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| || The Past || Don't Miss || Festivals || When to Go || Getting There || |
| Visit vast stretches of pure silver sands on the western cost of Maharastra, wherein lies the small village of Ganapatipule. Serene and unspoiled, Ganapatipule is the land of the 400-year old Swayambhu Ganapati Temple. Ganapatipule presents itself as an ancient pilgrim centre with a Swayambhu, a naturally formed idol of Ganapati. The hill where the temple is set is considered as sacred as the temple itself, with a perennial stream flowing from the hill to the pond beside the temple. In fact tourists often perform the pradakshina (devotees walking in a circle around the idol of the |
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| deity, or around the temple in which the idol is housed) around the hill instead of just the
temple. Though this destination has a large number of tourists and pilgrims coming regularly, it continues to retain its idyllic beauty and serenity and is considered as one of the most holy Hindu pilgrimage sites. | ||
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Legends have it that during the 16th Century AD, a villager, depressed with recurrent quarrels in his village, escaped to the Kerda jungles. On his way there, he came upon a naturally created Ganapati idol. Considering this as a good omen, he built a temple there. As the word spread, people gathered and gradually even settled there. They worshipped the idol, performed prayers and even made additions to the shrine. Hence, Ganapatipule became a famous Hindu pilgrimage site. The local people of Ganapatipule believe that in an age when men were spiritual and miracles were a commonly
visible fact, the scriptures talked of four Dwardatas (Welcoming Deities) to the subcontinent, where Ganapatipule is one of the
ashta (eight) Ganapatis of India and is recognized as Paschim Dwaar Devata (the Western Sentinel God). | |
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The Swayambhu Ganapati Temple of Ganapatipule is known for its
unique idol of Ganapati built on pule (white sand). It is believed to have originated by itself (swayambhu), and hasn’t been
created by man. The idol of Ganapati here is made out of copper and depicts the God astride a lion. It is placed in the Sanctum
Sanctorum and at sunrise and sunset a shaft of golden light penetrates and illuminates the idol. Early in the morning, the
rhythmic beat of the nagaras (a drum-like instrument) can be heard emanating from the Temple. The chaughadas (percussion
instruments) are played in the evenings at |
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the time of changing the idol's clothes and naivyadham (sweets)
are offered to Ganapati, as mantras (holy chants) are read aloud.
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The Temple of Ganapatipule becomes the centre of grand activity for the five days
celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi when villager's and pilgrims join actively in a procession honoring Ganapati.
A taller idol is placed in an ornate palanquin and carried on the shoulders of the devotees through the village accompanied
by a pujari or priest and a drummer. The idol in the sanctum is placed in a way that also makes it visible. The Swayambhu Ganapati Temple is one of the most famous pilgrimage centres.
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The climate
here is humid. From March onwards, the temperature begins to rise with May being the hottest month. Monsoons last between
June and October. November to February is the best time to go for a pilgrimage tour to Ganapatipule. The remaining months are very pleasant, with
the winters being the apt time to visit this place. |
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Nearest airport to Ganapatipule is Ratnagiri 50 kms. |
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Ratnagiri on the Konkan Railway is the nearest railhead to Ganapatipule gabaand Kolhapur 144 kms. on the South Central Railway. | |
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Mumbai to Ganpatipule 375 kms. via Mahad; Pune to Ganpatipule 331 kms.
via Satara; Kolhapur to Ganpatipule 144 kms. |
