Somjai Devi Temple

Shrivardhan, Taluka Shrivardhan, District Raigad

The temple of the village deity Somjai Devi in Shrivardhan, an inseparable confluence of antiquity and devotion, is a place of faith for thousands of devotees. The original name of this Goddess is Somja; however, the address Somjai has now become established. It is said that Sage Agastya also resided in this region. A Shaligram is placed in a silver casket on a silver throne in the sanctum sanctorum of this temple. It is this that is worshipped here with devotion as Somjai Devi. This Goddess is the family deity of many families here.

The legend regarding this temple states that the place where the temple currently stands was once a forest. Children used to play in an open space here. After playing, they would return home; however, one boy and one girl among them would head towards the forest. There were no houses in that forest. One day, someone saw these children going into the forest and told others about it. Out of curiosity, some people followed them. Going deep into the forest, these children disappeared near a Peepal tree. From that day on, those children were never seen again. Because of this, the villagers became anxious. During that same period, the great sage Agastya arrived in Shrivardhan while on a pilgrimage. The villagers narrated this incident to him. He sensed the presence of Shiva and Shakti in that area. He performed a Homa-Havan and requested them to manifest. A magnificent pillar of fire shone near the Peepal tree, and at that very moment, a Shaligram emerged from the earth. It is said that the Shaligram being worshipped today in the Somjai temple is the same one.

Located in the heart of Shrivardhan town, this temple is situated at a distance of 500 meters from the bus stand. It is said that this ancient temple, situated at the foothills of the Tambadi Tekdi, was established by Sage Agastya. Records indicate that the temple was renovated and restored two hundred and fifty years ago during the Peshwa era. The temple of Goddess Somjai is spread over half an acre of land. This temple, which stands at an elevation from the ground, is surrounded by a fortification wall. One enters the temple courtyard by climbing eight to ten steps built into the fortification. Constructed in the Konkani architectural style, this temple is two-storied and features a tiled roof. There is a large veranda in front of the temple. The structure of the temple follows a sequence of a main assembly hall, a two-storied vestibule, and the sanctum sanctorum. In the temple veranda, there is a statue of a tortoise placed on a marble pedestal. 

The front side of the assembly hall is open, and there is seating arrangement for devotees on the right and left sides. The inner sanctum here is enclosed and two-storied. The wooden door frame at the entrance of the inner sanctum is intricately carved. On the upper floor of the inner sanctum, there is a balcony for devotees to sit. The temple is designed in such a way that devotees can sit here and watch the programs. Teak wood has been used for the construction of this entire temple.

In the sanctum sanctorum located beyond the antarala, there is a silver chest placed upon a silver pedestal. It is said that Goddess Somjai resides within this chest in the form of a Shaligram, and the powers of Shivbhavani, Nandi, and Vasuki are unified within it. This Shaligram is worshipped here as the form of the Goddess. A silver mask of the Goddess is placed atop this chest for ritual worship. Ancient oil lamps are present in this sanctum. Devotees who visit this temple are blessed with the Goddess’s sacred ash applied using a bunch of peacock feathers. It is believed that this removes evil forces. 

It is the firm belief of devotees that the presence of Ardhanari Nateshwara resides in this temple and that He fulfills their heartfelt wishes. Somjai Devi of Shrivardhan. It is believed that by having darshan of the Shivteerth and Kalbhairav at Harihareshwar on the same day, one attains the merit of completing the Dakshin Kashi pilgrimage. It is said that the great sage Saptashrungi Rishi performed the Vasuki Yajna at this temple. Because of this, there is a belief that if any living being suffering from a snakebite is brought to this place, the poison is neutralized. Animals like cows and oxen, if ill, are also brought here and tied. It is said that many have experienced them recovering within eight days. Muslim farmers living in this area also bring their sick animals here to be cured.

Although the primary deity here is Somjai, there are four Shiva-Shakti shrines on the four sides of the temple. These include Kankali, Bhadrakali, Katyayani, and Chamundayani. The temple’s main festival, the Rathotsav, begins on the first day of the waning moon in the month of Margashirsha. The chariot procession commences from the temple at twelve o’clock at night, travels through Kasba Peth, Sonar Ali, Vani Ali, Metkarni, Navi Peth, Kumbhar Ali, and Tilak Marg, and returns to the temple the next day at twelve o’clock in the afternoon, marking the conclusion of the procession. Thousands of devotees from across the state gather here for the Goddess’s chariot procession. On this occasion, continuous devotional singing (Bhajan Pahara) is held here for the next seven days. On the eighth day, the Dahikala ceremony takes place, followed by a grand feast (Mahaprasad) served to the entire village in the afternoon. Devotees seek the Goddess’s guidance (Kaul) at this temple. Aarti is performed in the temple every day at seven o’clock in the morning and seven o’clock in the evening.

Useful Information

• Approximately 500 meters from Shrivardhan bus stand
• Private vehicles can go directly up to the temple.
• Many options for accommodation and breakfast 
• Contact: Vijay Mirlekar, Trustee, Mob. 9765379691