Raigad Wyadeshwar Temple, Maharashtra

Address

Raigad Wyadeshwar Temple, Gherakilla Raigad, Raigad, Maharashtra 402305

Diety

Wyadeshwar (Shiva)

Introduction

Raigad is a hill fort situated in Mahad, Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. It is one of the strongest fortresses on the Deccan Plateau. The temple is in dilapidated condition. This small temple is dedicated to lord Shiva as Wyadeshwar, in the Lingam Form. There are two lingam in the temple, one is placed outside the temple, and another one is in the sanctum sanctorum. Nandi is placed outside the temple. Kushavart teerth is located near to the temple premises. The temple is located at the top of the Raigad Fort ruins.

Puranic Significance

Many temple constructions and structures on Raigad were built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chief Engineer was hirojee indulkar. When Shivaji Mahraj made it his capital in 1674 upon being crowned the king of the Maratha kingdom, which later developed into the Maratha Empire, eventually covering much of western and central India. Shivaji also built another fort Lingana around 2 miles away from Raigad fort.