Shree Vyadeshwar Temple

Sri Vyadeshwar Temple is an ancient temple situated in Guhagar, Maharashtra. Many Chitpavan families from the Konkan area consider Sri Vyadeshwar Temple to be their Kuladevata, or clan god. It is also one of the spiritual places to visit in Ganpatipule and nearby regions, attracting devotees and tourists alike.

Sri Vyadeshwar Temple History

Vyadeshwar Temple is the most renowned temple in Guhagar, dedicated to Lord Shiva and situated in close proximity to Guhagar Beach. The temple's history says that Lord Parshurama asked Lord Shiva to go to Konkan every day so that he could see him. Lord Shiva agreed to what he asked. He also brought 60 Vipras to Kokan so they could live there. Vyad, one of these Vipras, put up a Shivlinga in Guhagar.

Lord Vishnu appeared in his Kalki form after the incarnations of Sriram and Srikrishna. During this time, the gods should remain in their unseen forms because negative thoughts are meant to prevail. So, Lord Shiva chose to stay in the Vyad Shivlinga in an invisible form. This famous Vyadeshwar Mahadev is the same Shivlinga. In a different story, King Sakuran recreated the Vyad Shivlinga and built the temple.

Architectural Style

Builders constructed it in the Panchayatan style and placed four smaller shrines at each corner. In the middle of this is the main shrine of Sri Vyadeshwar. It also has other small statues surrounding the main shrine. Lord Ganesha, Goddess Parvati, Lord Vishnu, and the Sun are the other idols that are honored at the shrines.

Craftsmen placed a figure of Nandi in front of the main shrine and used marble to build everything. Vyadeshwar Temple has three openings—one each in the east, west, and south. During the holiday of Mahashivratri, the temple hosts a huge fair that attracts many visitors. Many Ganpatipule tour packages include a visit to this temple, especially during festive times, for its cultural and spiritual importance.

Festivals Celebrated

Hindus mark the New Year by raising the Gudi at Varsha-pratipada. On holy days, all devotees rejoice with the colours of their faith. Konkan often celebrates the festivals of Ganpati and Shimga collectively.

During Shimga, shows that travel from town to town makes the event more interesting. Everyone, regardless of size, eagerly anticipates Sankasura. This play does its service at the feet of Lord Vyadeshwar. On Chaitra Poornima, the Maruti Devasthan Trust marks Hanuman Jayanti by doing Kirtan-Seva.