RAVALNATH

INTRODUCTION
As per From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, Ravalnath is a very popular deity in west coastal region of India,predominantly Goa some parts of coastal Maharashtra and Karnataka.The origin of word Ravalnath is very confusing,some historians believe that it originates from the word "Ravi" which means Sun. Ravalnath is a form of Kalbhairav and found in Panchyatana of almost all Goan temples.

(Click photograph to enlarge it)

Other Mandir's are,

1)Lakshmi Ravalnath Mandir, Marcela, Ponda, Goa
2) Ravalnath Mandir at Pernem, Goa
3) Ravalnath Mandir at Sanvordem
4) Laxmi Ravalnath 

OLD PEOPLES SAYS
Shree Dev Ravalnath is ancient god as per pujari in Walawal who are called as Rawol. Shree Ravalnath is understood as Shiva’s Gan. He is said to be “Shigrakopi” and “Ugra devat”. Ravalnath travels in night time, also “Shetrapal on border comes to meet at night, like that understanding in their society, so mandirs doors are open full night. 

IDOL FACED TOWARD SOUTH
Ravalnath mandir are Dakshinmukshi (i.e. Ravalnath idol is faced toward south) in almost all temples of Konkan. This indicates that he came from north 

IDOL EXPLANATION
Ravalnath idol in walawal is “chaturburj” with Trishul and Damaru related with Shiva is their. In remaining one hand “Khadage” and second hand “Patra” is their. Shree P.R. Bahare in his book “Shree Ravalnath ani Kokanatil Devaski “(1955) says that Ravalnath idol have Trishul, Damaru, Narmund mala indicate that he is Shiva’s avatar.
As per From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, Ravalnath is depicted having four hands,and he bears Trishul Damaru,Akshmala,Khadga,and Panpatra ( vessle for drinking Soma rasa ) or a Khetaka. He is considered as Shivagans and wears a Mundamala ( garland made of human skulls ),and a Horse as his Vahana. 

FESTIVAL
Dasera is big festival in Ravalnath mandir, walawal 

PUJA AND RAWOL
Shree dev Ravalnath puja is done by Rawol. Kaul is made on Ravalnath on all day except moday, Poornima and Amavasya. As per Shree P.R. Bahare his pujari is always Gurav or Rawol this indication is important. In whole India, shiva’s pujari are called as Gurav, Jangam or Rawol. 

RAVALNATH HAVE NO CONNECTION WITH NATH PANTH
Ravalnath is Ravanath’s “rup” or god brought by Nathpanth could not be considered. Nathpanth spread period historically 900 AD (9^th century) is been definite. Ravalnath should be more ancient than this Nath panth. 

RAVALNATH IS ALSO CALLED AS JYOTIBA
As per Shree Bahare, Ravalnath means Kedar Ravalesh and Kedar Ravalesh is same as Jyotiba near Kolhapur. This story in his language is like this. Near Kolhapur there are Jyotiba Mountains which place is called Ratnagiri. Jyotiba at that place is Kedar Ravalesh. Mahalaxmi invited Kedar Ravalesh from himalaya to fight against Kolhasure. Kedar Ravalesh destroyed Ratnasure and Rakthamochan named asura and brought ling from Himalaya and established as “Kedareshwar”, this is said in “Karvir Mahatma” grantha Kedar Ravalesh near Kolhapur was called as Ravalnath in Konkan. Jyotiba is called “Dakshinmukhi Kedar” is said in “Karvir Mahatma” Granth. Many temples of Ravalnath in Konkan are “Dakshin mukhi”. Mr. Vishwanath Narayan Redeshashtri Puranik had written a book in which nearly same story is given. As per story Prabhu Kedar’s birthplace is Badrikashram. Prabhu Kedar came with Laxmi in Karver to kill Ratnasure Rakshas. After destroying him he went and stayed a Ratnagiri mountains. That mountain is called as Jyotiba mountains. That is place of origin, from that place idol was established at different places. 

Jyotiba of Kolhapur (Click photograph to enlarge it)

Reference
1) Ravalnath mandir’s rawol of walawal, Taluka Kudal
2) Ravalnath mandir's pulished book “ Shree Shetra Walawal” of walwal, Taluka Kudal.
3) Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia