Sri Siddhi Vinayak Mandir Nandgaon

 

Sri Siddhi Vinayak Mandir at Nandgaon is steeped in history and lore. It is very accessible as it is on the road to Murud from Revdanda, Alibag. 

We drove from Agrav past Kashid beach which looked deserted as it was still just after monsoon season. That’s my fur baby enjoying the views of the sea as we drove along side.

Nandgaon was called Nandigram centuries ago. Today it falls under Raigad district and Murud Taluka. 

Keshav Daivagya built this temple and installed Shri Siddhi Vinayak Ganapati. Ganesh that has a trunk turned towards the right is recognised as a Siddhivinayak. One who fulfils wishes of his worshipers.

Keshav Joshi as his name suggests was a Daivadnya or Astronomer and Astrologer. His books and commentaries on the subject were very well known. He wished for a son and named him Ganesh after the boon was fulfilled by this Siddhivinayak. 

Ganesh later went on to create the very popular panchang or astronomical math book called GrahaLaghav.

This mandir was then handed over to the Gupte family for seva. It is now managed by the Gupte & Chitnis families. Every year the Ganesh Jayanti is celebrated with great pomp. 

I haven’t seen a more cute mooshak anywhere as is here.

The temple is a Kokan vernacular architecture with a large Sabha mandap with airy large windows. 

The main idol and the silver Prabhavali seem from the Peshwa era. 

This mandir was renovated in the 1960s and ever since well managed. It has a clean lawn and one can sit out in the evenings and relax. I was however off on an onward journey to Murud and the Khokari tombs.