Shri Dev Vetoba Temple

Located about 3 km east of the unspoilt Shiroda-Velagar beach and 13 km from Vengurla in south Sindhudurg is the village of Aravali. One of the attractions of this nondescript yet charming village is the Shri Dev Vetoba Temple, an elaborate shrine dedicated to Vetoba the King of Ghosts and an avatar of Shiva. The deity’s 9 ft-tall statue, fashioned out of five metals, stands in the sanctum sanctorum, appropriately armed with weapons to fight evil and watch over the village.

Bananas and large Kolhapuri slippers are given as offerings for boons granted for it is believed that Lord Vetoba dons the slippers at night when he tours the village to ensure that all is well.

Shri Dev Vetoba Temple

Nestling in a mango grove nearby is the Sateri Devi Mandir, an appealing, pillared temple with a sloping-tiled roof. This exquisite temple is in keeping with local architecture and is cloaked in an aura of spirituality.

On the road to Shri Dev Vetoba Temple there is a little waterfront shrine surrounded by colourful flags. These offerings are made by local fishermen who come here with two flags; one they leave behind for the gods and the other they carry back with them and fly them on their boats for protection on the high seas.