Near Malvan town in Konkan region of Maharashtra, there is a small village called ‘Math’. The temple of Bombadeshwar is located in Math. Meaning of ‘bombad’ in Konkani language is bubbles. Why should a deity be called Bombadeshwar, God of bubbles? The temple is actually that of Shiva. The temple is constructed out of laterite stone which is amply available in Konkan region. The style of the temple is similar to all other temples of this region. Small simple structure with modest proportions. Sloping roof with earthen tiles. No shikhara and no walls to the mandapa. Small Garbha Griha with Shiva linga. No one other than gurav- pujari of the temple is permitted to be inside the garbha griha. Performing daily pooja, taking care of the temple structure and the temple premises comes as a part of the duty of gurav and his family, which is carried out diligently for generations.
Water pond is constructed along the length of the temple structure. This tank has a major role in imparting the name, ‘bombad’ to the temple. If one stands near the tank and calls Bobadeshwar Bhagwan in a loud voice, the tank starts releasing bubbles and with the intensity of the voice the entire tank is filled with the ripples.
All through the year in any season the level of the water in the tank is maintained to the same level. Bhakta is attracted towards this temple because of these two miracles and also because of the serene nature ambience within which the temple is located. All green surrounded with plants and trees in their natural form. There is one more very very small pond of water near the temple. The pond is so inconspicuous that one is likely to easily miss watching it. But locals are aware of the importance of the pond. The water of this pond has medicinal quality. All skin problems and many others are cured by the water of the pond.
The tank is also made out of laterite stone. Laterite stone is porous in nature. Air is trapped in the voids of the stone and with the loud sound the vibrations are created due to which the air trapped in the voids is released and the air bubbles thus formed rise to the surface of the water tank creating ripples. Rest of the miracles are Gods’ grace and nature’s gift. We need to just bow down and accept grace and be blessed.
