Munge Bhagwati Devi Temple is located at Munage near Devgad, Sindhudurg, Maharashtra. The village’s presiding deity, Goddess Bhagwati, is regarded as a living and awakened deity. Because of her divine blessings upon the village, the place has gained great renown. Situated right beside the coastal highway stands the ancient tiled-roof temple of Goddess Bhagwati. The present stone idol was consecrated in the year 1810.
The idol is a beautifully sculpted four-foot-tall black stone image of Mahishasuramardini. She holds a sword, trident, shield, and conch, and stands with her foot placed upon the demon Mahishasura. Beside the idol is a finely crafted silver ornamental arch (prabhavali). Since the idol is installed at an elevated level inside the sanctum, devotees can have darshan even from outside the sanctum.
Inside the sanctum there is also a Shiva Lingam, and just outside the sanctum is a sacred stone used while seeking the Goddess’s permission or guidance. Devotees believe this stone contains a divine presence. The stone weighs about ten kilograms and is known as “Gundi” (called “Gunda” in the Solapur region). With the help of this stone, temple rituals such as taking Kaul Prasad (divine guidance) and settling disputes are regularly performed.
During festivals, after the ritual bath of the Goddess, she is adorned in the morning with garments, ornaments, and garlands made of cowrie shells, followed by formal worship. This is followed by darshan and the ritual of offering oti. Because of the presence of Gomukh and a Shiva shrine to the north, devotees perform a “Somasutri” circumambulation, and the Goddess’s palanquin is also carried along this sacred route.
Temple Architecture and Layout
The temple is spacious and divided into four sections. Built in the Hemadpanthi architectural style, the sanctum has been constructed using traditional methods with circular wooden pillars adorned with intricate carvings.
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The second section is used for aarti and narration of sacred texts.
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The third section houses the palanquin.
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The fourth section is used for dance, gondhal, kirtan, discourses, and ceremonial rituals, and also serves as the venue for village assemblies (Gram Sabha).
The surrounding temple complex is enclosed by strong stone walls. Most of the temple construction is wooden, featuring exquisite and detailed carvings. The entire temple atmosphere is peaceful and scenic.
At the rear of the temple flows a perennial natural spring. Devotees must wash their hands and feet here before entering the temple for darshan. Nearby is a sacred and awakened shrine of a revered saint. Within the temple complex are shrines dedicated to Devi Anbhavni, Devi Pavani, Devi Baychi, Devi Bhavay, Brahmandevi, Dev Giraval, Dev Gango, and Dev Gaygarb, among others.
Annual Festivals and Traditions
The annual festivals of the Goddess are celebrated with great splendor. According to legend, Goddess Bhagwati once resided in Kashi and later came to live at the home of the Padave family of Munge. Therefore, it is believed that her maternal home (maher) is with the Padave family in this village, and her ceremonial oti is filled at their house.
During the festival period, after her ceremonial bath, the Goddess is adorned with clothes and cowrie-shell garlands, worshipped, and then offered darshan and oti. Every three years, the Goddess visits the Padave family at Kariwane Wadi for her maher visit, known as “Maher Savari.” On the following day, after rituals and the grand offering (Maha Naivedya), she returns to the temple in a grand procession with music.
Monthly and Seasonal Observances
In the month of Chaitra, the Goddess’s palanquin procession continues for an entire month, during which a Gudi is erected in the temple courtyard. During this time, Vasant Puja is performed by twelve or five designated families (mankaris).
In Jyeshtha, the ritual of Desarudh is performed, while in Shravan, daily Shravani Puja is conducted. The temple and its shrines are illuminated during Ganeshotsav, Navratri, Tripuri Purnima, and Dev Diwali. The Shimga (Holi) festival celebrations continue until Dhulivandan. During Navratri, Kalash Sthapana is performed on the first day, followed by nightly jagarans.
Annual Yatra (Fair)
The annual yatra is the most significant festival of the Goddess. It begins on Paush Purnima and continues for five days. During this period, devotees are allowed to enter the sanctum for darshan, whereas on regular days only the priest may enter.
The yatra draws devotees from distant villages who come for darshan, to make or fulfill vows, and to offer oti. The area witnesses a massive influx of devotees during this time.
The yatra includes:
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Ritual worship and offerings
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Darshan and fulfillment of vows
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Evening gondhal singing, devotional music, discourses, and recitations from sacred texts
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Aarti, palanquin processions, and kirtans
The final night concludes with the grand “Lalita” performance. Large numbers of devotees, especially married women visiting their maternal homes and devotees from Mumbai, attend to seek the Goddess’s blessings. The village resonates with joy, and the temple complex is beautifully illuminated. Accommodation for visiting devotees is provided in the nearby Bhaktanivas. The Dalpasavari procession of the Goddess is also an unforgettable and cherished experience.