Bharadi Devi Temple - Anganewadi, Malvan / Sindhudurg - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

At a distance of 14 Km from Malvan, Sri Bharadi Devi Temple is Hindu temple located at Anganewadi village in the Sindhudurg district of Malvan, Maharashtra, India. It is one of the must-include places in the Malvan pilgrimage packages.

The Bharadi Devi Temple located in Anganewadi is dedicated to Goddess Bharadi Devi. This is a Jaagrut (Active) devasthan, and is renowned as a prominent temple in Malvan Taluka. The Bharadi Devi, known as the Earth Goddess, is renowned for her ability to fulfill wishes (Navas). Devotees present their wishes to her, and upon their fulfillment, they return for a Darshan to show their appreciation.

Constructed in the Nagara architectural style, the Bharadi Devi Temple is surrounded by a spacious courtyard. The sanctum is topped with an elegant tower, featuring a large amalaka and a golden kalasha. Inside the sanctum sanctorum resides the Goddess Bharadi Devi, represented by a stone plaque. According to legend, a cow belonging to a villager used to release milk in the green woods, which transformed into a plaque 400 years ago. When the owner searched for the cow, he discovered this phenomenon. On the same day, he received a divine message in a dream, prompting him to worship the stone plaque. Since the plaque was found in rocky soil (Bharad), the goddess became known as Bharadi.

The main attraction of Anganewadi is an annual fair held every February, drawing millions of visitors to the temple. There is no predetermined day or date for the fair; instead, it is established through a consensus reached by conducting a hunt for a wild animal. This hunt is believed to render all existing evil forces inactive. The flesh of the hunted animal is cooked and shared among the villagers, who then determine an appropriate day for the fair.

On the day of the fair, the stone plaque is decorated with masks, ornaments, and apparel. On the first day, one female representative from each family participates in the communal cooking, and the food prepared is offered as 'Prasad'. The following day, rituals commence at 4 AM and persist until the afternoon. This day is referred to as 'Mode Jatra (End of fair)'. Although the fair officially spans one and a half days, entertainment activities such as music and dramas extend for an additional four to five days.

Timings: 6 AM - 11 PM

Entry: Free