Loteshwar Temple, Ratnagiri

Loteshwar temple is situated in a village called Dugve near Kurtade village about 25 kilometers from Ratnagiri. 

After reaching at Dugve village, you need to park your car near the arch and from there you need to walk for 5-10 minutes to reach the temple. 

It's a small temple in Konkan which is famous for it's unique design, a temple standing on just one huge towering rock about 30 feet high and 25 feet in circumference. The rock itself is located in a stream of water without any support. During the rainy season, the stream flows in two directions still does not have the slightest effect on the rock. 

History of the temple is as stated by villagers - In ancient times, there was a dense forest. In the village there was a brahmins house, he has cows and bulls. The cowherd took care of them, cowherd used to take the cattle to graze every day. One of the cow escaping the cowherd's attention, would always come to this place. A large network of vines had formed there, cow would climb up to the high rock and release its milk and then mix with the cattle. The cowherd did not know this. Since the cow at home did not give milk, the owner suspected the cowherd of stealing milk, One day, the cowherd kept an eye on the cow, then he noticed that the cow was going through the network of vines and releasing its milk on the big rock. He approached his master and narrated what he had seen. Hearing this, the owner got angry. He came with a scythe in his hand and went through the vines and cut the part stuck in the vines and caused a big injury, The ropes of the vines broke and the shivlinga was visible at that place, Due to the injury, the  Shivlinga was slightly pierced. The injury can still be seen today on the Shivlinga.  This incident gradually became known in the village, all villagers gathered at the place. They prostrated themselves before the god, the day when Shivlinga was seen was Monday in the month of Paush. All the villagers together cleared the forest and build a grass temple on the rock and a ladder was made up to the rock with the help of kalka (a type of bamboo).  Later the temple was damaged in a storm in 60s. After that, the villagers built a Kaularu template and as the fame grew the temple also changed to dome-shaped. Since Sri Swayambhu Loteshwar appeared in the month of Paush and was first seen by cowherd, as offering is made to the God as a meal for the cowherds.  Also, Shivratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm. 

The idol is said to be naturally existing on the rock. The exact year in which this temple was built at this place is not known. The temple is located at the bottom of a valley. There are hills on three sides of the temple.

The temple is surrounded by dense jungle and a flowing stream, the water stream flows for twelve months. 

Loteshwar is a self-contained temple. The beautiful natural beauty around the temple enchants the tourists. A small serene village with breathtaking scenic views and a temple built on the rock in the middle of a stream make this place as a must visit place.

Ancient Palasnath Temple near Pune

Palasnath Temple is located in the backwater of Ujjani Dam, which is 120 km from Pune. Ujjani Dam is a dam built on Bhima River near Ujjani village of Madha Tehshil in Solapur district of Maharashtra.  The temple is submerged in Ujjani dam backwater and it can be visited only during summer or in case of heavy drought. 

Ancient Palasnath(Palasdeo) Temple

How to reach Palasnath Temple from Pune?

Drive through Solapur Highway - Cross Bhigwan - After a few kms, there is Palasdev village arch on left - Take a left in Village - Follow the road and park your vehicle. You may have to take a small boat ride to cross the backwater and Boats are available when the temple is accessible.

Drive through Solapur Highway - Cross Bhigwan - Cross Dalaj (both No. 1 and No. 2) -  Reach to Kalewadi No. 1 and take left  - drive through backwater towards temple. 

This route is preferred during May when there is no water  in the dam in this area. But before driving through this area please check if it is completely dry. 

The temple is dedicated to lord Shiva as Palasnath and it is situated near Palasdeo village. The temple has 1000-year-old history and its a masterpiece of architectural style. This ancient structure created in a Hemadpanthi style in 11th century, was built by Chalukya Kings.  The temple has beautiful stone carvings and temple structure is very similar to Kopeshwar temple at Khidrapur, Sangameshwar temple and Bhuleshwar temple near Pune.  

The temple is west facing and there is Lord Hanuman idol kept at the entrance of main temple (Garbhgruh - inner room where the idol is kept).

Lord Hanuman

Way to enter Mandap

Palasnath Temple

There is no Shivpindi(Shivlinga idol) in the temple, it was relocated in the village and new temple was built there during Ujjani Dam construction. 

