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Ganapatipule

Origin of name

According to a local folklore, the Hindu god, Ganapati, taking umbrage by a remark made by a native lady, moved to Pulé पुळे (a few km ahead of the town) from his original abode of Gulé. Thus the region was named Ganpati-pulé.

400 years old Ganpati image at Ganpatipule is said to have sprung up from the soil. This deity faces the West, so as to guard the western gates, unlike deities in other Indian temples who face the east. The temple is at the base of a hill, and pilgrims walk around (pradakshina) the hill as a mark of respect.

Geography and History

Ganpati temple

Ganapatipule is approximately 375 km. south of Mumbai, along the Konkan Coast. Ganapatipule is a very small town with about 100 houses, having one of the most spectacular beaches along the Konkan Coast – an idyllic getaway that attracts peace-seekers, beach lovers, and pilgrims alike. The temple of Swayambhu (self-originated) Ganesh is much frequented by thousands every year. The God is considered to be the Paschim Dwardevta (Western Sentinel God of India), and those who visit Ganapatipule, make it a point to pay their respects to this deity. Aside from its clean beach and clear waters, Ganapatipule is rich in flora, including mangroves and coconut palms.

With the development of tourism, a number of resorts and hotels opened in this small town, the most significant of which is the Maharastra Tourism Development Corporation resort near the beach. The Best Western Blue Ocean hotel, 4 km away from the heart of the town near Malgund is also near the beach. There are a few smaller hotels in this town, which include Atharva Residency Abhishek Resorts and Tranquility.

Culture

Many festivals are celebrated along the Konkan Coast. Among the most significant are Gauri Ganapti and Magh Chaturthi (the fourth day of the lunar month of Magh, believed to be the birth date of Lord Ganapati).

Nearby places

Velneshwar

The beautiful village of Veineshwar, situated north of the Shastri River, has its own peaceful, coconut-fringed beach, where one can relax in tranquility. The village comes alive each year during the Maha Shivaratri fari, when pilgrims in large numbers visit the Old Shiva Temple.

Ratnagiri

About 24  km away from Ganapatipule lies the district headquarter town, Ratnagiri. The region has a long illustrious past and is even mentioned in Indian mythology.

Malgund

Malgund, a small village, 1 km away, is known as the birthplace of famous Marathi poet Keshavasuta, who was born here in 1866. He is regarded as a poet who heralded the dawn of modern Marathi poetry. There is a monument at Malgund dedicated to his work and also a museum where you can find information on most of the modern day poets of Marathi language. The memorial is a real treat for people who are interested in Marathi literature. Malgund also houses Nirmal Nagari of Her Holiness Mrs. Nirmala Shrivastava of Sahaja Yoga fame.

Jaigad Fort

Resting on a cliff, at the entrance of the Sangameshwar river just 35 km away from Ganapatipule, is Jaigad Fort. This 17th-century fort offers a commanding view of the sea and an almost unique view of Konkan village life. Take the back road from Ganpatipule via Malgund to Jaigad. This is about 15 km - but is extremely scenic.

Pawas

Besides its scenic natural beauty and serenity. Pawas is well known for the Ashram of Swami Swaroopanand (a spiritual leader who influenced an entire generation of Maharshtrians). A visit to this place is truly a journey through time.

Light House

The Panoramic view from the Light House is just breath taking. It was completed in 1932 and is still completely operational and serving on the coast. To see the Light House from inside one needs to visit the same between 4.00pm - 5.30pm. It is around 6–7 km from Jaigad Fort.

Transportation

Sunset at the Ganapatipule beach

The town is easily accessible from the port city of Ratnagiri, which also has a railway station and an airport.

By Road

Ganapatipule is 32 km from Nivali, a small village on Mumbai Goa Road (NH 17). From Nivali, one has to take right turn for Ganapatipule. Nivali to Ratnagiri is around 20 km. Nivali to Hatkhamba is around 4 km. From Hatkhamba one has to take right turn for Ratnagiri, which is 16 km from here. Sangameshwar is about 25 km from Nivali and from Chiplun, it is 45 km. From Ganapatipule one can directly approach Ratnagiri without coming to Nivali and going through Hatkhamba. The direct road is full of turns and little narrow compared to NH-17. But the journey is full of natural beauty and sea view. That distance is around 30 km. Mumbai is 375 km away via Mahad and Pune is 331 km away via Satara. For fast journeys, Ganapatipule is also connected with other cities by state transport buses. Buses are available from major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Sangli, Kolhapur and Solapur to Ratnagiri.^[1] From Ratnagiri, private cabs also ply to the town.

