Shri Vyaghreshwar Mandir, Asud

Dapoli Taluka boasts a rich heritage ranging from natural resources to ancient temples. One such ancient Shiva temple is the Vyaghreshwar Temple, located just 8 kilometers from Dapoli in Asud village. The exact date of the temple’s establishment remains uncertain, but according to some experts, it is believed to have been founded during the reign of the Traikutak King Vyaghresen, in the 4th or 5th century.

Although the temple itself dates back to this period, the Nandi Mandap in front of it is from the 11th century. The temple is surrounded by a stone fortification and features an elongated rectangular tank with stone steps within its premises. The temple is built on a square plinth, and various sculptures of musicians and dancers are carved on all four sides of the plinth. Numerous other sculptures from the 6th to 7th centuries can be found around the temple.

The sanctum of the temple has a wooden mandap with wooden pillars, which also bear intricate carvings. The sanctum features a frontal image (lalatbimb). The primary deity of the temple is a Shiva Lingam.

There is a stone stepway from the temple leading down to the river. Adjacent to the temple’s fortification is a stone entrance gate, which is higher than the fortification itself.