Ravalnath

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Ravalnath is a very popular deity in west coastal region of India,predominantly Goa some parts of coastal Maharashtra and Karnataka.The origin of word Ravalnath is very confusing,some historians believe that it originates from the word "Ravi" which means Sun. Ravalnath is a form of Kalbhairav and found in Panchyatana of almost all Goan temples.

[edit] Iconology

Ravalnath is depicted having four hands,and he bears Trishul Damaru,Akshmala,Khadga,and Panpatra ( vessle for drinking Soma rasa ) or a Khetaka. He is considered as Shivagans and wears a Mundamala ( garland made of human skulls ),and a Horse as his Vahana.

Ravalnath at Shree Shantadurga Sangodkarin temple,Sangolda Goa.
Ravalnath at Shree Shantadurga Sangodkarin temple,Sangolda Goa.

[edit] Devotees

GSBs and Daivajnas are the main devotees ( Majhajans ),people belonging to all other Hindu communities worship Ravalnath equally.

[edit] Famous temples

It is very uncomman to have a temple devoted to Ravalnath as Ravalnath is a part of almost all Goan temples ( ie Panchayatana may it be a Shaivite or a Vaishnavite temple ). Temples which are speacially dedicated for Ravalnatha are as follows

  • Lakshmi Ravalnath ,Marcela
  • Pisso Raulu ,Marcela
  • Ravalnath temples at Pernem