Bhandardara Lake At (Bhandardhara)((50) Km)

The clear and placid lake is bounded by thick canopied forests of the Sahyadri hills. The Lake gets its water from the Pravara River. The Lake and its surroundings offer an enchanting spectacle. It is an exquisite holiday hangout ideal for weekend getaways on the hills. The place is endowed with a striking beauty and can be aptly described as one of the finest jewels of Mother Nature. The place can be explored by those who wish to break up from the hustle and bustle of city life. Nature lovers and trekkers would be captivated by it because there is a lot to see and do. The area is sprinkled with forts and history. It is a calm, quiet and serene place with lovely picnic spots. Bhandardara, nestled amongst the Sahyadri ranges is an ideal stop-over for tourists going to or coming from Shirdi.

Karnala is a renowned fort city in Raigad district of Maharashtra with striking natural beauty and serene environment. This is a fine place for motivated eco tourists. Karnala is the best picnic spot for bird lovers. Even a regular tourist can watch many species of colorful birds flying over the serene beautiful bright sky. It is dominated by the fort, bird sanctuary and scenic environments. Karnala is marked by dense forests and high mountain ranges all around.

Rock climbing in Karnala is really an experience. The steep rock in the center of the Karnala fort offers the visitor a great challenge. The undulated hilly terrains approaching the Karnala fort is really sticky and dangerous. Many adventurous people visit Karnala to take up the envious challenge offered by the slippery, rough and sharp rocks and reaching the pinnacle of these rocks is really a life time experience for the rock climbers. One can see breathtaking glimpse of the down city from the pinnacle of the rock. For amateur trekkers the Karnala trekking poses mild to medium challenges, while for common tourist it is really a great challenge to reach up to the top.

Karnala Bird Sanctuary located at the bottom of the Karnala fort is literally a paradise for bird watchers. The bird sanctuary, established in 1968, is a natural habitat for more than 150 species of resident birds and about 37 species of birds migrating from other areas of the world. The bird lovers can spot various kinds of rare birds including spotted heart wood peckers and ashy minimet. Many species of birds like racket tailed drongo, paradise fly catcher, magpie robin, red vented bulbul, myna and owl are abundantly seen here. The environment is vibrant with avian songsters and the eco-friendly place is really a worthy place to visit.

Shri Sai Baba is revered as one of the greatest saints ever seen in India, endowed with unprecedented powers, and is worshipped as a God incarnate. (SAI meaning Sakshaat Ishwar) - GOD THE ABSOLUTE.

This mysterious Fakir first made his appearance in Shirdi as a youth and remained there throughout his long life. He transformed the lives of those who met him and continuously is doing so even after his Samadhi in 1918 for those whose hearts are touched by his love and who pray and call him at any emergency in life for his blessings.
Baba stated that his mission is to “Give Blessings” without discrimination to all, and he proves it in myriad ways by healing the sick, saving lives, protecting the vulnerable, averting accidents, granting offspring, facilitating financial gain, bringing people into harmony within themselves and with each other and, above all, in effecting the spiritual evolution and transformation of those who came to him as the last resort.

Baba is, as one of his contemporary devotees put it, “The embodiment of the supreme spirit lighting the sadhakas (seekers') path by his every word and action”.

To his devotees, Baba is nothing less than a God. This has been a matter of experience and not imaginary.

“I look at all with an equal eye”

An outstanding aspect of Sai Baba is that he is beyond distinctions of religion, caste or creed. He embodied all religions and preached the universal religion of love.

Devotees of all faiths find their meeting point in Sai and people from all communities and all walks of life are united by the great love and reverence Baba inspires in them. Baba had great regard for his Hindu devotees and their Gurus and he responded to their needs and permitted worship according to the Hindu and other religious rituals. At the same time his dwelling place was a Masjid (Mosque) and the name of Allah was ever on his lips. He described himself as in Service to GOD (ALLAH) and as a soul ever remembering ALLAH -(YAD - A - HAKKA)

People today flock Shirdi in ever-increasing numbers to pay homage to the divine and to experience the truth of Baba’s promise that he would be active in answering devotee's prayers even from his tomb. Like ten commandments Baba has given eleven assurances to humanity for welfare.

Baba said that he was a slave in the service of those who loved him. He was ever living to help those who turn to him and that he has to take care of his children day and night. He then taught values of total surrender to the Almighty Master (ALLAH MALIK HAI- The only ONE) and experience his grace.

