Ganpatipule is a small city located in the district of Ratnagiri on the Konkan coast
of Maharashtra. The town of Chiplun is to its north. According to local folklore, the
Hindu god - Ganapati , taking umbrage by a remark made by a native lady, moved to
Pulé (a few km ahead of the town) from his original abode of Gulé. Thus the region
was named Ganpati-pulé.
Nestled in the greenery is a nearly 4000 year old landmark the Swayambhu Ganpati Temple (Swayambhu means a self-originated idol, Ganapati). Ganpatipule is flooded by thousands of devotees and tourists every year. Ganpatipule, the Lord of the 'ganas' or army and "pule" means sand dunes. It is one of the 'Ashta Ganapatis' (eight Ganpatis) of India and is known as 'Paschim Dwar Dewata' (Western Sentinel God). Ganapatipule is a small village, serene, sedate and unspoilt. The beach here is still natural and pristine as ever. And travelling by road is an experience by itself. The vast 'Konkan stretch abounds with scenic greenery There are narrow mud-roads, the earth is red and the roofed houses with clean courtyards add a quaint touch to the panorama. The local vegetation includes fruit-bearing trees like mango, betelnut, banana, jackfruit, coconut etc.
The entire western coast is covered with these trees. The locals are as warm and cheerful as their surroundings. Ever ready to chat with the visitors and make them feel at home.
PLACE TO VISIT
A clean and breathtaking clear-water beach is one of the main attractions for tourists,
along with the Ganapati Temple. The Hindu temple is reconstructed in special
Rajasthani style stones and look, and attracts thousands of devotees from all parts
of Maharashtra, other states, and foreigners.
The seashore is lined with a number of low budget cottages and frequented by many as a cheap getaway. Ganapatipule has a Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation MTDC) resort as well along with other privately operated resorts and home stays. MTDC resort also offers bamboo house stay and tents and offers small boats for rides. Maharashtrian pickles, seafood, coconuts and mangoes are some of the gustatory delicacies in the town. A nearby place called Paawas is known for its spiritual importance.
Birth Place of Kavi Keshavsut renowned Poet of Maharashtra Malgund a place two km from Ganpatipule is famous for natural bountiful beauty. At this place Shri Krishnaji Keshav Damle, alias, Kavi Keshavsut a revolutionary poet has his house, where he was born. Recently a monument has been built in his memory. This monument has become a place of pilgrimage, for the Lovers of marathi Literature. The tourist can reach the place by auto or State transport Bus from Ganpatipule.
Fort Jaigad Jaigad, a port on Konkon coastline is famous as a natural and safe port. It is situated on the mouth of river Shastri. The fort Jaigad is magnificent. The lighthouse and the jaigad creek is spectacular. Inside the walls of the fort on the right is a monument of Jaiba Mahar. The story about Jaiba is splendid. When the construction of the fort was in progress, the arch over the main gate collapsed for number of times. The remedy suggested was Narbali (sacrifice of a human being). This Jaiba Mahar was ready to be the victim, on the condition that the fort be named after him, so it is Jaigad. The king of vijapur built this fort having twenty outwardly curved construction (Buruj). The fort was in the custody of Kanhoji Angre commender in chief of Chattrapati Shivaji's naval armada. In 1818 English army took over the fort. Near the main gate of the fort, Ganesh temple is there. The fort is Situated 35 to 40 km from Ratnagiri town. The temple of Mahamai Sonsakhli, the village deity is situated in the dense forest near village Tavsal.
Karhateshwar The tourist gets spellbound to see astonishing beauty of the nature surrounding Karhateshwar Devsthan. No one could anticipate how splendid the bounty of the nature would be there till he reaches the place. Karhateshwar Devsthan is situated in the village Nandiwade near the coastline 4 to 5 km from Jaigad. The temple is of wooden structure, built during the regime of Shilaharas. In the night, temple is closed for visitors. On the slopes of the hill by the side of seashore between the cuttings of the hill, water springs in small stream, throughout the year. This spring water is stored in two small tanks for bathing purpose. Even during winter the water is warm. One who takes bath gets fresh and energetic. Shri Narayanbhau Jog, a Ramdasi, has described the place in following words.
The deity of Karhateshwar is installed at a beautiful lonely place, at whose feet the roaring sea is there for ever.
From Jaigad this place is at 5 km distance.
Laxmikeshav of Kolisare The temple of Laxmikeshav is situated in the dense forest on the hills at Kolisare, Twenty centuries ago when Rashtrakut Dynasty was ruling the place, they built number of temples of various gods and goddesses. During the rule of Yadav dynasty, Moghals led various invasions every where. At that time efforts were made to keep idols at a safe and secure place, away from invasions. The idol of Laxmikeshav is one of them. This idol was taken to Kolhapur and was kept immersed in Rankala tank.
