Vyaghreshwar Temple

Vyaghreshwar is one of the oldest and most atmospheric temples in Dapoli, a roughly thousand-year-old Shiva shrine standing on a riverbank in the village of Asud. Built in the distinctive Hemadpanthi style, its congregation hall leads to a sanctum housing a swayambhu, or self-emerged, Shivling, while a large stone Nandi keeps watch outside and dancer sculptures adorn the platform. The whole complex is enclosed by a massive stone wall backed by hills, which has protected it through the centuries and lends a fortress-like calm. Vyaghreshwar is the family deity, or kuladaivat, of many Chitpavan Kokanastha Brahmin families, and it also holds a place in Marathi literature through the novel and film Garambicha Bapu. Just outside the wall sits the shrine of Zolai Devi, the village guardian goddess. History lovers and devotees will appreciate the ancient carvings and the serene stream nearby. It sits close to the Keshavraj trail, so the two temples make an easy pair. Visit October to March, dress modestly, and take a slow look at the old stonework.