Bahiridev in the Water

Diwale Village, Belapur, Navi Mumbai

In Hindu Dharma, there is a tradition of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, which means treating a guest as God, but in Navi Mumbai, there is a village called Diwale where God himself comes as a guest. This God is Bahiridev or Bhairidev. This guest comes to the village for only two and a half days. For the rest of the year, he resides at the bottom of the sea near Gharapuri Island. During Diwali, a grand fair for Bahiridev is held here for three days, starting from Ashwin Shuddha Amavasya. Despite there being no temple, thousands of devotees line up to seek the blessings of this God, who visits the village for a few hours, and to fulfill their vows.

In the planned city of Navi Mumbai, known as the ‘city of the twenty-first century’, there were formerly many villages and hamlets. Belapur was one of the important villages among them. Situated at the mouth of the Panvel creek, this village was formerly known as Shahbaz. From the fort here, one could control the route leading towards Panvel and Pune. Adjacent to this village The village of Diwale is situated here. Located along the creek, this village has now become a part of Belapur. Bahiridev is the presiding village deity here. The unique feature of this village is that although there is no temple of Bahiridev, the deity has been worshipped daily in every household here for hundreds of years.

Bahiroba and Bhairoba are village deities. The compilers of the ‘Marathi Vishwakosh’ have suggested that after their identification with Shiva, their names were Sanskritized to Bhairava. The southern face of the five-faced Shiva is known as Bhairava. Similarly, Bhairava is also considered to be the chief attendant of Shiva. For many in the Agri and Koli communities, Khandoba and Bahiroba are family deities. Temples of Bahiroba are found in many villages across Maharashtra. However, the abode of the Bahiroba in the village of Diwale is at the bottom of the sea. 

As Diwali approaches, the enthusiasm of the villagers of Divala begins to multiply manifold. This is because, during this time, their beloved Bhairidev leaves the depths of the sea to come and grant darshan to the villagers. For this, painting and renovation work begins in every home. Decorations are put up, and the surroundings begin to adorn themselves. Rangolis start appearing in front of houses. It is said that this celebration has a tradition spanning hundreds of years. The current generation also celebrates this festival with equal fervor. During Diwali, on the day before Naraka Chaturdashi, a Kaul (divine permission) is sought to bring the deity from the sea. Once the permission is granted, the next day, three hundred to four hundred youths from the surrounding five villages set out in boats and vessels to bring back their deity, who resides at the bottom of the sea. To witness this ceremony, many devotees from the Uran, Gharapuri, and Trombay regions arrive at this place in boats and vessels.

In the deep sea near Gharapuri Island, these young men begin the search for the deity Bahirideva. Before doing so, as an offering to the deity, a live pomfret and a lobster are released into the water. A unique feature is that these young men accurately locate the exact spot in the vast ocean where the deity was immersed the previous year. The task of diving to retrieve the idol belongs to the men of the Tandel family of the village. It is said that only they are able to find this idol. This idol is a stone tablet made of black rock. In the center of the idol, there is an image of the deity mounted on a horse. Accompanying him are the images of the brothers Madho and Ir. Due to remaining in the water for many years, the carving on this stone tablet has become indistinct. 

After the idol is discovered, the deity is given a ritual bath, then anointed with vermilion, placed in a ceremonial palanquin, and brought in a grand procession accompanied by music and the showering of gulal. This procession arrives near the house of the village Tandel. In their prayer room, the deity is worshipped with deep devotion. The idol of Bahiroba is then consecrated in a specially constructed place. On the next day, which is the day of Lakshmi Pujan, an abhishek is performed for Bahiridev at dawn. A silver crown is placed upon the head, and the idol is decorated with leaves and flowers. Following this, a steady stream of devotees from Navi Mumbai, as well as the districts of Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad, arrives to seek blessings and fulfill their vows.

During this time, the village takes on the appearance of a fair for three days. That night, the deity’s palanquin is carried in a procession through the village. Devotees offer Diwali snacks, coconuts, garlands, and flowers on this occasion. This festival is celebrated with traditional Koli songs, Gondhal, Bhajans, and Kirtans.

On the third day, that is, on Balipratipada, the Deity sits in a palanquin to return to His abode in the sea. A grand procession of the Deity is taken out amidst music and fanfare. At this time, thousands of devotees gather on the shore to bid farewell to the Deity. The ceremony concludes with heavy hearts and tearful eyes. Then, three hundred to four hundred youths set out in boats to escort the Deity back to His place. It is a popular belief that the Deity sits at the bottom of the sea and performs penance for twelve months. Since the occupation of the majority of the villagers here is fishing, they must venture into the sea. They have deep faith that it is Bahiridev who protects them there.

Useful Information

• Twelve kilometers from Panvel and one kilometer from Konkan Bhavan
• NMMT bus service available from Panvel and Belapur
• Private vehicles are permitted to enter the village.
• Accommodation and breakfast facilities available in the vicinity