In coming to Baba’s Shirdi his children experience the truth how Baba unfailingly fulfils his commitments to his devotees by coming to their rescue in times of crisis.

Pratapgad Fort

24 kilometres away from Mahableshwar, trekking over 400 steps and a long tour, Pratapgad is one of Shivaji Maharaja’s most fascinating creations.

How to get there?

Road ride from Pune city, Mahableshwar or Panchgani.

Pune airport is 137 kilometres from this fort.

Monsoon is the best time to travel here. The weather is fabulous and eating hot ‘buttha’  (Roasted Corn Cobs) and sipping ‘chai’ is the most fun on the fort when it rains.

Hotels are easily available throughout Mahableshwar and her sister hill station, Panchgani. The hotel ranges vary from economical to up to three star hotels. Boarding and lodging are easily taken care of as tourism has grown in this region over the years.

What to wear? Comfortable cotton for the trek uphill & Shoes to keep you going.

One can always eat at the food stalls offering hot bhajjiyas and vada pav, with spicy green chutney at the foot hills. Sugar-cane juice is a must have on this trip.

“There’s something about Shivaji Maharaj. How did he manage to climb up there and build a fort on top of that mountain? It is beautiful. But the climb takes effort and should be done when both people agree and the time is right”, said an enthusiastic Sartaj Aulakh, who drove to Mahableshwar from Pune city to have a good day!

From a distance, the top of the mountain appears to be a rounded peak. The ‘Ghats’ to the top of the mountains are narrow and steep. The fort is not visible till one reaches the top. Then onwards no vehicles are allowed. The flags on the fort are visible from below. The gigantic fort appears royal and majestic. It gives one a feeling of Freedom and Pride. The walk then begins. For fast and frequent trekkers this journey up takes anywhere between 20 minutes to an hour.

The top of the mountain is 180 meters long, and it lies to the right of the fort. It is approximately square in shape. There are in all 20 spots to look at in the fort. Like all the rest of Shivaji Maharaj’s forts, this fort is famous for its strategic location. This fort is picturesque, huge and beautiful. Sound echoes within the fort. The ancient canons are still placed strategically beside the wall gaps on the top of the fort.

Shivaji Maharaj created wonders during his era. One of them being the Fort of Pratapgad. A must visit and a gaze into an Eagles eye view!

Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is a world famous hill station in the Satara District of the Maharashtra State of India and one of the most popular tourist places in the country. Blessed with matchless natural beauty, Mahabaleshwar attracts tourists, nature lovers, artists, writers, poets and photographers throughout the year. The place is perched in the Western Ghat Ranges and ensures its presence in the list of evergreen forests of the world.
Where is it located?
Mahabaleshwar is located in the heart of Sahyadri Mountains in Satara District, 120 km away from Pune to the Southwest. The place is just 20 km away from yet another famous hill station Panchgani.

The beautiful plateau of Mahabaleshwar is spread over the vast area of 150 km i.e. 58 sq. m. with deep lush green valleys all around. The altitude of the plateau is 1,438 m above the sea level at Wilson/ Sunrise Point, the highest peak over there.

There are three villages in all in Mahabaleshwar viz. Old Kshetra Mahabaleshwar, Malcolm Peth and a part of another village called Shindola.

In some of the geographical facts of the place, Mahabaleshwar is the origin of the River Krishna that flows across Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Koyana, Venna (Veni), Gayatri and Savitri are the four other rivers originating here in Mahabaleshwar.

Following are some of the major attractions in Mahabaleshwar:

1) Arthur’s Seat Point:
The point has been named after the British officer Arthur Malet. Just 12 km away from the main market in Mahabaleshwar, Arthur’s Seat Point is regarded as the best point on the hill station. Arthur Malet discovered this point and built a house for himself over there and hence his name to the point. Beautiful valleys on both sides enhance the beauty of the point. If you climb up the steps leading to the Arthur’s Seat Point you see the Tiger’s Spring which is said to be the origin of the River Savitri. Arthur’s Seat Point is indeed the best spot in Mahabaleshwar.

2) Bombay Point:
It is also called the Sunset Point. In the northern side of the point you see the giant Pratapgad fort. Loads of people rush to this point to see the beautiful sunset here and hence the name Sunset Point. It lies on the old road to Bombay and hence the name Bombay Point.

