Ratnagiri Kanakaditya Swamy Temple or Ratnagiri Sun God Temple or Surya Bhagwan Temple is an Ancient Temple located in a small Village of Kasheli, 29 km from Rajapur Taluka, 35 km from Ratnagiri District in Maharashtra State. Sri Kanakaditya Temple is dedicated to the sun god, the temple had a brilliant history. Sri Kanakaditya Temple is a very famous spiritual place and is located on the way to Fort Vijaydurg from Ratnagiri. The presiding Suryanarayan is in standing posture made of Black Stone, brought from Prabhas Pattan Sun Temple in Gujarat 800 years ago.
According to legend, it was secretly transported by boat from the temple of Prabhas Pattan during the attack on Allaudin Khilji in 1296 AD. Once the ship reached Kasheli shore, it stopped. The ferryman left the idol in a cave on the Kasheli coast where it was discovered by an ardent Sun devotee named Kanaka. She built this temple with laterite stone and mud near the cave.
Many devotees from all over India visit the temple every year. This temple is famous for the 5 day Rath festival with its famous silver Chariot procession during Ratha Saptami. Many spiritual programs like Kirtan, Pravachan, Aarti, Palakhi, etc. are organized during this festival. You can also visit the 400 square foot natural cave, known as Devachi Kholi, where the idol was discovered.
Ratnagiri Sri Kanakaditya Swamy Temple Timings:
Morning: 5.00 AM to 12.00 Noon
Evening: 4.00 PM to 8.00 PM
Ratnagiri Sun Temple Address:
Surya Mandir Road,
Kasheli,
Rajapur Taluka,
Ratnagiri District,
Maharashtra – 416707.