Shrigonda Heritage: Vitthal-Rakhumai & Lakshmi Shrines

The Hidden Jewels of Dakshin Kashi: Vitthal-Rakhumai and Shri Lakshmi Shrines of Shrigonda

To witness the architectural wealth of ancient Maharashtra, one must journey through Shrigonda in Ahilyanagar district. Situated along the Saraswati River, this historic town is dotted with stone mansions (Wadas) and medieval sanctuaries, earning it the venerable title of 'Dakshin Kashi'.

According to the sacred text Shripur Mahatmya, the settlement was originally named Shripur to celebrate the divine residence of Goddess Lakshmi. Over medieval centuries, Shripur came to be called Chambhargonde, eventually taking its present name, Shrigonda. The town preserves a remarkable sacred network, including Ashtavinayak, Ashtabhairav, Navadurga, eleven Maruti shrines, and ancient Shivalayas. Among this spiritual constellation, two stone treasures stand out.

The Dual Shrines of Vitthal-Rakhumai

Tucked within Teli Galli in central Shrigonda, two adjacent, east-facing stone shrines immediately command attention. Though weathered by centuries of neglect, their structural layout reveals classical proportions: a Mukhamandap (porch), a Sabhamandap (assembly hall), an Antaral (vestibule), and a Garbhagriha (sanctum).

Carved stone pillars feature load-bearing Yaksha brackets holding the ceiling beams with minimalist elegance. Unlike conventional temples where Vitthal and Rakhumai stand side by side on a shared pedestal, Shrigonda hosts two distinct, independent stone temples. Each sanctum enshrines a freestanding deity carved from sacred Shaligram stone. Local lore relates that Lord Vishnu appeared here in child form (Balroop) to bless his ardent devotee, Panduvipra—a unique manifestation commemorated by these separate architectural dwellings.

The Endangered 12th-Century Shri Lakshmi Mata Temple

Shrigonda’s foundational identity rests upon the original Shri Lakshmi Mata Temple, documented in the research of temple scholar Rohan Gadekar. Today, this priceless shrine stands hemmed in by modern concrete developments, with direct road access virtually swallowed by private constructions—requiring visitors to navigate through an adjacent apartment parking lot to catch a glimpse.

Despite this urban encroachment, the stone edifice takes one's breath away. Dating between the 11th and 13th centuries, the temple features an ornate Mukhamandap, an inner Sabhamandap, and a Garbhagriha. Its carved entrance pillars carry masterfully sculpted Vaishnava reliefs, including Varaha, Narasimha, and Mohini.

Particularly fascinating is an optical illusion in stone depicting Mallayuddha (wrestling): viewed from one angle, two combatants grapple in fierce contest; viewed from another, two lifelong comrades stand with arms affectionately draped around each other’s shoulders. The sanctum currently sits empty, with daily worship directed toward a framed portrait in the hall, while the original consecrated idol remains safeguarded in the nearby Keni temple.

Now placed under state archaeological protection, this sacred sanctuary urgently calls for scientific conservation, public access corridors, and civic heritage education so that the timeless legacy of Shripur does not fade into modern oblivion.

Author: Vishal Lahoti (Founder, Trekkamp Dharohar | 9422227587)