Stay at Vasundhara Cottage Agrav

 

After darshan of Shitladevi I was looking for a home stay and the one I had shortlisted was undergoing renovation but the owner kindly recommended Vasundhara cottage. 

It was a really lovely wadi with Supari and coconut trees so dense that the sun rays dappled through it leaving the place shaded. 

It has individual cottages and a building with few floors. The pricing was very reasonable and food costed extra. There was a/c which was a relief. Omid enjoyed too. 

The entire place was empty as it was Navratri time and so the cooks asked what I wanted and cooked. First meal was their choice and they were trying to ape Punjabi cooking which they weren’t adept to. So I told them to cook everything local. Regional is their expertise and they served me delicious barik methi chi bhaaji, taleli vangi, an outstanding zunka. Breakfast was hot fresh upma. 

This place was value for money. I recommend it. Call them up instead of booking online for a good deal. 

Shitaladevi Mandir Agrav

After the morning spent in Datta Mandir on the hill I returned to the flats. I went to take darshan of Shitladevi in Agrav. This mandir has special memories of my mother taking me for darshan. I remember it being always crowded with worshippers. Shitladevi is our protector from illness. Out side the main temple there are three murtis of Golmadevi, khokludevi and kharjudevi named after infections. They cured them from cough and hives and I really don’t know what Golma is ? So you see how the Devis get their names!

This temples architecture is vibrant Kokan style. Beautiful carved and vividly painted pillars. It’s an open sanctorium so Darshan is clearly viewed. 

The Deepasthambha is beautiful with a Tulshi Vrindavan along side.

The pradakshina mandap is large. As I was taking pradakshina or circumambulating in prayer I saw the ghat sthapana in the mandir as it was the Navratri time.

To visit this temple surrounded by greenery is a lovely experience.