Vyadeshwar is a popular form of Shiva and is worshipped in
the coastal region in Maharashtra. In this form, Shiva had given darshan to
Lord Parashuram, an Avatar of Vishnu. The most important temple dedicated to
Vyadeshwar Shiva is located at Guhanagar in Ratnagiri District in Maharashtra.
Vyadeshwar Shiva is the family deity of many Chitpavan
families in Konkan region of Maharashtra.
Legend has it that Bhagvan Parashuram regained the land of
Konkan after throwing His axe into the sea. He then asked Bhagvan Shiva to
reside in the Konkan region and give darshan to him and devotees. Thus, Shiva
came to reside in the region.
It is said that Parashuram brought 60 Vipras to reside in
the area. One of the Vipra named Vyad installed a Shivling and it came to be
known as Vyadeshwar Shiva.
Another legend has it that Vyad Muni installed and
worshipped a Shivling in the region. When Kaliyuga started Shiva decided to
reside in the Shivling and help those devotees wanting to escape from the
problems of Kaliyuga. As the Shivling was installed by Vyad, Shiva came to be
known as Vyadeshwar.
Three incarnations of Vyadeshwar Shiva
It is said that three small pieces chipped from the Vyadeshwar
Shivling and dropped in three different places. Three forms of Shiva is
worshipped in these three areas. Thus
Talkeshwar Shiva is worshipped at Borya Adoor.
Balkeshwar (Valukeshwar) Shiva at Asgoli.
Udaleshwar (Uddalakeshwar) Shiva at Anjanwel.