Shri Siddhivinayak Ganesh Temple, Pokharbav, Devgad
Shri Siddhivinayak Ganesh Temple, Pokharbav
Historical Legacy and Geography
Nestled within the scenic environs of Dabhole village in the Devgad taluka of Sindhudurg, the ancient Pokharbav Ganesh Temple is a truly superb haven. This historic place of worship is situated approximately 2 kilometres from the heart of Dabhole village and 11 kilometres from Devgad, positioned conveniently along the Devgad–Dabhole–Dahibav thoroughfare.
Steeped in rich antiquity, the heritage of the Pokharbav Ganapati Temple is traditionally traced back to the legendary Pandava era. The central focus of devotion is a majestic quadriplegic Ganesha idol sculpted meticulously from exquisite black stone and gracefully seated upon a pristine marble pedestal. Accompanied by his celestial vehicle, the rat, this stunningly beautiful deity has earned an enduring reputation across the Konkan region as a benevolent protector who readily fulfils the sacred vows of his ardent devotees.
Key Pilgrimage Details
| Attribute | Details and Specifications |
|---|---|
| Location | Dabhole Village, Devgad Taluka, Sindhudurg District |
| Distance from Devgad Town | 11 Kilometres via Devgad-Dabhole-Dahibav Route |
| Historical Origin | Pandava Period (Antiquity) |
| Deity Iconography | Quadriplegic Seated Ganesha in Black Stone on Marble |
| Major Festivals | Sankashti Chaturthi, Angaraki Chaturthi, Maghi Ganesh Jayanti Fair |
The Mystical Discovery of the Shiv Pindi
To the right-hand side of the main shrine, stone stairways lead visitors down into a subterranean domain holding a venerable, self-existing (Swayambhu) Shiv Pindi. Local folklore asserts that this sacred relic is thousands of years old, uniquely featuring a Panchmukhi (five-faced) Shivalinga configurations. Historians and devotees believe that this sacred icon remained submerged under water for millennia before its miraculous retrieval.
The rediscovery of this hidden shrine reads like a divine chronicle. The resident temple priest, Shri Shridhar Raut, experienced a vivid dream wherein he saw a Pandava-era stepwell buried directly beneath the Ganapati temple. In this mystical vision, a man emerged from the depths of the well holding the pristine Shiv Pindi and gently placed it into the priest's hands. Driven by this profound spiritual encounter, Shri Raut mobilized the local villagers to initiate an extensive search.
The path to discovery required monumental patience; despite carrying out widespread excavations across the mountainous landscape, the target remained elusive for two full years. Eventually, intense digging revealed an ancient stepwell hidden beneath the excavated mountain slopes—a breakthrough that permanently inspired the name 'Pokharbav' (meaning an excavated or carved stepwell).
Amidst the excavated debris, a series of extraordinary circular stones were unearthed, within which lay the long-lost Panchmukhi Pindi. The highly revered astrologer and saint, Gagangiri Maharaj, validated its supreme spiritual status, confirming that the Shivalinga had indeed reposed underwater for thousands of years. Following his divine counsel that the deity must reside near its natural element, the Shivalinga was consecrated permanently close to the water source.
Festivals and Geographic Location
Today, a vast congregation of pilgrims throngs the holy precincts during every monthly Sankashti Chaturthi and the especially auspicious Angaraki Chaturthi. Furthermore, the temple grounds host a grand annual fair during Maghi Ganesh Jayanti, attracting visitors from all over Maharashtra to experience its divine aura.
