Someshwar Mandir, Someshwar

The Someshwar village is located just 10 kilometers from Ratnagiri city, on the banks of the Kajali river. The village is home to the Shri Someshwar Temple. This temple is an ancient Shiva temple, believed to be around 500 years old.

Once, a farmer from a Brahmin family had a cow that did not give milk at home. The farmer decided to keep the cow under watch, and it was observed that the cow would visit a specific place every day to release milk. Upon investigating this spot, the farmer discovered a Shiva Lingam in a deep place. He received a divine vision, where Lord Shiva told him, “Build a temple at this location, and I will fulfill the wishes of all my devotees.” Subsequently, the villagers built a small dome at the spot, and later, a large temple was constructed there.

The Someshwar Temple is oriented to the west and is a self-manifested (Swayambhu) Shiva temple. The Shiva Lingam inside the temple is located within a closed space, and unlike other temples, this one does not allow a view of the Shiva Lingam from the outside. The temple was renovated in 1687 by a person named Athawale, and there is an inscription in the temple that mentions this.

The architecture of the temple is typical konkani style, and a significant amount of wood has been used in its construction. The intricate carvings on the wood are truly awe-inspiring. Remarkably, no nails or screws were used in the temple’s construction. Instead, the wood pieces are carefully interlocked using a special technique, creating beautiful ornamental patterns. Surrounding the temple is a grand stone fortification. Over time, the temple needs some restoration and repairs, and we are striving to ensure that the temple remains intact in its original form for years to come.

The temple celebrates the festivals of Shimga (Holi) and Mahashivaratri with great joy. Additionally, during the month of Shravan, an uninterrupted Naam-Jap (chanting) ceremony is held on the second Monday. Inside the temple complex, there is a temple dedicated to Shri Ravlanath. The main deities of the village are Shri Dev Someshwar, Shri Dev Ravlanath, Shri Devi Bharadin, Shri Devi Vitthala, and Shri Dev Grampalashwar.

There are three large ponds behind the temple, and near these ponds, there is the temple of Shri Grampalashwar. The village is surrounded by the Kajali river on three sides.