RATNAGIRI

                              GANPATIPULE

The Swamyambhu Ganapathi Temple, a 4000 year old landmark lies nuzzled in green pastures. Swayambhu means ‘self-made’, this temple has a self-built idol of Lord Ganapathi. Thousands of devotees and tourists throng this religious - holiday destination year after year. Ganapatipule, the name of the village is composed of two words, Ganapati means the Lord of the ‘ganas’ or army and pule means sandbank. Ganapatipule is among the ‘Ashta Ganapatis’ (eight Ganaptis) of India. This place is popularly referred to as the ‘Paschim Dwar Devatha’ meaning Western sentinel God.

                                 GANPATIPULE BEACH

                           

Ganapatipule, a tiny village has tranquil, unpolluted, and serene surroundings. Ganapatipule Beach is still pristine, sparkling, and natural, as it has always been for years. Traveling to this place through the Konkan stretch is a wonderful experience by itself. The entire stretch is lush green and filled with mango, coconut, betel nut and jackfruit trees. The local people are very warm and friendly and make all visitors feel at home.

Ganpatipule is known as the most important place for the pilgrims on the western sea coast of India. The legend says that it is one of the eight gates of India, mythically known as Ashtadwar. The place is a famous religious destination blessed by nature. The legend says that the god Ganesha itself came in one of resident's dream and told him to build a temple for him as he wished to reside there. The hill behind the temple is actually an avatar of the great Ganesha itself. So people have to worship it, too. Recently the temple has been renovated by the trust. The records say that Maratha king Shivaji visited the temple and helped it to get renovated. Thereafter he appointed a person to look after it.

                                                  GANPATIPULE TEMPLE

Sankashti Chaturthi is considered as the holy day to be there. So the place can be seen crowded on this occasion. Now the temple has been computerized in order to maintain it. The security of temple is also above par. There is an accommodation available by the trust with a nominal charge. The electricity is provided to the temple using green sources like windmill and solar cells. Apart from this spiritual attraction, Ganpatipule is blessed by various scenic beauties. Bhandarpule beach is quite near from there, which is a magnificent place. People are advised not to go into deep waters here.