history. The annual festival is held on Magh Shuddha 7–11. — Full article →

Shri Lakshminarayan Temple

Considered 200–300 years older than the Sun temple. A basement passage is said to lead all the way to the sea shore, where the surf can be heard at the entrance. The shrine was restored by Sambhaji Maharaj. Hereditary priests are the Paranjape family of Gangkhadi (now settled in Solapur); Lakshminarayan is their family deity.

Shri Jakhadevi

An ancient shrine alongside the Kanakaditya temple. The deity is sister of Kanakaditya’s consort Kalikadevi (whose shrine is at Kalikawadi). The temple’s big festival is celebrated through Navaratri. Hereditary priest: the Gurav family.

Shri Aagbadevi

Also very ancient. The goddess is believed to relieve worldly troubles, and devotees come from villages far across Ratnagiri district to fulfil vows. The temple is looked after by Kulkarni, Shirvadkar, Bavakar, Gothankar and Juwale families across three village wadas.

Shri Datta Mandir

Located at Kasheli Bandh at the start of Phodkar wadi. Swami Vishwanath Maharaj Borkar built it entirely at his own expense on land he received, following a vision of Dattatreya. It is the first Datta temple in this region. The festival begins 6 days before Datta Jayanti and includes seven days of uninterrupted tambora-accompanied namasmaran.

Purukh

Stands beside the Kanakaditya temple. Once held to be the shrine of the Harijan community; following their conversion to Buddhism the shrine has fallen into neglect.

In need of restoration

Two further temples — the Brahmandev shrine and Pavandevi — survive in a dilapidated state and need restoration.