About Dashbhuja Ganesh Temple
Dashbhuja Ganesh Temple is a historic Hindu temple located in Hedvi village, Guhagar taluka, Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra. Built during the Peshwa era by Shree Kelkar Swami, it houses a rare 3-foot white stone idol of Lord Ganesha with ten hands holding various weapons and symbols. The temple sits atop a small hillock and was reconstructed in 1956. It is renowned for its unique iconography and annual Maghi Ganesh Utsav celebration.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect to see a rare ten-armed white stone idol of Lord Ganesha seated with Siddhalakshmi on his left thigh inside a traditional Konkan temple structure atop a hillock. The surroundings are serene with well-maintained roads leading up to the temple. Devotees offer prayers and participate in rituals, while tourists observe the intricate carving detailing ten arms holding items like Trishul, Chakra, and Modak. The atmosphere is peaceful and spiritually significant.
Key highlights
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Rare 3-foot white stone idol of Ganesha with ten arms (Dashabhuja)
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Historic temple constructed during the Peshwa era
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Idol holds ten distinct weapons and symbols including Trishul, Chakra, and Modak
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Siddhalakshmi depicted seated on the deity's left thigh
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Annual Maghi Ganesh Utsav celebrated from Magh Shuddha Chaturthi to Shashthi
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Temple situated atop a small hillock with scenic surroundings
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Reconstructed in 1956 under initiative of Kakasaheb Jogalekar
History of Dashbhuja Ganesh Temple
The temple was built during the Peshwa era by Shree Kelkar Swami with financial support from the Peshwas, who reportedly contributed Rs. One lakh for construction. The idol is carved from white stone believed to be sourced from Kashmir. The temple underwent reconstruction in 1956 led by Shri Shivram Govind alias Kakasaheb Jogalekar.
Culture & Context
The temple is one of the most revered Ganesh temples in the Konkan region due to its unique Dashabhuja (ten-armed) form representing Ganesha as a warrior and protector. The annual Maghi Ganesh Utsav attracts thousands of devotees for three days of celebrations including a chariot procession. It serves as a major spiritual center in coastal Maharashtra.