3) Kate’s Point:
You see here a huge rock of 50 m in height. Picturesque view of the Krishna valley and that of Dhom Dam are awesome. Sir John Malcolm who made Mahabaleshwar famous as a hill station had a daughter called Kate and this was her famous point in Mahabaleshwar. So it was named after her. The shape of this region looks like that of an elephant’s head from the southern side.

4) Babbington Point:
This point lies about 2.5 km away from the main market. From this point you can see Makrandgadh, Solshi and Koyna Valley.

5) Wilson Point:
This point is also known as Sunrise Point as the sunrise looks awesome from here. Three round platforms here offer a place to see the sunrise. Platfrom No 02 is a kilometer away from the main market and is at a height of 4735 ft from the sea level which is the highest point in Mahabaleshwar.

6) Venna Lake:
Venna Lake retains its own identity though a part of Mahabaleshwar. The lake occupies an area of 27 acres and serves as the main source of water supply to Mahabaleshwar. If you love fishing you can do it here but of course with prior permission of the concerned authorities. Boating in Venna Lake is fun.

Apart from these, Helen’s Point, Connaught Peak, Lodwick Point and beautiful waterfalls are among the major attractions in Mahabaleshwar.

Bhaje Caves

Tourist attractions in and around Pune are many. A number of temples, forts, historical monuments, museums, gardens and amusement parks in and around the city have elevated the status of Pune from the tourism point of view. These places make you forget your own mundane world full of hurries and worries and offer you some moments of utmost tranquility and serenity.

Bhaje and Karle Caves in the district of Pune must be included in the list of such places. Proximity of these caves from the city of Pune makes them a perfect spot for a one day trip. And this is the reason why the caves have always been a popular tourist attraction.

Bhaje Caves:
Bhaje caves are more ancient than the Karle caves. According to some references, the caves must have carved out somewhere in the second century BC. The complex houses two Chaityas, 13 viharas and a couple of dining halls.

The chaitya in cave number 12 was the main one in good olden days. The wooden façade of the chaitya does not exist anymore. The width of the hall is 8.17 meters while the length is 18 meters. 27 octagonal pillars in the chaitya are pretty simple as far as the architectural style is concerned; but they look grand. The height of the pillars is around 5.9 meters. You can see Buddhist symbols carved beautifully on these pillars. Use of wood can be called one of the distinctive features of these caves. Some of the wooden parts, however, are now in ruins.

As you move ahead, you find 14 stupas carved in a single cave side by side. These stupas used to be constructed in the memory of the Buddhist Acharyas. You can see the names of these Acharyas carved out on these stupas.

Carvings in the cave number 20 are just awesome. The Archeological Survey of India has locked the Vihara in this cave. The visitors have to contend only with the carvings depicting human figures. Most of the viharas here like those in the Karle Caves are two storied. The construction vihara on the extreme end could not be completed.

You can also go to Lohgad fort or Visapur which is near to Bhaje caves.

Where are they Located?
Karle Bhaje caves are just 50 km away from the city of Pune near Malavali off Pune-Mumbai highway. These are two different caves situated close to each other.

Panchgani:

Panchgani has always been a center of attraction for the tourists from all over the world. It is said that God has been partial while bestowing natural beauty upon this part of the world as the greenery and the scenery in Panchgani are matchless. Oodles of nature lovers, tourists, trekkers, painters and photographers come to Panchgani throughout the year and get drenched in the bounties of nature.
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So plan a trip to Panchgani and rejuvenate yourself.

Ashtavinayak Darshan

Shri Mayureshwar – Morgaon

Morgaon, situated on the banks of river Karha comes in Baramati Taluka, in District Pune. It is said that shape of this place is like a peacock & once upon a time there were so many peacocks in the Morgaon, as such it is called as "Morgaon'.

Temple

 On climbing the steps you will see a big 'Nandi is present before Ganapati instead of Lord Shiva? You will find answer to this question in this legend :-

'Years ago, this Nandi was taken on a cart for its consecration in front of a near by Shivalaya. However, the cart carrying Nandi broke in front of Mayureshwara's temple and Nandi-Maharaj sat before Mayureshwar's temple for ever. People tried their best to shift Nandi from this place but nandi did not move an inch. The artisan carrying cart had omen in the night. Nandi appeared in his dream and said, "I want to stay before Mayureshwar only. Don't try to shift me elsewhere forcefully, I won't come." People left with no other alternative dropped the idea of shifting Nandi to other place. Like this Nandiji was consecrated before Mayureshwar.

