Shree Chandika Devi Mandir

Dabhol, Taluka Dapoli, District Ratnagiri

Nestled in the lush natural beauty of the Konkan region, in Dabhol village of Dapoli Taluka, stands the renowned Shree Chandika Devi Mandir, dedicated to Durga, the fierce manifestation of Devi Parvati. This ancient and vibrant temple, dating back to the Pandava era, is a revered pilgrimage site for countless devotees. It is housed within a cave-like grotto carved from a single rock on a hill in this village, sanctified by the presence of Sage Dalbhya. The Devi is celebrated for rushing to the aid of Her devotees. According to records in the Ratnagiri District Gazetteer, this sacred site of the Devi is contemporary with the Badami Caves, dating from five hundred and fifty to five hundred and seventy-eight CE.

The legend of the temple recounts that the Devi appeared in a vision to a Gorakhpanthi devotee named Jamnapuri, revealing that there was a spring in the forest, and She resided in a cave above it. The Devi also provided him with certain signs to guide his way. Following these clues, when Jamnapuri arrived near the cave, he removed a slab of stone and discovered the Devi’s stone idol. He then installed the Devi and began Her worship. After some time, his descendant, Baal Puri, arrived. Jamnapuri entrusted him with the responsibility of worship and then took a living samadhi in front of the temple. Since then, the rights to worship the Devi have belonged to the Puri family. This cave, where the temple is situated, dates back to the Pandava period. According to another legend, the Pandavas created the cave with their divine powers. Sage Dalbhya also performed penance and spiritual practices in this very cave.

The temple is located on a plateau on the left side, just before Dabhol, on the Dapoli-Dabhol road. Within the vicinity of the ancient ruins of a fort, the temple structure, nestled in a cave-like grotto carved from a single black rock, resembles a charming Konkan home. From its exterior design, one would never suspect that a cave lies within this temple. In the rock face in front of the temple, there is a natural spring, and its water is used for the temple’s rituals. The temple’s sabhamandap (assembly hall) is not very large. It has been constructed with a unique earthen design. Arrangements have been made for devotees to sit there. The entrance to the cave where the Devi’s idol resides is adorned with silver plating. On the lintel of the entrance, there is an idol of Ganesha. Above it, there is a replica of the Devi’s idol.

To enter the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), which is the cave itself, one must bend and pass through a small doorway. Previously, the path into this cave was a slippery slope. Now, steps have been constructed. Due to the low oxygen level in the cave, too many devotees are not allowed inside at once. Only oil lamps and the nanda deep (eternal lamp) burn within this cave. In their soft light, one must proceed through a narrow passage, wide enough for only two people at a time, taking support from the walls.

In the garbhagriha, illuminated by the light of the nanda deep and other lamps, one beholds the vermilion-smeared idol of Chandika Devi. The Devi is seated in a beautifully adorned mandap, and Her face is turned towards the southwest direction. She has large eyebrows, a gentle smile on Her face, and a somewhat fierce countenance. In Her four hands, She holds a sword in Her right hand, a shield in Her left, and other weapons in Her remaining hands. This idol, approximately three and a half feet tall, is said to be only up to the waist, with the lower half of the Devi’s body beneath the earth. Near this idol, there is a historical sword. In the dim light of the cave, devotees can complete their pradakshina (circumambulation) of the Devi and then exit the cave.

The Devi is adorned daily with a nine-yard saree. The Navratrotsav (Navratri festival) is celebrated in the temple from Ashwin Pratipada to Vijayadashami. During this festival, a ghatasthapana (installation of a pot) is performed near the main entrance of the temple. The Kakad Aarti (morning lamp ceremony) begins around four-thirty to five o’clock in the morning. On the day of Dussehra, after the ‘looting of gold’ ritual, the temple flag is hoisted. During the Shimga festival, the Devi’s palanquin procession takes place. Tripuri Pournima is also celebrated in the temple. As Tuesday is considered the day of Chandika Devi, thousands of devotees visit for darshan on this day. Since the Devi is purely vegetarian, the practice of animal sacrifice is not observed here.

After conquering Dabhol in sixteen hundred and sixty to sixty-one, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj raided Gopalgad of Anjanvel, Govalkot, and the Adivare region. Historical records mention that he visited this sacred site many times during his campaigns. The Puri family also possesses copper plates detailing the land grants given to the temple by Shivraya. In ancient times, extensive trade flourished through the historic Dabhol port. Some speculate that there might have been an underground passage from the Chandika temple in the cave to the Dabhol creek for trade purposes.

A few steps up from the temple, directly ahead on a platform, stands a Tulsi Vrindavan, and nearby is the living samadhi of Jamnapuri. Puri belonged to the Dashnam Gosavi community. In this community, when a person passes away, a Shiva Lingam is created in their name. Here, near Jamnapuri’s samadhi, there are several Shiva Lingams. Darshan of the Devi is available from nine o’clock in the morning to eight o’clock at night. It is believed that Ingalaai and Bhairidevi, also located in this village, are sisters of Chandika.

Useful Information:

• Twenty-eight kilometres from Dapoli, one hundred and three kilometres from Ratnagiri
• State Transport bus service available from Dapoli
• Private vehicles can reach the temple’s parking area
• Many options for accommodation and breakfast available in Dabhol
• Contact: Siddhesh Puri: eight eight zero five one three six four four four