Rameshwar Temple

Some destinations own such historical peculiarities which sets them apart from other ones. Place named Achara is one of them. It's a small village in Malvan Taluka. We are all aware that in historical times people were gifted with "Inams, Jagirs or Watan (land)" by kings or emperors for their achievements. Achara too is Inam or Jagir, but its owner or Inamdar (landowner) is not a layman. Chhatrapati Shambhu Raje of Kolhapur gave this Inam to Shri Dev Rameshwar (i.e. Lord Shiva). Achara boasts the historical temple of Lord Shiva, popularly known as "inamdar Shri Dev Rameshwar" Architecture of the temple is grand and spectacular. It's believed that deity is vigilant / wakeful to its devotees" prayers. There is no exact evidence regarding the erection of this holy place, but its historical reference dates back to even before 1684 AD. Some inscription on the wall of temple reveals that commencement of construction happened in 1684 AD. Its historical background assures it had the pomp and grandeur of princely state. Shri Dev Rameshwar adorned the title of "Inamdar Shri Dev Rameshwar Sansthan Kasaba Achare". Main structure of temple was erected in 1684 AD. In 1805 sanctuary was built. In 1830 it was reconditioned. Caravansary, Rawalnath temple was built afterwards in the same area. Till this date, this deity holds as the landowner of the whole village. Any document related to land transaction stresses this fact. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the great ruler of Maharashtra had given generous donations through emoluments for the upkeepment of temple. Even Maharaj's naval chief Kanoji Angre was also concerned about it. This arrangement was continued in the regimes of Peshwas and British. Post-independence period is not an exception. Various traditional activities are still performed with some zeal and fervour. These delightful programs are sheer promise to cheer your spirits. Ramanawami is biggest celebrations, Kartikostav, Dashahara, Hanuman Jayanti, Mahashivaratri are other fascinating functions. Twice a month, palanguin of Lord Vishnu goes around the temple, which holds another striking attributes, since temple belongs to Lord Shiva. Tamboor, drum, Chawari (special fan) and Avadagiri escort the palanguin. Every Monday God is worshipped with consecration, and other rituals (e.g. ekadahanya, laghurudra, etc.) Shravani Somawar is another occasion when temple is flooded with devotees. Another specialty of this small village is very famous "Gaon-Palan" i.e. deserting village by all its inhabitants including cattle too, for three days after every three years. On the fourth day villagers ask for the omen for entering into the village. After getting such omen from the very own Rameshwar, whole village returns to its daily hustle and bustle. This place is also gifted with ancient harbour/port and a captivating (and clean and less commercialised) seashore.