Siddheshwar Temple

Sagargad, Taluka Alibaug, District Raigad

Sagargad, an ancient fort near Alibaug built during the Bahmani Sultanate, was conquered by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from Adil Shah in the year 1660. Later, under the Treaty of Purandar, Sagargad, along with 22 other forts, passed into the control of the Mughals. After his escape from Agra, the Maharaj recaptured this fort in the year 1670. In the year 1679, the English Captain Francis Mauliver was held captive at this very fort. Subsequently, the fort passed into the hands of the Siddi, the Angres, and thereafter the British. In the vicinity of this historically significant fort lies the ancient temple of Siddheshwar Mahadev.

It is estimated that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj may have built this temple after capturing the fort in the year 1660. Regarding this temple, there is a legend that a merchant had made a vow to the deity for the blessing of a child. By the grace of Siddheshwar, the merchant was blessed with a son. He then renovated this temple and built the assembly hall (sabhamandap) in front of it. Previously, in this temple, Nandi It was not there. However, a few years ago, during the cleaning of the pond located in the temple premises, an idol of Nandi was discovered. That Nandi was consecrated in this temple.

Crossing the Karlekhind pass on the Pen-Alibaug road, a dirt path leads from Khandale village to the foothills of the Siddheshwar hills. After crossing the stream at the base of the hill, there is a path with built stone steps. Following this, a climb of about half an hour up the mountain path leads to the Siddheshwar temple. The courtyard in front of the temple is paved with paver blocks. The temple structure consists of a Sabhamandap (assembly hall), Antarala (vestibule), and Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). In the enclosed Sabhamandap (Gudhamandap), there is an ancient monolithic stone idol of Nandi on a pedestal facing the entrance. It is said that this very idol was discovered in a lake. The Sabhamandap has windows for light and ventilation and is covered by a corrugated metal roof. The construction of this Sabhamandap is of recent origin.

Ahead lies the Antarala (vestibule) and the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) featuring ancient architecture. The doorframes of the Antarala bear faint carvings. On both sides of the entrance to the Garbhagriha within the Antarala, there are Devakoshthakas (niches for deities). In the niche on the right, there is a vermilion-anointed four-armed idol of Lord Ganapati. In the upper left hand, this Ganapati holds a lotus, and in the upper right hand, a weapon. The lower left hand is in the Abhaya Mudra (gesture of fearlessness), and the lower right hand holds a Modaka. In the niche on the left, there is a Viragal (hero stone) sculpture. There are platforms in front of both niches. Since it is at a higher level than the Antarala, the entrance to the Garbhagriha has two steps. The doorframes of the entrance feature vertical ridge carvings, and there is an idol of Lord Ganapati on the Lalatabimba (the central lintel). In the center of the floor of the Garbhagriha, there is a Swayambhu Shiva Linga with a brass serpent holding a canopy over it. Above the Shiva Linga, there is a copper Abhishek vessel dripping water, and a brass Trishula (trident) stands to the side. The niches in the walls of the Garbhagriha contain idols of deities. Along the walls, there are stone benches for devotees to sit. The roofs of the Antarala and the Garbhagriha are topped with two separate dome-shaped Shikhara (spires).

Maha Shivratri is celebrated as the main annual festival at the temple. A large fair is held here on this occasion. During this time, programs such as Maha Abhishek, Bhajan, Kirtan, and Maha Prasad are organized at the temple. The local Agri Koli community members manage all the arrangements for these events. There is a large presence of devotees on all Mondays of Shravan, as well as on Purnima, Amavasya, and Pradosh. Due to the Siddheshwar waterfall located near the temple, the area sees a bustle of tourists during the monsoon season. At a short distance from the temple is the Saptamatrika site, where the stone idols of the Saptamatrikas are situated.

Useful Information

• Khandala is at a distance of 4 kilometers from Alibaug.
• ST and private vehicle facilities are available from Alibaug and Pen for Khandale.
• Private vehicles can reach the foothills of Siddheshwar Hill.
• Accommodation facility available at the monastery located next to the temple
• Contact: Shri Tanu, Sevakari, Mob. 7057111504