Kanakaditya Temple
Kanakaditya Temple in Kasheli is one of the very few temples in India dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. This 800-year-old temple is a hidden gem of the Konkan region, steeped in history and legend. According to local folklore, the idol of Surya was being transported by sea from the famous Prabhas Pa tan Sun temple in Gujarat during the invasion of Alauddin Khilji in the 13th century. When the boat reached the coast of Kasheli, it mysteriously stopped moving. The boatman, realizing it was a divine sign, left the idol in a cave on the shore. Later, a local devotee named Kanaka dreamt of the idol and, with the help of the villagers, established this temple, giving it the name Kanakaditya. The temple is renowned for its unique wooden architecture and the serene, spiritual vibrations it offers. The idol itself is a masterpiece carved out of black stone, depicting the Sun God in a standing posture with a radiant aura. The temple complex also houses a rare 850-year-old copperplate (Tamrapat) that provides historical evidence of its antiquity. The surrounding village of Kasheli is a peaceful coastal hamlet where time seems to stand still. A visit to the temple is often combined with a trip to the nearby Devghali Beach, which is famous for its rocky cliffs and crashing waves. This site is a must-visit for those who appreciate ancient architecture and the deep-rooted solar worship traditions of India.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 to 2 HoursPlace Type:
Temple, Heritage, CultureEntry Fees:
There is no entry fee to visit the Kanakaditya Temple.
Donations: Visitors can make voluntary donations to the temple trust for the maintenance of the heritage site.
Stay Charges: The Bhakta Niwas (Pilgrim House) offers very afford...There is no entry fee to visit the Kanakaditya Temple.
Donations: Visitors can make voluntary donations to the temple trust for the maintenance of the heritage site.
Stay Charges: The Bhakta Niwas (Pilgrim House) offers very affordable accommodation for a nominal charge.Timing:
The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM daily.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time to visit is during the early morning hours between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM to witness the sunlight hitting the temple.
Festival Timings: During Ratha Sap...The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM daily.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time to visit is during the early morning hours between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM to witness the sunlight hitting the temple.
Festival Timings: During Ratha Saptami, the temple remains open for extended hours for special ceremonies.Special Events:
Ratha Saptami in February is the main festival, celebrated for five days with a grand procession of the silver chariot.
Mahakali Visit: On the eve of Ratha Saptami, the Goddess Mahakali of Adivare visits the temple in a palanquin, a unique inter-temple ritual. ...Ratha Saptami in February is the main festival, celebrated for five days with a grand procession of the silver chariot.
Mahakali Visit: On the eve of Ratha Saptami, the Goddess Mahakali of Adivare visits the temple in a palanquin, a unique inter-temple ritual.Best Photo Spots:
Inner Courtyard: The play of light and shadow on the carved wooden pillars is perfect for artistic shots.
The Idol: (If permitted) The black stone idol of Surya is exceptionally photogenic with its sharp features.
Read MoreInner Courtyard: The play of light and shadow on the carved wooden pillars is perfect for artistic shots.
The Idol: (If permitted) The black stone idol of Surya is exceptionally photogenic with its sharp features.
Devghali Cliff: The high vantage point overlooking the Arabian Sea provides a dramatic backdrop for landscape photography.
Temple Exterior: The traditional sloping roofs look beautiful against the backdrop of coconut trees.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Morning Aarti: Attend the Kakad Aarti at dawn to see the first rays of the sun illuminate the temple.
Architectural Study: Spend time observing the detailed carvings on the wooden pillars and the ceiling.
Beach Trek: Walk from the temple to the Devghali cliff to see the dramatic ocean views.
Photography: Capture the traditional Konkani architecture and the beautiful black stone idol.
Studying History: Read the translations of the ancient copperplates provided by the temple authorities.
Village Walk: Explore the quiet lanes of Kasheli to see traditional village life.
Visiting Adivare: Take a short trip to the nearby Mahakali Temple in Adivare, which is historical...
Information
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Why Famous:
Kanakaditya Temple is famous for being one of the few Sun Temples in Maharashtra.
Historical Artifacts: It is renowned for housing a 12th-century copperplate inscription that confirms its ancient roots.
Legend: The story of the ido...Kanakaditya Temple is famous for being one of the few Sun Temples in Maharashtra.
Historical Artifacts: It is renowned for housing a 12th-century copperplate inscription that confirms its ancient roots.
Legend: The story of the idol traveling from Gujarat to Konkan by sea is a popular piece of regional history.
Wooden Carvings: The temple is a celebrated example of high-quality Konkani wood craftsmanship. -
Architecture:
The temple showcases a brilliant fusion of stone and wood, typical of ancient Konkani temple designs with sloping roofs and carved pillars.
Sub Place Dimensions: The main prayer hall (Sabhamandap) is approximately 40 feet by 30 feet, with the inner sanctum housing ...The temple showcases a brilliant fusion of stone and wood, typical of ancient Konkani temple designs with sloping roofs and carved pillars.
Sub Place Dimensions: The main prayer hall (Sabhamandap) is approximately 40 feet by 30 feet, with the inner sanctum housing the 3-foot tall black stone idol.
Architectural Details: The wooden pillars are intricately carved with images of various gods, flowers, and creepers. The entrance of the sanctum features a magnificent carving of Lord Vishnu reclining on the serpent Sheshnag. The use of locally available laterite stone for the base and timber for the superstructure makes it perfectly adapted to the coastal climate. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Fly to Ratnagiri Airport and hire a private taxi for the 45-minute drive.
By Train: Ratnagiri Railway Station is the nearest major railhead; taxi or auto-rickshaws are available.
By Road: Located o... -
Near Tourist Places:
Mahakali Temple Adivare (8 KM), Purnagad Fort (15 KM), Ganeshgule Beach (14 KM), Pawasm (18 KM), Ratnagiri City (35 KM), Thiba Palace (36 KM), Ratnadurga Fort (38 KM), Rajapur Ganga (25 KM), Dhutpapeshwar Temple (40 KM), Bhatye Beach (32 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Be extremely careful at the Devghali cliff as there are no barriers and the wind can be strong.
Packing: Carry a camera, a light towel, and enough drinking water.
Accommodation: The temple ...
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