SHRI LOTESHWAR TEMPLE

SHRI LOTESHWAR TEMPLE
You must have seen temples of various designs, architecture, art & culture and located at various places. But a temple that you are going to read about now is a different one. it is located on a huge rock. The rock itself is located in a stream of water. What a marvel of the Nature !
The idol (i.e. Shankaraachee Pindee) 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. From the fourth side, a stream of water approaches the temple. The stream originates from somewhere else. But the place appears like an opening of a cave. The rock, nearly 30 feet tall and 25 feet in diameter, is surrounded by water, for all 12 months of the year. In summer, the flow of water gets slowed down. But the hills on two sides remain ever green on account of forest. The third hill bears large plots of farms of the residents of the village Dugawe.
You can reach Dugawe village along Ratnagiri-Kurtade route. It is nearly 15 km away from Ratnagiri city. There is no direct bus service to this temple. We need to take a walk of about 15 minutes from the nearest bus-halt. From our Tonade village, we reach Dugawe within 45 minutes on foot. The local residents can reach there in less than 30 minutes, even after climbing up the steep, tiring up-hill footway.

Photo Courtesy : Guru Chaugule

Article Courtesy: Mr. Ajay Phalnikar

ajay_asp2000@yahoo.com

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DABHOL AND SHAHI MASJID (Anda Masjid)

The Dabhol port boasts of centuries old history. Dabhol was of great importance in the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries. It used to be the principal port of South Konkan region, carrying on trade with ports in the Mediterranean, the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. During 13th to 15th centuries this port was ruled by the Bahamani dynasty and was known as Mustafabad. Later on it was Hamjabad and then it was Dabhol.

You can find many religious places of Hindus and Muslims. There is a fine mosque called Shahi Masjid with dome and minarets standing close to the port which was built in Adilshah’s Regime. It is said that Adilshah’s Begum spent around 1.5 million rupees in Indian currency for the construction of this mosque. Shahi Masjid is an excellent example of Muslim architecture. Dabhol was previously very famous, but of late much ruined by the Wars, and decreased in trade.

Dabul was conquered by Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj around 1660 and annexed to the new Maratha kingdom. The erection of the Maratha fort of Anjanvel (Gopalgad)  right across the river eclipsed whatever role remained for Dabul, and the once-great port city simply evaporated and disappeared from the maps.

Attempts to locate the historic port have sometimes led historians to mistakenly identify historic Dabul with modern Dapoli, an interior town several miles north of Dabhol.

Sadly, Dabhol's name was revived in the 1990s in association with the notorious Dabhol Power Station erected near the site by the Enron Company.

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KARHATESHWAR

The tourist gets spellbound to see astonishing beauty of the nature surrounding Karhateshwar Devsthan. No one could anticipate how splendid the bounty of the nature would be there till he reaches the place. Karhateshwar Devsthan is situated in the village Nandiwade near the coastline 4 to 5 km from Jaigad. The temple is of wooden structure, built during the regime of Shilaharas. In the night, temple is closed for visitors. On the slopes of the hill by the side of seashore between the cuttings of the hill, water springs in small stream, throughout the year. This spring water is stored in two small tanks for bathing purpose. Even during winter the water is warm. One who takes bath gets fresh and energetic. Shri Narayanbhau Jog, a Ramdasi, has described the place in following words:

Ekantsthali Ha Suramya Vilase Name Karhateshwar  |

Paai Sagar Nitya Ha Vasatase Garjoniya Gambhir ||

The deity of Karhateshwar is installed at a beautiful lonely place, at whose feet the roaring sea is there for ever.

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WAGESHWAR TEMPLE (TONDAVALI)

WAGESHWAR TEMPLE (TONDAVALI)

This old Temple sits amidst of Tondavali which is 24 Kms away from Malvan. A Shivlingam located in a cave of a big rock. Lots of people come on each Monday to worship the Shivlingam. The legend behind this says that in old days Tondavali area was completely under the sea. When a sailor threw his net for fishing it got hooked up. Sailor could not pick up his net so he kept it and came on next day to search. He found a Shivalingam trapped in the net. After some years by the storage of sand, a belt of land was formed on the same location. The sailors built a Temple over the location with their own contribution. On the back side of Temple there was a bushy jungle with wild animals. People says that in old days tigers came in the Temple but never disturbed any mankind. So the Temple is known as Wagheshwar Temple. Just beside the Temple there is a big rock in which a cave of size 80 Sq ft is carved. Many tourists come in Tondavali to visit this religious & beautiful tourist spot.

