Ganpatipule
Encyclopedia
Ganapatipulé is a small town located in Ratnagiri district
on the Konkan
coast of Maharashtra
. The town of Chiplun
is to its north.
400 years old Ganpati image at Ganpatipule is said to have sprung up from the soil. This deity faces the West, so as to guard the western gates, unlike deities in other Indian temples who face the east. The temple is at the base of a hill, and pilgrims walk around (pradakshina) the hill as a mark of respect.
Ganapatipule is approximately 375 km. south of Mumbai, along the Konkan Coast. Ganapatipule is a very small town with about 100 houses, having one of the most spectacular beaches along the Konkan Coast – an idyllic getaway that attracts peace-seekers, beach lovers, and pilgrims alike. The temple of Swayambhu (self-originated) Ganesh is much frequented by thousands every year. The God is considered to be the Paschim Dwardevta (Western Sentinel God of India), and those who visit Ganapatipule, make it a point to pay their respects to this great deity. Aside from its clean beach and clear waters, Ganapatipule is rich in flora, including mangroves and coconut palms.
. The region has a long illustrious past and is even mentioned in Indian mythology.
. He was born here in 1866. He is termed as a poet who heralded the dawn of modern Marathi poetry. There is a very beautiful monument at Malgund dedicated to his work and also a museum where you can find information on most of the modern day poets of Marathi language. The Memorial is a real treat for people who are interested in Marathi literature.
The town is easily accessible from the port city of Ratnagiri, which also has a railway station and an airport.
). From Nivali, one has to take right turn for Ganapatipule. Nivali to Ratnagiri is around 20 km. Nivali to Hatkhamba is around 4 km. From Hatkhamba one has to take right turn for Ratnagiri, which is 16 km from here. Sangameshwar is about 25 km from Nivali and Chiplun is 45 km. From Ganapatipule one can directly approach Ratnagiri without coming to Nivali and going through Hatkhamba. The direct road is full of turns and little narrow compared to NH-17. But the journey is full of natural beauty and sea view. That distance is around 30km. Mumbai is 375 km away via Mahad and Pune is 331 km away via Satara.
Buses are available from major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Sangli, Kolhapur and Solapur to Ratnagiri. From Ratnagiri, private cabs also ply to the town.
Ratnagiri District
Ratnagiri district is one of the 35 districts of Maharashtra state in western India. Ratnagiri is the district headquarters of the district. The district is 11.33% urban. The district is bounded by the Arabian Sea to the west, Sindhudurg district to the south, Raigad district to the north and...
on the Konkan
Konkan
The Konkan also called the Konkan Coast or Karavali is a rugged section of the western coastline of India from Raigad to Mangalore...
coast of Maharashtra
Maharashtra
Maharashtra is a state located in India. It is the second most populous after Uttar Pradesh and third largest state by area in India...
. The town of Chiplun
Chiplun
Chiplun is a city and a municipal council in Ratnagiri district in the state of Maharashtra, India. Located on the Mumbai–Goa highway in western India. The city is about 320 km south of Mumbai in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. It is a fast developing city in Konkan with a strong cultural...
is to its north.
Origin of name
According to a local folklore, the Hindu god, Ganapati, taking umbrage by a remark made by a native lady, moved to Pulé पुळे (a few km ahead of the town) from his original abode of Gulé. Thus the region was named Ganpati-pulé.400 years old Ganpati image at Ganpatipule is said to have sprung up from the soil. This deity faces the West, so as to guard the western gates, unlike deities in other Indian temples who face the east. The temple is at the base of a hill, and pilgrims walk around (pradakshina) the hill as a mark of respect.
Geography and History
Climate
Winter (late October to mid February) is the most pleasant season with temperatures dropping at nights. From March, the temperature starts rising but rarely crosses 30°C. May is the hottest month with temperatures reaching 35°C. The monsoon lasts from June to October when Rains are usually plentiful and regular.Demographics
Marathi is the most widely spoken language. Hindi and English are understood and spoken by many.Tourism
With the development of tourism, a number of resorts and hotels came up in this small town, most significant of them is the Maharastra Tourism Development Corporation resort near the beach. The Best Western Blue Ocean hotel, 4 km away from the heart of the town near Malgund is also near the beach. There are a few smaller hotels in this town, which include Abhishek Resorts and Tranquility.Culture
Many festivals are celebrated along the Konkan Coast. Among the most significant are Gauri Ganapti and Magh Chaturthi (the fourth day of the lunar month of Magh, believed to be the birth date of Lord Ganapati).Velneshwar
The beautiful village of Veineshwar, situated north of the Shastri River, has its own peaceful, coconut-fringed beach, where one can relax in tranquility. The village comes alive each year during the Maha Shivaratri fari , when pilgrims in large numbers visit the Old Shiva Temple.Ratnagiri
About 25 km away from Ganapatipule lies the district headquarter town, RatnagiriRatnagiri
Ratnāgiri is a port city on the Arabian Sea coast in Ratnagiri district in the southwestern part of Maharashtra, India. The district is a part of Konkan.The Sahyadri mountains border Ratnagiri to the east...
. The region has a long illustrious past and is even mentioned in Indian mythology.
Malgund
Malgund, a small village, 1 km away, is known as the birthplace of famous marathi poet KeshavasutaKeshavasuta
Krishnaji Keshav Damle was a Marathi poet from Maharashtra, India, who wrote poetry under the pen name Keshavasuta .-Life:Damle was born on March 15, 1866 in the town of Malgund near Ratnagiri....
. He was born here in 1866. He is termed as a poet who heralded the dawn of modern Marathi poetry. There is a very beautiful monument at Malgund dedicated to his work and also a museum where you can find information on most of the modern day poets of Marathi language. The Memorial is a real treat for people who are interested in Marathi literature.
Jaigad Fort
Resting on a cliff, at the entrance of the Sangameshwar river just 35 km away from Ganapatipule, is Jaigad Fort. This 17th century fort offers a commanding view of the sea and an almost unique view of Konkan village life. Take the backroad from Ganpatipule via Malgund to Jaigad. This is about 15 km - but is extremely scenic.Pawas
Besides its scenic natural beauty and serenity. Pawas is well-known for the Ashram of Swami Swaroopanand (a spiritual leader who influenced an entire generation of Maharshtrians). A visit to this place is truly a journey through time.Transportation
By Road
Ganapatipule is 32 km from Nivali, a small village on Mumbai Goa Road (NH 17National Highway 17 (India)
National Highway 17, commonly referred to as NH 17, now renamed as NH 66, is a busy National Highway in India that runs roughly north-south along the western coast of India, parallel to western ghats. It connects Panvel, near Mumbai to Kochi, passing through the states of Maharashtra, Goa,...
). From Nivali, one has to take right turn for Ganapatipule. Nivali to Ratnagiri is around 20 km. Nivali to Hatkhamba is around 4 km. From Hatkhamba one has to take right turn for Ratnagiri, which is 16 km from here. Sangameshwar is about 25 km from Nivali and Chiplun is 45 km. From Ganapatipule one can directly approach Ratnagiri without coming to Nivali and going through Hatkhamba. The direct road is full of turns and little narrow compared to NH-17. But the journey is full of natural beauty and sea view. That distance is around 30km. Mumbai is 375 km away via Mahad and Pune is 331 km away via Satara.
State Transport buses
Ample number of State Transport buses are available from Ratnagiri bus depot. Frequency is good for fast journeys. Ganapatipule is also connected with other cities by state transport buses.Buses are available from major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Sangli, Kolhapur and Solapur to Ratnagiri. From Ratnagiri, private cabs also ply to the town.