Shree Ganpatipule Temple is a popular temple located in Ganpatipule, Maharashtra’s Ratnagiri district, along the Konkan coastline dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom and success. The temple is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Maharashtra, and it is thought to be a swayambhu (self-originated) temple where the Ganesha idol emerged from the earth. The sanctum of this temple is illuminated by the sun’s golden rays, adding to its distinctness.

Its origin can be imagined based on references in ancient literature such as the Mudgal-puran, where it is known as the “Paschim Dwar-Devata” or “Paschim Dwarpalak” (Western Sentinel God). The Ganpatipule temple is located at the foot of a small hill on the seashore. As a result, pilgrims who visit here prefer to take a “Pradakshina” around the hill rather than just to the temple. The “Pradakshina” is typically performed to demonstrate obeisance to the Lord and devotion to Him.

Story/Legend of Shree Ganpatipule Temple Ratnagiri

There are numerous stories associated with temples and deities. Around 500 years ago, there was a ‘Kevada’ (flower tree) forest at the bottom of the hill where “Swayambhu” Ganapati now stands. Balbhatji Bhide, a Brahmin, resided here. When he faced a major personal disaster, he refused to eat or drink until the problem was resolved. So he went alone into the forest for penance and worshipped his guru, “Mangalamurti” Ganesha.

During the same period, Bhide had a dream in which Ganesha revealed that he had come to Agargule (Ganesh Gule) in his “Nirakar” (void) form to relieve the sufferings of all my devotees. Therefore, you should worship and atone here. One of Bhide’s cows wasn’t milking, so the cowherd kept an eye on her. He was astounded to see milk dripping from a cow udder at the location where the God idol is now. The cowherd told Bhide about the incident, and while cleaning, he noticed a statue of Swayambhu Ganesh.

So he built a shrine on the grass and started performing his first rituals. Later, Secretary Annaji Dutta, one of Shivaji Maharaj’s eight trusted ministers, constructed a magnificent dome rather than a grassy top.

History of Shree Ganpatipule Temple Ratnagiri

During the rule of Shivaji Maharaj, Sardar Govindrap Bundele built the auditorium from the Peshwa court. Following that, Kolhapur Sansthan Secretary Vasudeorao Barve erected a gold-plated dome summit. His Highness Nanasaheb Peshwa arranged for the “Nandadeep” to be lit continuously, and Ramabai Peshwa built a permanent hard-stone structure for the pilgrims. Madhavrao Peshwa constructed the “Sabha Mandap”.

The 400-year-old Ganpati idol at Ganpatipule is said to have emerged from the ground. This deity faces west to guard the western gates, as opposed to east-facing deities in other Indian temples.

Architecture of Shree Ganpatipule Temple Ratnagiri

The temple’s main attraction is the Lord Ganesha idol, which is made of white sand and stands approximately 4 feet tall. The idol faces west, which is considered auspicious and unique. The idol is also adorned with various ornaments and flowers, and a silver mouse (Ganesha’s vehicle) sits at its feet. You can pray to the deity and seek blessings, as well as participate in the temple’s various rituals and ceremonies.

Shree Ganpatipule Temple is significant for both religious and cultural purposes. It is considered one of India’s Astaganapati temples (eight Ganesha temples) and attracts a large number of devotees who come to seek blessings from the elephant god. The present temple was built in its current form between 1998 and 2003. To give the impression that it was carved out of a single rock, it was built with a special type of stone known as Agra Red Stone.

The front gate, to the north, is a massive main gate with two elephants with raised trunks standing on either side. There is also a large bronze “Mushak” (mouse) near the gate. The “Mushak” is Sri Ganesh’s “Vahana” (carrier), which is commonly found in all of His temples and is extremely sacred to Hindus. It is believed that if anyone has a wish to be granted by Lord Ganesha, he or she can whisper the wish into the Mushak’s ears and pray for its fulfilment.

Facts about Shree Ganpatipule Temple Ratnagiri

• Shree Ganpatipule Temple is the 400-year-old “Swayambhu” (self-incarnation idol) land of Ganesha, located in Ganpatipule, Maharashtra.
• The temple is located at the base of a hill, and pilgrims walk around it to show their respect.
• Shree Ganpatipule Temple is located 350 kilometres from Mumbai in Ratnagiri district on Maharashtra’s Konkan coast.
• Shree Ganpatipule Temple is unique and holds a significant place in Hindu culture as one of the ‘Astha-Ganapatis’.
• Another notable feature of this temple is that Ganesha’s abode is ‘Swayambhoo’ (self-incarnated).
• Unlike the deities in other Indian temples, who face east, the ‘Swayambhoo Ganpati’ faces west, earning him the nickname “Paschim-Dwar-Devata” or “Paschim-Dwarpalak,” which translates to Western Sentinel God.
• Shree Ganpatipule Temple also provides a beautiful view of the sea and sand, creating a serene and peaceful environment for visitors. It is a place where you can unwind with your loved ones and share a memorable experience.
• The fact that Shree Ganpatipule Temple is the source of the town’s name demonstrates its significance.

Famous Festivals In Shree Ganpatipule Temple Ratnagiri

Millions of people visit the Shree Ganpatipule Temple every year to celebrate all of the festivals that are held here.

• Ganesh Chaturthi is a significant celebration in this temple. It takes place in either September or August. It marks the beginning of a series of Hindu celebrations and is typically observed for five days.
• Bhadrapada Month Celebrations – Every year people from distant places gather in this place to offer prayers and seek blessings from the Lord Ganesha. It occurs in August or September, which is the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, and the celebrations last more than a month.
• Vijayadasami – Vijayadasami is another major festival in Morgaon Ganpati temple. It is celebrated in September or October along with Navaratri, a major Hindu festival.
• Akshaya Tritiya – Akshaya Tritiya is an auspicious day observed in temples throughout May. On this day, special Poojas to the Lord are performed. The benefits of Jaap, Yagya, and Punya are thought to last a devotee’s entire life and never diminish. Akshaya Tritiya, like Ugadi and Vijayadashami, is regarded as one of the days with no negative consequences.

Best Time to Visit Shree Ganpatipule Temple Ratnagiri

This place is very heavenly and spiritual, and you can visit it all year. However, the best time to visit this temple is during the monsoon and winter seasons. During the monsoon season, this location receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making it appear heavenly with its greenery and bringing freshness elsewhere.

How to Reach Shree Ganpatipule Temple Ratnagiri

The famous Shree Ganpatipule Temple is located in Ganpatipule of Ratnagiri District in Maharastra.

By Air: The nearest airport is Mumbai International Airport, which is about 375 km away from the Shree Ganpatipule Temple.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Ratnagiri Railway Station which is around 30 kilometres from the Shree Ganpatipule Temple.

By Road: Shree Ganpatipule Temple is approximately 25 kilometres from the Ratnagiri Bus Stand. You can get to the temple by taxi or auto, or by bus from Ratnagiri. The temple is located at the base of a hill, near Ganpatipule Beach. The MSRTC State Buses are also available for transportation from Ratnagiri Bus Station.

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