Ganpatiphule, Hindu Pilgrimage in India
GANAPATIPULE
FACTS & FIGURES
Location:
Maharashtra, India
Best time to Visit: Throughout the year
Significance : Swayambhu Ganapati Temple , five days celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Best time to Visit: Throughout the year
Significance : Swayambhu Ganapati Temple , five days celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi.
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
deity, or around the temple in which the idol is housed) around the hill instead of just the temple.
deity, or around the temple in which the idol is housed) around the hill instead of just the temple.
The Past
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.
Prominent Pilgrimage Attractions of Ganapatipule
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 the time of changing
the idol's clothes
and naivyadham (sweets)
are offered to Ganapati,
as mantras (holy
chants) are read
aloud.
How to Reach Ganapatipule
Air
: Nearest airport
to Ganapatipule
is Ratnagiri 50
kms.
Rail
: Ratnagiri on the
Konkan Railway is
the nearest railhead
to Ganapatipule
gabaand Kolhapur
144 kms.
Road
: Mumbai to Ganpatipule
375 kms. via Mahad;
Pune to Ganpatipule
331 kms. via Satara;
Kolhapur to Ganpatipule
144 kms.
