Mahalakshmi Temple, Dahanu (Vivalvedhe)
Mahalakshmi temple · Vivalvedhe (Dahanu), Palghar, Maharashtra, India
The Mahalakshmi Temple of Dahanu stands on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway in Dahanu taluka of Palghar district, Maharashtra, at Vivalvedhe. Wikipedia describes it as dedicated to the goddess Mahalakshmi, who is revered locally as an awakened protective deity.
The Palghar district government website says the goddess is the kuldaivata of local tribal communities, and that an annual Mahalakshmi Yatra lasts 15 days from Hanuman Jayanti.
Faith & Tradition
Religious Significance of Mahalakshmi Temple, Dahanu (Vivalvedhe)
According to Wikipedia, in Malhar Koli tradition Mahalakshmi is the clan goddess of the Satav family, and the temple's rituals were entrusted to the Satavs by the rulers of Jawhar; the present high priest is from the same family. The district page notes that tribal communities perform the tarpa dance during the festival.
Wikipedia says the flag of the present Raja of the Mukne dynasty of Jawhar is offered to the goddess during worship, presented by the priest of Vaghadi village.
Heritage
History of Mahalakshmi Temple, Dahanu (Vivalvedhe)
Wikipedia states that the temple was built in 1306 by the Koli king Jayaba Mukne of Jawhar, at the time the Jawhar state was founded. This date comes from a single Wikipedia article citing a book on tribal fairs and festivals, and the district page gives no history.
Local tradition, as recorded by Wikipedia, says the goddess first resided on a hill at Vivalvedhe known as Mahalakshmi Gad. A devotee on an annual pilgrimage found the hill too steep to climb for darshan, and the goddess is said to have come down to its base, where the shrine now stands. Some versions link her to the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi. These are oral accounts, not documented history.
Architecture and sacred features
The sources consulted give no architectural description: Wikipedia lists only Hindu architecture and the district page says nothing on design. No dimensions or style are claimed here.
Plan Your Visit
Darshan and Visitor Information
During the yatra and Navratri, Wikipedia notes devotees wait for hours in long queues carrying coconuts, flowers and sweets. Confirm the yatra dates, which follow Hanuman Jayanti, and darshan arrangements with the temple trust before travelling.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with the temple administration before travelling. Last reviewed 1 November 2026.
Sacred Calendar
Festivals at Mahalakshmi Temple, Dahanu (Vivalvedhe)
Mahalakshmi Yatra: 15 days from Hanuman Jayanti
Navratri
Location
How to Reach Mahalakshmi Temple, Dahanu (Vivalvedhe)
The Palghar district page says the temple is about 4 km from Charoti near Dahanu, that trains run to Dahanu Road from Mumbai and Virar, and that MSRTC buses serve the area from Mumbai, Thane, Dahanu and Nashik. The nearest international airport is Mumbai. The district page gives no distance from Dahanu Road station to the temple.
Location: Vivalvedhe (Dahanu), Palghar, Maharashtra, India
Nearest airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai
Nearest railway station: Dahanu Road
More in Hindu temples in Maharashtra · Mahalakshmi temples · Temples in Dahanu Taluka · Temples in Palghar District
Questions
Mahalakshmi Temple, Dahanu (Vivalvedhe): Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Dahanu Mahalakshmi Temple?
At Vivalvedhe on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway in Dahanu taluka, Palghar district; the district site says about 4 km from Charoti.
When is the yatra held?
The Palghar district website says the annual Mahalakshmi Yatra lasts 15 days starting from Hanuman Jayanti.
Who built the temple?
Wikipedia says it was built in 1306 by the Koli king Jayaba Mukne of Jawhar; this rests on one cited source.
What is the hill legend?
Local tradition holds that the goddess lived on Mahalakshmi Gad hill and descended to its base for a devotee unable to climb it.
Which station is nearest?
Dahanu Road, per the Palghar district website.
Who are the priests?
Wikipedia says rituals were entrusted to the Satav family of the Malhar Koli community, and the present high priest belongs to it.
Sources and attribution
- Wikipedia — Mahalakshmi Temple, Dahanu
- Palghar District, Government of Maharashtra — Mahalakshmi Temple
Further reading: Mahalakshmi Temple, Dahanu (Vivalvedhe) on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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