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TONDAVALI BEACH

        
TONDAVALI  BEACH     

This is perhaps the true manifestation of an untouched beach. It had to hike almost a km from the road to get to the shore but it was totally worth the drain. When I first saw a glimpse of the shore from the end of the tree thickets, I could identify with a feeling of someone who discovers new land. Not a single soul here and the sand had just patterns of sea wind. Fine grains of soft white particles urged everyone to feel them without footwear. Cool waters splashing away you almost feel sorry no one watches this phenomenon abundantly.                                                                                                

                                                                                                         

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KUNKESHWAR TEMPLE

An ancient Shiva Temple is located in Kunkeshwar village, 14 Kms from Devgad town. A pristine beach with a very long stretch of seashore and white sand adds to the beauty of temple surroundings. This beautiful temple near beach has alluring architecture with reminiscent of South Indian style of temple architecture. Yadav Kings built this temple in 1100 A. D. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj who rejuvenated this temple many times was a frequent visitor to this temple. This temple is also famous as Kashi of South Konkan. Every year a huge celebration takes place on the occasion of Mahashivratri, which keeps religious beliefs in constant sight of the multitudes. During the festival a large number of devotees throng this place with their families and friends. This vigilant Shiva deity bestows blessings on everyone who surrenders to its feet.

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KESHAVRAJ TEMPLE

 Shree Keshavraj Temple is located amidst lush green land, a perennial stream and rolling hills. You can park your car on the Asud Bag road and take a 15 minute trek through coconut, betel nut, mango and cashew trees to reach here. The natural spring originates at the hill top and flows down to the front of the temple supplying water to the stone carved cow mouth (Gomukh) throughout the year. The surroundings are calm and tranquil interrupted only by the harmonious chirping of birds.

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TAMBALDEG BEACH

Tambaldeg is one of small village of Sindhudurga District. This is famous for Beach. Long stretch of stunning white sand is an interesting feature of this virgin beach in Maharashtra. A temple is located at one end of the beach. The Occupation of the people in this village is fishing. Tambaldeg is surrounded by white sand.

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CHAVDAR TALE

Chavdar Tale meaning “tasty water lake” is the historical water tank where in December 1927 Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar started a satyagraha in protest against the tyranny of the upper castes towards the Mang and Mahar castes who were considered untouchables. During this historical event, hundreds of people belonging to the Mang and Mahar castes gathered at the Chavdar Tale and drank water from it. A Kranti Stambh has been erected here to commemorate this revolution.

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VETOBA TEMPLE

It is a very ancient Temple in Aravali, near Vengurla. It is a Temple of Lord Vetoba, who is deity of Aravali people. The Temple is surrounded by coconut plantation. Also farming is done in Temple vicinity which adds greenery to the surrounding area of the Temple.

Local believes that Lord Vetoba wear Kolhapuri big chappals and roam in the village at night and these Lord's footwares are kept in the Temple which are amazing and not seen before.
Every year there is a Jatra of the Lord during which whole Temple is decorated with flowers and lights due to which the scene is worth seeing. Also during Jatra there is Palkhi of Lord which is taken all around the Temple along with lots of crackers which looks delightful in night darkness.
This celebration of Lord Vetoba goes on for at least five days. Temple managements provides a dharmshala next to Temple which help provide facility for staying and eating during the period of Jatra.
At a small distance from the Temple, there is another small Temple of Devi Sateri which is also surrounded by the plantation of mango tree and a small lake near by which add charm to the natural beauty of the Temple.

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PRACHIN KONKAN MUSEUM

 Malgund has a museum constructed by the 27 year old Vaibhav Sardesai. Malgund is well known for the Prachin Konkan which means Ancient Konkan. It is unique in itself as it is an open air museum and shows the old culture of basically Konkan areas. It is among the most famous Konkan Museums. It covers the area of about 3 acres on hillside.

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KARLI RIVER

Karli River flows through Kudal and Tarkarli villages, which flanks the Malvan coast in the south and joins with the Arabian Sea at Devbag. At the confluence of this river and the sea lies the picturesque beach of Tarkarli. Along the banks of the river, one can see lush flora and fauna.

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DHAMAPUR TALAO ( LAKE )

 A tourist  may wonder why special mention is being made of Dhamapur lake again separately when it has been mentioned along with Bhagawti Temple of Dhamapur. This special lake deserves the special mention because of its “uniqueness”. This is the biggest lake in the district [and perhaps next only to Tadoba lake].

The lake is situated between Are and Katta village. This man-made lake was constructed in 1530 by the King Nagesh Desai [A tributary of Vijaynagar dynasty] and has beautiful scenic hill ranges on its two sides. The water is crystal clear and has dense plantation of mango mangos teen grcinia indica (kokam) coconut and areca plam. This is typical fruit of Konkan region. The dense forest and orchard surrounding the lake has made this one of the most beautiful lake in Maharashtra. Tourist easily feels the change in the atmosphere once they reach the spot. The region has also a rich verity of flaura and fauna. Now the MTDC has made boating facility available in the lake.

