Intricately carved stone idol of Vishnu at Karmale

It was around 15 years back that I first heard about the Buddhist site at Nalasopara and that it was once a major port town with major trade links with other ports around the world. Nalasopara has been known by different names like Shuraparaka, Sopara as well as on some accounts Sunaparanta. It was then my first visit exploring the Buddhist site and nearby Chakreshwar Mahadev Temple which is famous for its magnificent stone sculptures and ancient math which hold a samadhi of Swami Samath primary disciple.

My passion for exploring heritage sites & places have taken me to many nooks and corner of Mumbai city and its faraway suburbs & areas over all these years. It was while reading about one ancient site near Vasai that I chanced upon another small ancient temple of Vishnu located close to the above already famous Nalasopara sites which looked interesting. Come Dusshera holiday, I was on my way to explore this heritage site with only help that I had was it was clearly marked on google maps.

With a bus ride from Nalasopara station, a small walk-in blistering hot October summer, and finally a shared rick ride I was standing at this small makeshift-covered shed cum temple. The area signboard stating "Karmale" meant that I was at least at the right location. The temple is more of a makeshift-covered shed and the idol is placed on a slightly raised platform at the corner of Brahman wadi probably taken care of by the locals as there were sitting benches kept around. A flower garland adorned the idol with incense sticks lying close by. 

The first look at the idol of Lord Vishnu had me awestruck. The intricately carved stone idol was more beautiful than I had thought. The idol located here is a black basalt rock idol, some 3 feet tall. Vishnu can be seen holding his Sudarshan Chakra in his right hand while a conch is seen in lefthand. The two other hands of Vishnu seem to be broken. 

The most interesting and eye-catching feature of the idol is its intricately carved ornaments adorning the idol and a head-to-toe garland all carved from one single piece of stone. On the left side at the feet of Vishnu is a lady holding the lotus flower while another figure is broken to the point of being recognized. On the right side at the feet are one female & one male figure holding a snake. But the way the ornaments adorning the body of Vishnu has been carved with such minute & intricate details speaks the volume of the master sculptor.

Just opposite the road lies the ASI board indicating that it has been documented and protected heritage. There is also a small pond located opposite the temple. There are many small wadis (settlements) in the area but I couldn't find anyone with whom I could have a conversation regarding the idol. 

Location: It is situated in Karmale on Bolinj - Agashi road, approx 2 km from Chakreshwar temple. The nearest railway station is Nalasopara west. Take a bus going to Agashi if possible and get down at Karmale or one can take a more frequented Kalimb beach bus and get down at Agashi Naka. Shared ricks are available from the Naka.

Landmark: Brahman wadi at Karmale. Nalasopara area limit ends at this place and the Arnala area limit starts.