There are some journeys that stay with you long after you return, not because of grand plans, but because of the peace they quietly gift you. Our visit to Kunkeshwar Temple, near Devgad in Maharashtra, on 15th May 2025, was exactly that kind of experience.
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| Kunkeshwar Temple, Devgad |
On 14th May 2025, we began our journey from Pune to Devgad via the scenic Anuskura Ghat. On the way, we visited Pawankhind, the site of a famous historic battle, before continuing towards the ghat.
Pawankhind is associated with a heroic episode involving Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his loyal commander Baji Prabhu Deshpande. This battle took place during Shivaji Maharaj’s escape from Panhala Fort. He was being chased by the forces of Siddi Johar of the Adilshahi Sultanate. To ensure Shivaji Maharaj’s safe escape to Vishalgad Fort, Baji Prabhu Deshpande took a stand at a narrow mountain pass (then called Ghodkhind). Baji Prabhu and a small group of Maratha soldiers bravely held off a much larger enemy army. They fought fiercely for hours, despite being heavily outnumbered. Baji Prabhu continued fighting even after being severely wounded. He would keep fighting until he heard the cannon fire from Vishalgad, signaling that Shivaji Maharaj had reached safely. Upon hearing the cannon, he finally laid down his life. After this sacrifice, Shivaji Maharaj honored Baji Prabhu’s bravery. The pass was renamed “Pawankhind”, meaning “Sacred Pass”, to mark the supreme sacrifice made there.
Pawankhind is not just a place, it represents selfless sacrifice, courage against all odds, and unwavering dedication to a cause.
After crossing the ghat, we took a break at Pitambari Agro Tourism in Rajapur and enjoyed some delicious food before continuing our journey, reaching Devgad around 5 p.m.
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| Veg Thali at Pitambari Agro Tourism, Rajapur |
The Konkan summer welcomed us with warm sunshine, coconut-lined roads, and the earthy scent of the sea breeze. As we made our way toward Devgad, the landscape slowly shifted—from bustling roads to narrow coastal stretches dotted with mango orchards heavy with Alphonso fruit.
The final stretch to Kunkeshwar was particularly mesmerizing. The Arabian Sea began to peek through the coconut trees, and the rhythmic sound of waves felt like an invitation to slow down.
We stayed at the MTDC Beach Resort, located just a short walk from the temple and right along the coastline. One of the best things about staying at MTDC was the easy access to the beach and Kunkeshwar Temple. After freshening up, we spent time exploring the area around the resort. Enjoyed sea breeze after a warm summer day and relaxed under coconut trees with minimal distractions. The highlight was simply sitting outside and watching the sea, it felt like therapy.
Feeling tired after the journey, we decided to relax and stay at the resort for the evening.
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| MTDC Resort, Kunkeshwar |
Kunkeshwar Temple stands serenely right by the seashore, almost as if it rises organically from the sands. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this ancient temple is often called the “Kashi of Konkan.”
As we approached, the white temple structure against the deep blue sea created an almost surreal contrast. Unlike crowded pilgrimage destinations, this place felt calm, welcoming, and deeply spiritual.
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| Kunkeshwar Temple, Devgad |
The next morning began with a peaceful visit to the Kunkeshwar Temple. The temple stands beautifully near the sea, and the spiritual atmosphere feels pure and calming. Walking barefoot across the warm stone courtyard, I could feel a sense of grounding. The air was filled with the soft fragrance of incense and the distant chanting of prayers.
The darshan of Lord Shiva was peaceful and unhurried. Devotees moved quietly, offering flowers, coconut, and prayers. There was no rush—just a shared sense of devotion.
What made it even more special was the sound of crashing waves just behind the temple. It felt like nature itself was participating in the prayers.
After taking darshan, we stepped onto the quiet beach for a short walk, letting the gentle rhythm of the waves and the soft sea breeze sink in. The shoreline felt peaceful, almost meditative, with the temple standing gracefully behind us and the vast sea stretching endlessly ahead. Though we wished to linger longer, the rising summer heat soon became quite intense, making it difficult to stay out for too long. Reluctantly, we decided to head back to the resort, looking forward to the comfort of the cool indoors after those serene yet sun-soaked moments by the sea. The beach here is pristine and perfect for simply sitting and reflecting in the evening.
The pool experience was truly special, not just for the refreshing dip, but for the stunning surroundings. Overlooking the vast Arabian Sea, the view from the pool was absolutely breathtaking. As we relaxed in the water, we could see the sky gradually changing colors, with hues of orange, pink, and gold reflecting off the sea. The sunset from the poolside felt magical, creating a serene and picture-perfect moment that beautifully ended the day.
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| Kunkeshwar Beach |
The MTDC canteen served simple, home-style meals. The flavors were local and comforting, nothing fancy, but perfectly suited to the coastal vibe. After visiting the temple, we came back to the resort and enjoyed a simple complimentary breakfast of poha and amboli with chutney, though it was limited. Later, for lunch, we ordered kaju masala, rice bhakri, and jeera rice. The food was fresh, flavorful, and of good quality.
We spent some time resting in our room, unwinding with a bit of TV and simply enjoying the calm and comfort after the morning’s outing. As the day slowly cooled down, around 5 p.m., we made our way to the swimming pool within the resort. What followed was one of the most relaxing and memorable parts of our stay.
As evening approached, we sat near the swimming pool at resort, watching the sky turn into shades of orange and pink. The view of the temple silhouette against the glowing horizon was unforgettable. It was one of those moments where everything feels still and complete. As the sun began to set, the sky transformed into shades of orange, pink, and gold. The temple silhouette against the glowing horizon was breathtaking. Sitting there quietly, I realized how rare it is to find such a perfect blend of spirituality and nature. No noise, no distractions, just the sound of waves and a feeling of deep calm.
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| Sunset at Kunkeshwar Beach, Devgad |
The pool experience was truly special, not just for the refreshing dip, but for the stunning surroundings. Overlooking the vast Arabian Sea, the view from the pool was absolutely breathtaking. As we relaxed in the water, we could see the sky gradually changing colors, with hues of orange, pink, and gold reflecting off the sea. The sunset from the poolside felt magical, creating a serene and picture-perfect moment that beautifully ended the day.
The next day, we set off towards Ratnagiri and continued our journey back, reaching Pune the following day.
Our visit to Kunkeshwar Temple on 15th May 2025 wasn’t just a trip, it was a pause from the chaos of everyday life. It reminded me that sometimes, the most meaningful journeys are the simplest ones. This trip wasn’t about ticking off places, it was about soaking in the moment. Every little experience felt genuine and unfiltered.