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VETOBA TEMPLE

 It is a very ancient Temple in Aravali, near Vengurla. It is a Temple of Lord Vetoba, who is deity of Aravali people. The Temple is surrounded by coconut plantation. Also farming is done in Temple vicinity which adds greenery to the surrounding area of the Temple.
Local believes that Lord Vetoba wear Kolhapuri big chappals and roam in the village at night and these Lord's footwares are kept in the Temple which are amazing and not seen before.
Every year there is a Jatra of the Lord during which whole Temple is decorated with flowers and lights due to which the scene is worth seeing. Also during Jatra there is Palkhi of Lord which is taken all around the Temple along with lots of crackers which looks delightful in night darkness.

This celebration of Lord Vetoba goes on for at least five days. Temple managements provides a dharmshala next to Temple which help provide facility for staying and eating during the period of Jatra.
At a small distance from the Temple, there is another small Temple of Devi Sateri which is also surrounded by the plantation of mango tree and a small lake near by which add charm to the natural beauty of the Temple.

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KARNESHWAR SHIV MANDIR

According to the information this Temple was built by great Pandav's. Once there were 365 ancient Temples in Kasba. Pandav's had to make second "Kashikshetra" on the bank of Shashtri,Alaknanda & Varuna Rivers. At this village The great Maratha King Sambhaji Raje son of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was trapped by Aurangzeb.

The statues and carvings of many Hindu Gods can be seen on the walls of Karneshwar Temple.Mythological statues Buddhist are present in Konkan from a Long Period. In Ratnagiri district at Kadsamla ,Nonvali, Vihroli, Soprachal and Tanla, one can come across Buddhist monks staying places, statues of Lord Buddha etc.

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MAHAKALI TEMPLE - ADIVARE

 Adivare is a very small settlement but very famous for its Mahakali Temple. It is a small well-maintained Temple, which is a home for 3 goddesses viz. Mahalakshmi, Mahakali and Mahasaraswati.

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MAHALAKSHMI TEMPLE - KELSHI

 Located at the base of the Utambar hill, enclosed in a stone wall fortification, this Swayambhu Mahalakshmi Temple was built during the Peshwa regime. It also houses the idols of Lord Ganpati and Lord Shiva. Beautiful, fully blossomed lotus flowers in a pond near the temple are an enchanting sight to watch! The sanctum lies beneath two huge domes. You can enter the sanctum through three doors. The dense woods of the hill form a picturesque background.

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YAQUB BABA DARGA

 This famous Yaqub Baba Darga is located in Kelshi at a distance of about one kilometer from the Mahalakshmi temple. It has a great historical significance. It is about 386 years old. Many great rulers including Emperor Shivaji, Emperor Sambhaji and Thorle Bajirao Peshwa have visited Yaqub Baba to take his blessings.

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CHANDIKA MANDIR

 The Temple is located around 15 KM north of Guhagar. One has to travel to Veldoor ( 10 KM away from Guhagar) and cross the Dabhol creek by launch to reach Harbor Dabhol on the North side. From Dabhol the Chandika Mandir approach road is around 4 KM when traveling towards Dapoli. TheTemple is 15-20 feet under ground in a cave. Electricity is forbidden inside and hence only source of lighting is lamps and candles lit. The Idol of Goddess Chandika is Swayambhoo (self-borne) and supposed to be from the ages of Pandava. However, it was discovered only 300 years back. Outside the temple is a tomb of the discoverer of this Temple.

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HIRANYAKESHI

The river Hiranyakeshi originates from a cave adjacent to the temple of Goddess Parvati at the foot of a mountain. Water rushes out with tremendous force to fall into a squarish tank or ‘Kund’, from where it flows out. Hiranyakeshi temple houses a Shivling, Ganapati idol and of course the Hiranyakeshi Devi idol. Hiranyakeshi is name of Mata Parvati, the one with Golden hair, Hiryana being Gold and Kesh means hair. The temple is said to house a natuarally created shivlingam (Swayambhu)made of red stone. However this lingam cannot be seen as it is covered by another Shivlingam which is used for daily offerings and prayers. There is also a statue of Mata Parvati with golden colour hair.This River came from DEER like Statchue. In Sanscrit DEER called as HIRAN. So name Hiranyakeshi.

The nearby Maruti Mandir was built by a holy baba from Goa. The Hiranyakeshi is a Purvamukhi River means east facing,the river Hiranyakeshi flows eastwards. Fishing can be enjoyed at the river. Its flow around 80Km and then joins the Ghataprabha River.

Cave Temple :

Next to this temple, there is an entrance to a cave which is not safe to enter in the monsoons when it becomes a safe harbour for a lot of creepy crawlies.

Local people say that an expeditiation was held in 1981 a seven member team from Pune which revealed that there are seven water Kunda (pond)behind the temple and after that there is also a cave which can accomodate 200 people. The place is a delight for natural beauty lovers. The area is covered by dense forests and you can even spot some rare breed of birds in this area.

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