The temple has four gates. In the eastern gate is Lakshminarayan, giver of Dharma. In the sourthern gate are parvati & shankar givers of Artha (desired goals). Then comes western gate where Rati & kama resides. Lastely in the northern gate reside, Mahivaraha (Earth & Sun).

Thus all deities & all sages resides in this temple. In the eight corners, there are eight statutes of Ganapati called EKDANTA, MAHODARA, GAJANANA, LAMBODAR, VIKATA, VIGHARAJA, DHUMRAVARNA & VAKRATUNDA.

In the temple complex there are trees of Shami, Mandar & Tarati. The tree of Tarati is also called as Kalpavruksha. Devotees meditate under this tree & attain desired goals.

Nobody is allowed to enter the Sanctum & do the Pooja of Moreshwar on his own.The various virtuous deeds performed here are Abhishek Pooja, Sahastravartan,Japa Yadnya,Mahadwar Yatra etc.

Idol

On doing Abhishek on 'Moreshwar' all desires are fulfilled.

Shri Chintamani - Theur

The one who is in search of happiness, whose mind is wavering like Lord Brahma, who is in the midst all calamities should go to Sthavar means Theur & worship Shree Chintamani & get rid of all Chintas (worries) & calamities.
Lord Brahma meditated here to subdue his waveringmind. As his worries (chinta) were removed the idol is called Chintamani. The place is called Sthar (stable) or Theur.
Theur is the nearest place of Ashtavinayak from Pune.

Shri Siddhivinayak - Siddhatek

Lord shri Hari Vishnu, Who was surrounded by fierce calamaties, performed penance on mountain Siddhetekwhich is on the bank of river Bhima. On receiving boon from Lord Shri Ganesh, Lord Vishnu killed two demons Madhu & Kaitabh. Oh! Lord Siddheswar Shri Ganesh accept my salutation.
Lord Vishnu got Siddhi at Siddhatek as such Ganesh idol here is called as Siddhivinayak . It is believed that Siddhivinayak leads work to the completion. Shree Siddhivinayak is supposed to be Jagrut place (awakened) of Shree Ganesh.
Morya Gosavi of Morgaon & Narayan Maharaj of Kedgaon have attained siddhi here. Peshva Senapati Shree Haripant Phadke resumed his lost post by performing Vinayak's penance for 21 days.

Shri MahaGanapati - Ranjangaon

Lord Shivshankar obtained a boon by propitiating Lord Shree Ganesh who stays at Manipur, who gave boon to Mahadev, whose appearance is beautiful & pleasing & who is statue of good qualities.
Mahaganapati means powerful Ganapati. Mahaganapati has eight, ten or twelve hands.Lord Shivshankar got victory over Tripurasur (demon) on worshipping Mahaganapati. Therefore it is called "tripurari Varado Mahaganapati. (Lord Shivshankar is called as Tripurari after his victory over Tripurasur)

Shri Girijatmaj - Lenyadri

Mother of universe, beautiful wife of Lord Shiva Goddess Parvati performed long penance of Shri Ganesh & at last obtained Shree Ganesh as her son. I salute Girija Parvati's son Girijatmaj who stayson mountain Lekhanadri(i.e.Lenyadri)
Lenyadri is the only place among Ashtavinayaka places,which is situated on mountain & in the vicinity of the Buddhist caves.

Fort Shivneri, where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born is at a distance of 5-6 kms from Lenyadri.

Since the Ganesh idol is attached to the wall one can not circumnavigate Girijatmaj.

Shri Vighneshwar - Ozar

The Ganapati is elephant headed, benignant and remover of obstacle. He has defeated demon Vighnasur. He himself is Brahma. H
Vighneshwara's temple is situated on the banks of river Kukadi. Among Ashtavinayak Kshetra Vighneshwara Temple is the only temple with golden dome and pinnacle.

Shri Varadvinayak - Mahad

I salute Ganaraj who is leader of Ganas, who is proud of his devotees & who abodes at Mahad & has pleasant appearance.
In the temple of Varadvinayak, one Nandadeep (lamp) is alighten for last 107 years. Mahad has beautiful surroundings. In the ancient period it was called as Bhadrak or Mahad & so many sages & sects had resided in this place.

Two stone idols of Riddhi & Siddhi will be seen in the sanctum. Two Ganesh idols are situated in the two corners. Idol in the left corner is smeared in vermillion & idol uin the right corner is made of white marble with trunk turned to right. Sanctum made up of stone & surrounded by beautifully carved stone elephant carvings, houses the idol. The idol is in sitting position, with the trunk turned left.The idol faces east.