About Shree Vyadeshwar Temple

The temple is said to have a long history behind it. Legend says that Sage Parshurama, the Avatar of Lord Vishnu had shot an arrow into the sea and commanded the Sea God to retract to the point where the arrow landed. The land reclaimed by Sage Parshuram came to be known as Sapta - Konkana, meaning a ‘piece of a corner. This region is considered to be modern-day Konkan. 

Sage Parshuram had then requested 60 rishis to settle in this region and protect the resident clans. He was a devotee of Lord Shiva and requested him to visit him daily so that he can seek his blessings. Lord Shiva accepted his request. Sage Vyadi had installed a Shiva Lingam in a temple in Guhagar. After Sri Ramavatar and Sri Krishnavtar, Lord Vishnu came with his Kalki manifestation. In this era, since evil thoughts are supposed to prevail, Gods are to remain in their invisible forms. Accordingly Lord Shiva decided to remain in invisible form in the Vyad Shivlinga. The same Shivlinga is this well-known Vyadeshwar Mahadev. According to another myth, King Sakuran was re-invented the Vyad Shivlinga and the temple was constructed.

Along with its rich history and legend, Shree Vyadeshwar Temple also has beautiful architecture, making it one of the most iconic temples in Konkan. It is built in the Panchayatan Style. The temple consists of 4 subordinate shrines on the four sides while the main shrine is at the centre of the podium. 

The central shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is the Shree Vyadeshwar, the other four shrines are dedicated to Surya, Ganesha, Ambika and Vishnu with his wife Lakshmi. The entire temple is built and set in stone. Nandi - the bull, is located in front of the central temple. The temple has three entrances - east, west and south. The idols of  Garuda - the vahana of Lord Vishnu and Shri Hanuman are situated on either side of the east entrance.