Entrance of Garbhgruh

Garbhgruh

As per the pillar structure, temple was built under Yadav era. 

Pillar

Pillars

Carving on the pillar

You can see the beautiful carving on the walls.

Carving on the wall

Ceiling

Due to the water of the dam, the temple has been damaged a lot but still this temple in the water looks very attractive. If you look closely, you can see that the temple has been renovated during different times, during any of the renovation the 'Sharbh Shilp' sculpture made in limestone is placed there. 

The kalasa of the temple is also seen to have been renovated and newly built and so looks different than base temple. 

Sharbh Shilp

Kalas

Palasnath temple is known for its serene ambiance and intricate carvings. This temple is also mentioned in Dnyaneshwari, is a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita written by the Sant Dnyaneshwar in 1290. 

The backwaters of Ujjain Dam is also famous for bird watching, it is home to various migratory birds such as the Greater Flamingo, Eurasian Spoonbill, Bar Headed Goose, Collared Pratincole, and the Osprey, bird of prey. Bhigwan is also home to the many birds, one can find more than 230 species of birds here.

We took blessing of Siddhivinayak from Siddhetek village.  It is third Ganapati from Ashtavinayak. After darshan we had lunch at Siddhivinayk hotel, its a small shack in which they serve you maharatrian thali which includes Pithale, Bhakri, Batata Rassa, Thecha, Pickle and Dal Rice at Rs.150. Food was very tasty. There are many such hotel close to bank of Bhima river, and all of those nearly serve same menu.

We reached home around 5pm. 

Maharashtrian Veg Thali

Relaxing trip to Ganeshgule, Ratnagiri

Ganeshgule is a small village in Ratnagiri district, very close from well known village Pawas.  It is the place to go if you want to take a break from the city and reconnect with nature. Ganeshghule Beach is popular among nature lovers and is known for its clear sunset view. The beach is 1.5 km long and is flanked by mountains on both sides. The rocky, white sandy terrain and clear emerald sea of the secluded beach. The beach is a bit out of the way, it's worth to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Ganeshgule Village (old photo taken during monsoon)

We travelled to the place from Ganpatipule. You can follow below route if you are traveling from Pune.

How to reach Ganeshgule?

Amba Ghat Route

Pune - Karad - Take right at Narayanwadi after McDonald's and drive towards Kokrud village - Reach Malkapur follow Amba ghat route - Sakharpa Town - Pawas - Ganeshgule

Varandha Ghat route via Chiplun 

Pune - Bhor - Varandha Ghat - Mahad - drive to Khed (skip Poladpur via Kashedi Ghat) - Chiplun - Sangameshwar - Ratnagiri - Pawas -  Ganeshgule

Tamhini Ghat Route via Chiplun

Pune - Paud - Mangaon - Mahad - drive to Khed (skip Poladpur via Kashedi Ghat) - Chiplun - Sangameshwar - Ratnagiri - Pawas -  Ganeshgule

Kumbharli Ghat route via Patan and Chiplun

Pune - Satara - Umbraj - follow Umbraj Patan road - Patan - Kumbharli Ghat - Kherdi - Chiplun - Sangameshwar - Ratnagiri - Pawas -  Ganeshgule

We followed Kumbharli Ghat route as we wanted to visit Dervan and then Ganpatipule. Road condition was good except few rough patches. We were started our journey around 5.30 am early morning and reached the ghat section around 10 am, there was no traffic at all. We reached Ganpatipule around 2pm and stayed there. 

Next day after visiting Swami Swaroopanand Math at Pawas, we reached Rama Niwas around 2pm. As we stepped into the property, we were greeted by a sense of tranquility and relaxation. The hosts were friendly and made sure that we had a memorable experience. The room was spotless and well-maintained, offering everything we needed for a comfortable stay. There are only two rooms, owner stays at ground floor and rooms are at first floor. If you have a senior citizen accompanying with you then you should not choose the place as you need to climb iron staircase to reach the room and that staircase is not easy to climb for old person.

