Ravalnath

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.

Etymology

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 (vessel for drinking Soma rasa) or a Khetaka.

He is considered as Shivagana, wears a Mundamala (garland made of human skulls), and has a horse as his Vahana. 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, many Goan temples, Shaivite and Vaishnavite, feature Ravalnath as a parivar devata (subsidiary deity). Ravalnath in Goa is also worshiped 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

Notes

Shree Shantadurga Ravalnath Panchaytan Devasthan (Maidekar) at Mulgoan (Taluka Dicholim), GOA

References

1. Gomantak Prakruti ani Sanskruti by B.D. Satoskar, published by Shubhada Publication
2. A socio-cultural history of Goa from the Bhojas to the Vijayanagara, by Vithal Raghavendra Mitragotri
3. Hindu Temples and Deities by Rui Pereira Gomes