Nagesh Maharudra Temple, Bandora – History

Nagesh Maharudra Temple, Bandora – History

The Saraswats established Nagesh Maharudra deity at Bandivade. Unlike the other deities, Nagesh Maharudra found a safe abode right from the start and did not have to be shifted from place to place. This temple was unaffected by the religious persecution of Portuguese rulers in the 16^th Century. Antruj of Ponda Mahal was not under the domain of the Portuguese power and this facilitated the migration of Saraswat deities like Shanta Durga, Ganapati etc. to Antruj. 

Sculptures of Shiva-Parvati and Ganesh have been excavated from the temple premises. Archeologists have assigned these idols to 7^th Century CE based on their style. This deity was known as Nagnath in ancient times, as stated in a copper plate, bearing the year 1222 Saka (1300 A.D.). There is an inscription in the temple premises.

It makes reference to a gift of Lands named after Veda Khandikechem Kulgar, Nagzri Mallo, paddy field & Ruvi Kulgar in favour of the deities of Shri Nagesh & Shri Mahalaxmi for Sevas on Kartik Poornima by Shri Mayeen Shenvi Wagle, an officer of the kingdom, in the year 1413 A.D. or 1335 Saka, during the rule of King Veer Pratap Devaraya of Vijayanagara Dynasty.

This temple was rebuilt in 1702 Saka (1780 A.D.) by Shri Wadiye from Kumbarjuvem, on behalf of his mother-in-law hailing from the family of Shri Narayan Fonde Kamat. It was rebuilt by Shrimati Savitri Kamat, widow of Shri Narayan Fonde Kamat, of Kumbarjuvem, at her own cost. The opening ceremony of the new construction took place on Falgun Shudha Tritiya, Shri Shaka 1702, Sharvari Sanvatsare.