Top Things to Do in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra
Places to Visit in Ratnagiri
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What travellers are saying
- Nitin GaonkarMumbai, India50 contributionsIt's a vast and clean beach. Next to the famous temple. Few water fun activities available.
Be very cautious while you are in the sea. It is tricky and dangerous.Written 16 July 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - P M VNagpur, India3,880 contributionsGanapatipule Ganesh Mandir.
( Note: We had visited Ganapatipule Ganesh Mandir in 2000. Photos taken in 2000 as well as collage of 2000 and 2023 photos included)
Ganapatipule Ganesh Mandir is one of the few temples in the Kokan region which is fairly large and the only one to be made of rose sandstone. It may have the distinction of being number one In terms of attracting the maximum numbers of pilgrims and tourists.
As per the legends Lord Ganesh strongly resented being insulted by a woman, and moved from his original abode of Gule to Pule and hence the place got the name of Ganapatipule.
An information board near the Samadhi Of Trimbak Bhat, near the temple, throws further light on the history of Ganapatipule Temple. As per information on this board, Trimbak Bhat was Ganapatipule village head. During the Mogul period around 1600 AD, Trimbak Bhat suffered personal tragedy and calamity. Trimbak Bhat was a great devotee of Lord Ganesh, he took a vow that till all his problems are solved he will neither take food nor water. To carry out his penance he came to a Kevads forest (Pandanus grove) located near a hill. Trimbak Bhat who was carrying such severe penance was visited by Lord Ganesha in his dream. During the dream the lord told him that to relieve all his devotees of their miseries and problems, he ( Ganesh ) had come with दोन गंडस्थळे व दंतयुक्त स्वरुप (twin temple(space between ears and eyes) and a tooth) the hill itself represents his निराकार स्वरुप (form- less, shape-less presence). That is why the pradakshna is made around the hill. He (Ganesh) should be worshipped, all the puja and other religious rites should also be carried out and in time all will be all the problems will be solved. Based on the location in the dream, Trimbak Bhat found the place and after digging, a Swayambhu (self-incarnated) Ganesh idol. He built a small temple at the spot and on a grass strip. Started all the religious rites like puja aarti etc.
The information board is silent about how exactly Trimbak Bhat found this place. The legend goes that a cow herd one day saw a cow that had never given milk, and had opened up her udders at a particular spot near the hill. He told about this miracle to Trimbak Bhat who, when he dug at that spot found the Swayambhu (self-incarnated) Ganesh idol. Which incidentally is THE present location of the temple and the Swayambhu murti.
Later Annaji Datta, a minister of Shivaji Maharaj replaced the small temple built on a grass strip with a marvelous temple. Various additions and improvements were carried out by various prominent personalities of the Maratha period. Ramabai Peshwa added a two-story stone building for her stay when in Ganapatipule and for the stay of pilgrims. Today this is the building along the front of which prasad laddoos are sold and through the covered
Today when one visits the temple there is a huge beautifully constructed gate. Thereafter there is a two-story stone building built by Ramabai Peshwa referred to earlier and in front of it all the devotees are routed through the barricaded passageway to channelise the large crowds in an orderly manner.
At the end of the barricaded passage, there is yet one more large gate in front of which there are statues of two large elephants with raised trunks and a big brass statue of a mouse, the ride and means of transportation of Ganesh. It is said that if you murmur your wish in the ear of this mouse it reaches Ganesh and gets fulfilled.
Thereafter one enters the Sabha Graha. There is a steel railing a few feet from the door of the Garbha Graha where the swayambhu Ganesh is located. No one is permitted to cross the railing and one takes darshan from behind the railing. A security guard keeps a sharp vigil and does not allow anyone to linger in front of the Garbha Graha door from where one is taking the darshan. Despite the crowd and the limited time for which you get to have a darshan, under a sharp-eyed security guard, one can still feel the positive energy level in the Temple Sabha Graha.
As per the tradition after taking the Darshan one does the pradakshina.
S we also went fir pradakshna. As the hill itself represents निराकार स्वरुप (form-less, shape-less presence) of Lord Ganesh, for pradakshina you have to go around the hill. The distance all around is one KM and it takes about 15 minutes or so. Most of the pradakshina path is now very nicely tiled with railing. Work on the remaining portion was still going on.