What really set this homestay apart was the private beach access. It felt like our own secluded paradise, away from the crowds. We enjoyed every moment of our stay and would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a serene beach retreat. They do not provide food, but their Aunty staying next door who provides authentic konkani food. We ordered Kala Watana Usal, Rice Bhakri, Phanas (Jackfruit) Bhaji and obviously Modak. Food quality was awesome.  We were tired and very much hungry so forgot to click photos. 😛

One more wonderful option to stay at Ganeshgule is Oceano Pearl, a property of hospitality firm O’Nest, that gives you the comfort of a hotel. I did not get the booking as due to some event whole property was booked on these dates. Megha Dhade's Villa Mangoes and Seashells is also few steps away from Rama Niwas, there you can experience a stay at perfect konkani house. 

But if you are looking for good accommodation in a reasonable rate then Rama Niwas is the best choice.  

Ganeshgule Beach (Photo taken from Google)

After taking rest for 2 hours, as the evening approached, we went to the beach and it looked just beautiful. We walked up and down the beach, feeling the softness of the sand beneath our feet and cool mild breeze in hair. It was Saturday still there was nobody except us, that feeling itself was very wonderful. The experience was so soulful, it felt as if the time just stands still. 

Ganeshgule Beach is considered a perfect place for those who want to relax and spend peaceful moments. Swimming and sunbathing are the favorite activities at the beach. No water sports are available on the beach, at least it was not available when we visited.

One should not miss the sunset here, the golden hours cast a spell in the environment like Midas Touch, turning everything to Gold. The beach is an isolated beach that gives a divine experience with a quiet and peaceful environment.

Sunset at Ganeshgule Beach

Next morning we left room around 8am to visit well-known Ganeshgule Temple which is located 1.5 km from the beach and is situated on a hill near the beach. This temple contains the idol of Lord Ganesha that is known as Swayambhu. The trunk of Lord Ganesha is towards the west in the temple. In addition, this temple contains an ancient well of the Pandava era. 

Ganeshgule Temple Arch

Ganesh Temple, Ganeshgule

Undir mama (Mouse)

Lord Ganesh, Ganeshgule

Information Board in Temple

You can see picturesque view of a village from the temple.

Hill seen from Ganesh Temple

From Ganesh temple we went to Laxmi Narayan Temple in Ganeshgule, I got to know about this temple from one of my friend and wanted to visit since long time. This is very old temple surrounded by mango trees and made up of woods. There is beautiful wooden carving inside the temple, crafted wooden pillars, it gives feel of typical konkani temple. It is very calm and peaceful place. Beside this temple there is another temple of lord Shiva made of stone.

Laxmi Narayan Temple, Ganeshgule

Garud (Eagle)

Traditional Tulashi Vrundavan

Laxmi Narayan

Deepmal

For breakfast we have chosen Hotel Kshanbhar Vishranti near Kasheli Phata. This is a small hotel beside the bay of Kasheli, right next to the back waters of Muchkundi River, this place is scenic and windy. It’s a place for breakfast and snacks, they serve simple home style food. We enjoyed Cut Wada, Wadapav, Poha and Misal, taste of food was amazing.

This small restaurant in the village outskirts is a good option for travelers.

After breakfast we went to visit Devghali beach which is in Kasheli village and approximately 25 kms from Ganeshgule, it took us an hour to reach the beach. Devghali beach in Kasheli village is a hidden beach, the recent photos on social media attracted many tourists and I was one of them. Kasheli is a hidden village in the Ratnagiri district. Many people are still unaware of it. Since it is a hidden beach, it is very clean and scenic.

This beach is majorly known for its sunset.  If possible, plan to spend an evening there so you can capture spectacular view of sunset from the hill. Swimming on this island is strictly prohibited. From local folk we got to know that entry to this beach is restricted during monsoon. The beauty of Devghali beach can not be expressed, it can only feel.

Devghali beach, Kasheli

Sea view from Devghali Beach

Then we went back to the room around 1pm, after having lunch we checked out and travelled to Vijaydurg Fort. 

Please check the blog for Vijaydurg Fort -https://bhaktitakalkar.blogspot.com/2024/03/quick-trip-to-vijaydurg-fort.html

Useful Info - 

Dinner at Rama Niwas, veg thali at 200 Rs. per person

Stay at Rama Niwas - 2500 Rs per day for AC room with wifi

Useful Contacts - 

Rama Niwas, Ganeshgule - 9405069665

Aunty at Rama Niwas for food - 9673249735

Hotel Kshanbhar Vishranti, Kasheli - 9403838725

O'NEST Oceano Pearl - 8378957789