Laced with the evergreen ranges of Sahyadri and an endless stretch of unpolluted silver sand, lined with innumerable trees of mango, cashew, coconut and casurinas at the coastal side of konkan is Ganapatipule which is a 'Swayambhu'(self- originated) holy place of Lord Gajanan. This place is a
famous pilgrimage centre too. Many devotees have generously donated to the Deity, the daily activities at this holy centre, festivals and many other programmes carried out at Ganapatipule, a place of scenic splendors at the western coast of India. Let all the people who visit this place be able to be a part of the various activities of Lord Gajanana undertaken here and let the all -Pervading God who is the rescuer of the earth shower His blessings on all to make them prosperous.
HISTORY OF THE HOLY PLACE
The Ganesh Temple at Ganapatipule in Ratanagiri district of konkan which is located at a distance of 350 kms from Mumbai is very ancient, right from the time of Peshwas. In ancient literature like Mudgal - puran etc. this ' Siddhivinayaka's (Ganesh) temple is being referred as “Paschim Dwar- Devata “(Western Sentinal God) various myths are prevalent about the temples and deity in Konkan.
Ganpatipule is one of the" Ashta Dwar Devatas" (Eight Welcoming Dieties) of the subcontinent and is known as Western’s Sentinel God. During the reign of Moguls (about 1600 years before), there was a' kevda' (Flower tree) Jungle at the foot of the hill where the temple of the 'Swayambhu' Ganapati is presently situated. Here lived Balbhatji Bhide, a brahmin, who was a renter of the village, during the moghul period. Bhide encountered a major personal problem. Bhide being a determined person, that he was, made up his mind to give up food and water till being relieved of the personal calamity. He stayed in the Kevda - Jungal for penance and to worship his tutelary direty' mangalmurti' (Lord Ganesh) during this period, Bhide had a vision about Lord Ganesh who said, “I have come to Aagargule (Ganesh Gule) to fulfill the wishes of my devotees. You worship and propitiate here, and will be relieved of all your difficulties”
During the same period, one of the cows of Bhide was not giving milk, for which reason, the cowherd kept a close watch on her. He was astonished to see that the milk was flowing from the cow's udder on the place where the idol of the God is placed at present. The cowherd narrated the incident to Bhide. After cleaning up the entire area Bhide found the idol of Lord Ganesh which he had seen in his vision He built a shrine here and started performing the rituals.
Ganapatipule derived its name from “Ganapati" or the Lord of "Ganas"(army) and Pule' which means sand dune.
Ganpatipule has a fine blend of religion and recreational activities. This is the land of the 400-year old Swayambhaoo (a naturally formed idol) Ganpati and a glittering white sand beach. Ganapatipule is ideal for family outing. The temple is 400 years old and is at the foot of a hillock. Most pilgrims believe in taking a 'Pradakshina' around the hill instead of just the temple. (Pradakshina is a form of showing obeisance wherein devotees walk in a circle around the idol of the deity or around the temple in which the idol is housed). Lord Ganpati of Ganpatipule is also called as the ‘Paschim-Dwar Devata' (Western Sentinel God). Two grand festivals are celebrated every year - one is Bhadrapad Shuddha Chaturthi (Ganesh-Chaturthi) and another is Magh Shuddha Chaturthi (Vianayaki Chaturthi).
Ganpatipule is a small village, serene, sedate and unspoiled. The beach here is still as natural and pristine as ever and traveling by roads is an experience by itself. There is something new to discover, in whichever direction you go: narrow roads, red soil, roofed houses, clean courtyards, innumerable fruit-bearing trees (including mango, betel nut, banana, jackfruit, etc.) and casuarinas lining the coast are a common sight. 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.
This is very renowned tourist destination in Ratnagiri district. Distance from Ratnagiri is 15-20 kms. There is pleasant seashore with scenic plantation of cypress trees. It is not advisable to venture in the deep sea alone as the level suddenly deeps to dangerous depth. Many a drowning accidents happen due to over-enthusiasm of the tourists. One can have a panoramic view of beautiful seashore up to Kotwade at one side, seashore of Malgund Varawade and Tivari port at other side of Ganpatipule from the hill behind the temple. Nearby villages are worth visiting. Ganeshgule, Kotwade, Malgund, Jaigad, Tivari Port, Kolisare etc. can be visited from Ganapatipule.
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