There are four spots where a small shed has been erected with an idol these are called Dwar Devata. The significance of Dwar Devata is that when the idol of Lord Ganesha is taken out in a palanquin the lord takes a breather, the palanquin is placed on the ground at the Dwar Devatas, and aartis are sung before the journey of the palanquin continues. The most important Dwar Devata is a hut known as शुंडास्थान (elephant trunk place). There is a natural rock formation in the shape of an elephant’s head and trunk.
Towards the end, of the pradakshna path, there is a portioned pond known as वानी चे तले (pond belonging to Wani). At one time this was the water source for surrounding plantations as well as to meet the water requirements of the Ganapati Pule Temple.
After वानी चे तले there is a bifurcation in the pradakshna path one goes straight to the temple and the one going right goes towards the sea. On special occasions, about sixteen or so in a year, when the idol of Lord Ganesha is taken out in a palanquin, ladies in the retinue go straight to the temple but the lords palanquin and the gents follow the right fork, got to the sea wet they’re feen and then enter the temple through the main gate opening out to the seashore. As it was a normal day we went straight to the temple. With the completion of the pradakshna, our darshan was complete.
We had visited Ganapatipule Mandir exactly 22 years back in January 2000. All the big fancy decorative gates, the brass mouse, the covered hall, barricaded passages, the various shops, prasad selling stalls, etc were non-existent. The two-storied building housing various offices of Ganapatipule temple was the Government Circuit House. We stayed in that building overlooking the temple. The temple itself was without any fencing or walls. The temple steps led directly to the sands of the beach. There were no crowds and no security guards regulating your darshan time. The environs surrounding the circuit house and the temple were calm, quiet, and serene. In the temple, one felt strong positive vibes.
Today the number of tourists, as well as pilgrim visitors, has increased manifold with the attendant negatives of crowds and crowd-control measures, and lack earlier quiet. Surprisingly one can still feel the positive vibes. That is the secrete why Ganapatipule still is a saught after destination.Written 12 March 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Nitin GaonkarMumbai, India50 contributionsOpposite Jindal school, a beautiful temple set in an equally beautiful expansive garden !!
It's on the way to Ganapatipule from Jaigad jetty.
The temple looks like a sparkling diamond in the evenings.Written 15 July 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Reuben SharonPune District, India3 contributionsGreat fort to see if you are a fort lover, try visiting in the morning or in the evening to avoid humidity, also carry a binocular for a good sea view.Written 9 May 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mohit APune, India251 contributionsIt is located at extreme corner of the town but must be visited to capture panoramic view of Arabian sea. Since 5pm is closing time, must be planned accordingly.Written 11 January 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Purna BandyopadhyayKolkata (Calcutta), India15 contributionsWater sports available here. This beach is on the way to Ratnagiri from Ganapatipule. The view of the beach from the adjacent road is also nice.Written 8 June 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ankur ChandraGreater Noida, India140 contributionsAare Ware beach is located at a distance of around 14 km from Ganpatipule, on the way to Ratnagiri. This beach is comparatively cleaner than Malgund and also has good viewsWritten 29 June 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Niranjan Shendurnikar16 contributionsIf you want to experience azure waters and white sands with casuarina trees head straight to Ganeshgule beach. It's clean, pristine and simply beautiful ! Though the access is a bit isolated , it is just beautiful !Written 27 December 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Dilip12 contributionsNice temple and Bhagwati devi idol is very beautiful. However the fort in which the temple is located is not at all maintained. Visit only for the temple and the sea view.Written 15 February 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Niranjan Shendurnikar16 contributionsDevotional Spirituality has its mark on this peaceful Temple premises in Pawas with a good access. The quite surroundings help you to relax and shop around for quality local spices and Kokum sherbats.Written 27 December 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- KeKuPune, India386 contributionsThis is one of the oldest temples and moreover one of the very few dedicated to the Sun.
It is peaceful and well maintained temple. Nice architecture and nicely designed wooden arcs.Written 8 November 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - P M VNagpur, India3,880 contributionsKarhateshwar Temple.
Sufficient parking is available at Karhateshwar Temple.
As you walk toward the temple you see the main entry gate it is called Audumber Dwar, It is an arched gate. The top of the arch has a flag pole. At the bottom of the arch hangs a bass bell.
The Audumber gate has a unique design, the top portion looks like a Viking helmet with horns!!
Karhateshwar Temple is built on a sloping hill where the hill slope culminates at the beach and the sea. Two level areas had to be dug out of the hill face to enable the construction of the temple.