Shri Joshi, Vichare and Kane, the devotees from village Waravade had a vision and they came to know about this idol. The idol was taken out and was being brought to original place through warvade creek in a boat. On the way, they took halt at Kolisare. Next day morning when they were to start the journey, the idol became so heavy that it could not be moved from the place. One resident of Kolisare Shri Bhanuprasad Teredesai had a vision and the idol was installed at Kolisare. The temple was built in 1510 at Kolisare by Shri Teredesai, the keeper of the fort.
When digging started for the construction of the temple, the water trickled from the streamlet which is flowing continuously even today. The water of this streamlet contains medicinal attributes. It is said this water was taken to Pawas for Swami Swaroopanand. At this place number of trees, creepers, rivers, streamlets, hills were found in abundance. The natures bounty attracted the man and made him stay there forever. The surroundings of the temple are calm, serene and a place for performing austerity. The climate is cool and pleasant, even during summer, where number of families comes to enjoy the holidays.
The idol of Laxmi Keshav is splendid sculpture carved out of black marble stone, very beautiful and bright, which develops godly virtuous feeling. The idol is five feet in height with four hands holding conch (Shankh) chakra, Gada, Padma (lotus flower), on its right is eagle and to the Left Laxmi and Vijay. Laxmi Keshav is family deity of thirty-eight different family ancestors. This place is at 50 Kms from Ratnagiri.
In the town of Ratnagiri Birth Place of Lokmanya Tilak One remembers the slogan given by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak that "Self rule is my birth right and I will achieve it." The challenge given to British Government by Rashtrapurush, the owner editor of Kesari (Newspaper) Lokmanya Tilak was born on 26th July 1856 in the house rented by Smt. Indirabai Gore, in the Tilak Lane His father was a teacher. This house is declared and maintained as a national monument. Where a full size statue has been erected. Lokmanya stayed in this house till 1866.
Patit Pawan Temple Swatantrya Veer Sawarkar kept in confinement in Ratnagiri by then British Government. During those days he rendered yeomans service to the downtrodden in the society. He worked for restoring respect and emancipation of untouchables in the caste system. In this respect, names of prominent personalities, that come to our mind are Mahatma Fule, Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, the name of Veer Sawarkar can also be associated for the social work done in Ratnagiri. His act of keeping open the temple to untouchables was a revolutionary act, in the conservative Ratnagiri. With the help of Shri Bhagojiseth Keer a common dinner both for higher caste and untouchables was arranged. The temple is situated near Swatantrya Laxmi Chowk, where statue of Veer Sawarkar has been erected.
Fort Ratnagiri and Bhagwati Temple By the side of seashore on the hill this fort is there. It is shaped half Circle like horseshoe. It has experienced, Bahamani, Adilshahi, Shivshahi and Peshwai Rulers. The area is 120 acres with sea on all the three sides. At the end of western side stands a light house. The hill on which the fort is situated has stone walls in a good condition, though at some places it has collapsed. The main part is having a Devi Bhagwati temple. A small tank and a deep well is there. From the first day of the month Ashwin till Tenth day (Navratri) a fair is organised. The temple is spacious and magnificent, recently renovated. At the foot hills the Bhagwati port is there. The state transport buses ply to the Bhagwati temple, it is very pleasant to watch the passing ships from this temple fort.
Thiba Palace Thiba was a king of Burma (Now Manmyar). He was not willing for kingship, but he had to, as all his brothers got killed in the revolt, that took place in Burma. I desired to put on saffron colour clothes, preach and propagate, Buddhism. At the age of nineteen, he got married to his sister and ascended the throne.
HOW TO REACH
The town is easily accessible from the port city of Ratnagiri, which also has a railway station and an airport.
By Road - While moving towards Ratnagiri, on Mumbai Goa National Highway No. 17 (NH-17), after Sangameshwar a small village placed on this highway is Nivali. From Nivali one has to take right turn for Ganapatipule (32kms). Alternatively, one can continue on NH-17 till Hathkhamba (Nivali - Hathkhamba: 4kms) and then take a right turn to go to Ganapatipule. Ample number of State Transport buses are available from Ratnagiri bus depot. Frequency is good for fast journeys. Ganapatipule is also connected with other cities by state transport buses.
By Rail - There is no railway station at Ganapatipule. One has to get down either at Ratnagiri station or at Karbude. All the express and local trains stops at Ratnagiri, being a city. Karbude is a small village and only passenger trains will stop.
