Revdanda


Revdanda is a village near Alibaug, India. It is away from Alibag and away from Mumbai.

Directions

Till a few years ago the coastal road that goes south from Alibag used to terminate at Revdanda where it encountered the Kundalika creek. A bridge now spans the creek and the whole stretch southward of Revdanda up to Murud-Janjira has now become accessible. Part of the town is situated within the premises of Revdanda fort, an old Portuguese fort.

Notability

is where St. Francis Xavier delivered one of his early sermons in India. The chapel still exists in a run down condition. The chapel is within the walled fort, on the south side and not far from the main road.
There are many places to watch out in Revdanda. Revdanda is a historical place and relates closely to the era of Shivaji,
though it's not one the famous places in history related to Shivaji.
Revdanda came into limelight when Russian historians found out that the first Russian traveller to India landed in Revdanda. A monument was raised in his memory on 23 November 2000. A foundation stone for the monument in memory of Afanasy Nikitin, the first Russian traveller to India was laid at Revdanda. A high level delegation from Russia, accompanied by Mr. V.T. Trubnikov, the first deputy of the minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, H.E. Mr. A.M. Kadakin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to India, all senior diplomats from the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Mumbai, attended the function. .
Revdanda is one of the most important places of Konkan, Maharashtra for the Indian Jewish community. Almost 700 years ago after the destruction of the Holy Temple of Israel in Biblical era, a group of Jews who already knew about India and had been in contact with India. This group of people arrived in Nagav which is 15 minutes from Revdanda. They adopted Indian culture, names, lifestyle and founded an Indian Jewish community.
The area is known for the coconut and beetlenut plantations in the region. The plantations of coconut trees is called "naralachi baag" or "wadi" in Marathi language. The place is also known for a species of aromatic flower called
"Bakuli". It's a small flower with a wonderful fragrance.
Apart from the plantations of coconut and beetlenut the livelihood of people in this region comes from the production of rice.
The best time to visit Revdanda is December and during the Monsoon season.

Datta Mandir

Datta Mandir located in the chaul part of Revdanda. It is the temple of lord Datta mainly worshipped by Maharashtrian people. The temple or Mandir is situated at the top of the peak with almost 1500 steep stairs to be climbed to reach the peak. The entire region around the Revdanda can be viewed from the temple. The temple is said to have been built during the ShivajiRaje reign to keep an eye on the enemies. The temple witnesses a huge celebration which starts on the birth day of Lord Datta and this celebration last for 5 days. Schools remain closed for these 5 days in Revdanda.
The red-domed temple of Datta Mandir situated at the hill top is said to have been constructed by Swami Bramhendra. The temple has a three-headed statue of ShriDatta and this idol represents the trinity of Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara.
Bet El Synagogue is located in the Chaul region, one village of Maharashtra India called Revdanda. From the early 1900s, it was built in the locale where the largest Jewish population lived. This synagogue is in the Konkani style which makes it different from many other synagogues around the world. It is surrounded by a grove of coconut trees. It has a special women's gallery on the top with a unique structure. Earlier the Jews in Alibag-Murud area were called "Shanivar Teli" for their coconut oil extraction business, which used to be closed on Saturday.

Shitala Devi Mandir

Shitala Devi mandir is another holy place in this village of temple. This is most famous place after lord "Datta" mandir.
This temple was renovated a few years ago. People of the village believe that Goddess "Shitala" protects the village from all evils. Maharashtrians refer to goddess as "AAI" which means mother in Marathi. This temple was formerly looked after by Modgi Family in Recent years of ancient Shitaladevi Mandir and Late.Vedmurti Keshavbhatt Modgi was former Poojari of this temple in between the years of 1889-1917 and it was their family land which was then given to temple as said by Kulvrutt and Kulachar of Modgi family. After then Modgi Family was shifted from Revdanda by giving the temple for daily operations to one of the Brahmin family from revdanda with the land across the temple. The son of Late Vedmurti Keshavbhatt Modgi was Shri. Shridharpant Keshavbhatt Modgi was MA English from Deccan College, Pune. reside at Roha and he died in the year of 1967 and his next generations are living at Goregaon, Bhivandi, Thane, Indapur, and Pune.

Revdanda Beach

Revdanda Beach is a very isolated beach in this region. The sand is black in colour, which gives it a unique look.
The beach is integral part of people in Revdanda, its one of the places where people come to relax after days heavy work.
As Revdanda lies in coastal region fish curry and rice forms a part of diet of the people of this region.