Stone-paved stairs start at the Audumber Dwar and go right down to the sea shore where an underground perennial sweet water stream is channelled through a Goumukh to fill a Kund. (Goumukh : Cow mouth : hollow stone statue of a cow head. Where an underground stream flows out through the Goumukh). Devotees wash their feet and hands and freshen up, some who re more devoted take a bath with Kund water before going for darshan in the temple.
Passing through Audumber gate, as you start descending, you pass near an old Audumber tree, after which the Audumber gate seems to have been named.
We decided to first go and visit the Kund. The stairs are fully shaded by the thick and dense trees going all around. The climb / descent is a bit steep and the number of steps is also a fair amount. Those with knee trouble may find it a bit difficult. The water of the stream is cold and potable. One feels quite freshened up after washing the face n that water. Good view of the sea. The seashore is rocky in the area around the Kund. On the climb back to the temple I was intrigued by the ruins of what appeared like the ramparts of a fort along the seashore. Wanted to explore it but it was difficult and inaccessible so just continued the climb and reached the temple.
Temple is an ancient temple. It is commonly accepted that it was built during the reign of Shaliharas.( 765 to 1029 CE).
The architecture of this temple is unique. It is the first and only kind I have seen so far.
It is a long rectangular building with a split two-tiered roof covered with clay tiles. There are no domes or shikhara which house the Garbha Graha, The Sabha Graha. Such domes and shikhara are the traditional, standard features of all the temples all over India. Ther are missing here.
Once inside, the rectangular hall is sort of partitioned into three parts. A small built-in Garbha Graha, a Sabha Graha, and bit larger assembly hall. The roof is supported by teak pillars. These pillars are plain square in shape, very plain, and simply devoid of any designs or engravings, Such simplicity in this temple built of wood was another feature I found strange. This uniqueness and simplicity is what sets this temple apart and make it unique.
On the upper tier dug out in the hill slope there are some rooms. The room which is closest to the stairs is Ganesh Mandir. It has a small but beautiful idol of Ganesh carved in white marble.
The thick forest all around, and the remoteness of the temple from any habitat ensures the quite serenity of the temple.
One can have a blast here, a picnic with kids and family near the Gomukh Kund 😊
It was a good place to visit. A temple with a difference.Written 6 March 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Shrikant P2 contributionsMake sure to visit during high tide for an amazing experience. We visited towards the end of high tide but still it was a memorable experience.Written 21 February 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- P M VNagpur, India3,880 contributionsShree Velneshwar Temple.
After Mahalakshmi Temple Kelshi, Kadyawaril Ganapati Temple Anjarle, Chandika Devi Temple Dhabol, and Shree Durga Devi Temple, Guhagar, Velaneshwar temple was the fifth temple which appeared very recently painted. Amazing coincidence or collectively well-planned project. One wonders.
Velaneshwar temple is a single-story six domed structure with clean lines. Of the six domes, two centrally located domes are from the main temple. As per the classical dome- Hindu temple style, the smaller dome houses Garbha Graha, and the bigger dome houses Sabha Graha. Remaining smaller domes house other customary gods. In addition to these other gods, There is a smaller two-dome Vishnu Temple located South of the main Velaneshwar temple
There are four octagonal pillars Deep- Stambh in front of the main temple and two in front of the ancient wood temple. There is also one additional tall conical Deep-Stambh.
Velaneshwar is a simple religious temple without pomp and show. As is usual with such types there is an ambience of religiosity and piousness. One feel’s calm in its serene atmosphere.
It felt good to visit it after 23 years.
Album has total 19 photos taken at Velaneshwar + one collage. Only 10 are given here.Written 4 March 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - RKJNavi Mumbai, India373 contributionsThis place is ancestral home of freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak , which has now been converted into a small museum. Here Lokmanya Tilak lived from birth till the age of 10. This museum is a popular tourist attraction. In front of the house, there is a statue of Lokmanya Tilak. It houses artifacts and memorable related to the life of Lokmanya Tilak. There are paintings and belongings of the legendary man and the visit makes for a good learning experience. Photography is not allowed inside the house. Outside the house, photography is allowed. This museum is an ideal place for students as well as history lovers. It is a must visit and should not be missed while in Ratnagiri.Written 9 February 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Ratnagiri Attractions Information
Attractions | 47 |
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Attraction Reviews | 1,477 |
Attraction Photos | 1,457 |
Local Time | Tuesday, 9:14 pm |