Ganpatipule in Maharashtra
Ganapatipule is a small village on the Konkan coast in Maharashtra, with a series of beaches and vantage points offering some stunning views of the sea. The Swayambhu Ganpati Temple, on the Ganapatipule beach itself is the primary attraction in Ganapatipule that attracts thousands of pilgrims every year to this village. The tranquility of the temple percolates in the whole village and there is an aura of peace to Ganapatipule which is hard to miss.
Surrounded with greenery a nearly 4000 year old landmark the Swayambhu Ganpati Temple (Swayambhu means a self-originated idol, Ganapati). It 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.These god-fearing local devotees take a “Pradakshina” around the hill where the temple is located, not just around the temple.
Pradakshina is a form of showing obeisance. The devotees walk in a circle around the idol of the Lord or around the temple, (the house of the Lord).Ganapatipule with a series of pristine beaches apart from the Ganapatipule beach itself makes Ganapatipule an ideal holiday destination for a beach lover. The twin beaches of Aare – Ware and the Malgund beach flanks either sides of the Ganapatipule beach.There are many other tourist spots in Ganpatipule apart from the beaches and the ganapati temple in Ganapatipule. Malgund at a distance of 2 KMs from Ganapatipule is the birthplace of the famous marathi poet Keshavsut and houses the memorial of the great poet. Jaigad a 17th century fort about 15 KMs from Ganapatipule offer some spectacular views of the village and the sea. The Karahateshwar temple near the Jagad fort is a peaceful place to be in. Lakshmi Keshav temple in Kolisare is also worth a visit!
Prachin Konkan
Prachin Konkan is a life size museum in Ganapatipule depicting life in yester years in Konkan. Prachin Konkan, is the brain child of Mr. Sardesai who succeeded in not only providing interesting information about Konkan to the tourist but also employment opportunities for the localites. A guided tour takes you through various aspects of life in Konkan in the past. There is a small garden with trees worshiped depending on a persons sunsign in the premises.