In Sindhudurg, temples are more than just places of worship. Locals come together at the temple, and their lives are filled with the same culture, strong traditions, and beliefs that they all share. I’m sure many of my readers have seen and explored these temples, but I’ve tried to compile some of the most beautiful temples around Kudal, Malvan, and Vengurla.
This list isn’t complete, as several temples other than these are super scenic and ancient in Sindhudurg. I’m unaware of all of them, so if you feel I’ve missed anything, please let me know in the comments. I might visit them and write about it. For now, keep reading this detailed blog on the 10 Must-Visit Beautiful Temples of Sindhudurg.
Keep an eye out for the last part as we cover some more temples of Sindhudurg as a bonus list for my readers.
Table of Contents
1. Shree Dev Kunkeshwar Mandir, Devgad
This ancient Shiva temple on the shore is super picturesque. I have always fallen in love with the beauty of the Kunkeshwar Temple. I mean, look at the beautiful structure. It simply makes me think how it would have been decades ago. The ocean looks so serene and fresh. Every year, a massive celebration occurs at the Mahashivratri festival, attracting devotees from all over Maharashtra. I recommend at least coming once to experience this historic gem’s peace and beauty! Check this reel to see the beauty of Kunkeshwar.
2. Shri Dev Kaleshwar Devasthan, Nerur
This one was an old post, so I’m linking it here. The famous Marathi movie Haapus was shot in Shri Dev Kaleshwar Temple. The main temple has a shivling and is surrounded by the Shri Dev Gavdoba, Shri Dev Bhutnath, Shri Dev Rawalnath, and Devi Sateri temples. Zee Marathi’s famous “Din Din Diwali” Diwali special song was shot on the temple premises, and the famous Marathi serial “Gaav Gaata Gazali” scenes were shot in the temple last year. Check this Mahashivratri Reel.
3. Shri Sai Baba Mandir, Kavilgaon, Kudal
Imagine a temple in a small village surrounded by green trees and scenic nature. The temple is the oldest and is said to be India’s first Sai Mandir, which was constructed even before the Shirdi temple. The Pradakshina area is like a museum with some ancient idols and paintings. They also have Mahaprasad on Thursdays. Add this to your itinerary without fail.
4. Shree Datta Mandir, Mangaon
This place is pristine. Every time we visit, we are transported to a parallel world of peace and calmness. Every Thursday, the temples serve delicious maha prasad to all the devotees. Don’t forget to visit Shri Vasudevanand Saraswati, also known as Tembe Swami Maharaj, his temple is also located near the Shree Yakshini Devi mandir, Mangaon. Tembe Swami Maharaj was born in Mangaon. He is considered an incarnation of Lord Dattatreya.
5. Vetoba Temple, Arawali
Vetoba temples are famous in Sindhudurg & Goa. Vetoba is the Bhairava form of Lord Shiva. A jagrut devasthan (wish-fulfilling) place. Locals and tourists often stop here to take Vetoba’s blessings. If anyone has a navas and it is fulfilled, they have to offer a big bunch of bananas and chappal. Not sure if it is still there, but in the main gabhara, people can see old chappals offered, which are often worn out the next day.
6. Laxminarayan Mandir
I’ve written a detailed blog post. Please read it here. It is one of the best scenic temples in the heart of Walawal. The whole area has a beautiful energy. Spend at least 30 mins and see yourself calm here.
7. Redi Ganpati Temple
At Redi Ganpati, you can hear the temple bells and aarti mixing with the sounds of the distant ocean. The Lord Ganesha idol is Swayambhu, i.e. naturally occurred and was discovered by a devotee (local). The cute idol is often crowded during special occasions.
8. Shantadurga Mandir, Mhapan
This is located in the small village of Mhapan, Vengurla. It is on the way to the Bhogave/Khavane road near the sharp turn and small ghat. The temple has beautiful wooden carvings engraved on it. On the Hindu New Year’s Day, i.e., Gudi Padwa, a big fair (jatra) is held in this temple.
9. Mauli Mandir, Walawal, Chendvan
I’ve mentioned this in my Lakshmi Narayan blog. This is located on the top of a hill and one can see outstanding forest views below. The best view is during monsoons, it feels really good. The temple is jagrut, and often people offer wooden replicas upon their wish completion. For example, a wooden house or cradle (for a baby), and a person (if any illness). The temple has an annual jatra (Devi Mauli’s birthday).
10. Aai Bharadi Devi Temple, Anganewadi
The most visited temple of Sindhudurg. Don’t miss the annual Anganewadi Jatra. The jatra usually takes place in February. Located in a little, secluded village, this place is truly beautiful. The temple premises are always clean. Do visit this place during your Sindhudurg visit.
The above 10 must-visit beautiful temples of Sindhudurg are mostly located in Kudal, Vengurla, and Malvan. Every temple has a beautiful story. If you happen to see a local, don’t forget to ask them to share their experiences. Most of the temples above are Jagrut (wish-fulfilling). I’ve also written something about temples here. This temple ain’t ancient, but it is worth a visit during your Sindhudurg trip. Some other temples that are worth visiting are Raul Maharaj Matt, Shri Dev Rameshwar Temple (Devgad), Shri Shiv Rajeshwar Mandir (Sindhudurg Fort), and Devi Sateri Temple (Nerur). I hope this article helps you plan your next Konkan/Sindhudurg trip well.
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