Ravalnath is a very popular Shaivite deity in west coastal region of India, figuring predominantly
Goa, the Sindhudurg district of coastal
Maharashtra and some areas of
Karnataka. The origin of word Ravalnath is a matter of conjecture. Some historians believe that it originates from the word "
Ravi" which means
Sun. Others speculate that it derives from the Tamil word "Iravalnath
,which means to beg. Ravalnath is a form of
Kalbhairav and found in
Panchyatana of almost all Goan temples.
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
Shivagana and wears a
Mundamala ( garland made of
human skulls ), and a Horse as his
Vahana[1]. Some historians relate this deity to the
Nathpanth tradition. Still others cite its connections to the
Jain and
Buddhist traditions.
Devotees
People belonging to all
Hindu communities like Padti ,
GSBs,
Karhades, Mestas,Achars,Charodis
Daivajnas,
Naik Bhandari,
Kharvi,
Vaishya Vani,
Marathas and others worship Ravalnath equally.
Famous temples
Standalone temples devoted to Ravalnath are common in Goa. In addition to this, many Goan temples, Shaivite and Vaishnavite, feature Ravalnath as a parivar devata (subsidiary deity). Ravalnath in Goa is also worshipped as "Piso Ravlu" (eccentric Ravalnath) and "Shaano Ravlu" (wise Ravalnath)most probably in the Devaki Krishna Panchayatna. Some temples specially dedicated to Ravalnath are as follows
- Lakshmi Ravalnath, Gawanwaddo Marcela
- Pisso Raulu, Marcela
- Ravalnath temples at Pernem
- Ravalnath temple at Sanvordem
- Ravalnath Temple at Chandgadh, Maharashtra
- Ravalnath at Karwar, Majali, Karnataka
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