Ganpatipule, a charming little town along the Konkan coast in Maharashtra, is important to Indian nationalists as the birthplace of the leader Lokmanya Tilak. It is also of significance to Hindus as the site of a famous Ganpati temple. But what really sets Ganpatipule apart from the numerous other coastal towns and villages along India’s seashores are the unbelievably beautiful beaches of this place.
Ganpatipule is idyllic. sparkling waters against silvery shores; jagged palm fronds framed against magnificent sunsets. This is the spot where you can soak in hours of sun and sea-spray, watch time drift by, wonder at sunrises, marvel at sunsets, drink in the moonlight and dance on the moonbeams. And if you are looking for a spot of action, Ganpatipule is also a venue for paragliding.
Part of the excitement of going to Ganpatipule is the scenic drive through the Western Ghats - the chain of green hills along the Konkan coast. The beaches on the coastline are amazingly clear, of both rocks and hordes of visitors. All along the way are tiny fishing villages; groves of casuarina and tropical fruit; and stretches of clean, golden sand. Whether you go to Ganpatipule by rail or road, the route is as breathtaking as the destination itself.
Besides fabulous beaches and the ancient Ganpati Swayambhu temple, Ganpatipule affords a number of opportunities for excursions into remote fishing hamlets, villages and towns of the Konkan. The entire coastline is breathtakingly beautiful, with pristine beaches, overhung by cliffs and interspersed by pretty little creeks. Enthusiastic beach-lovers can actually hire a car and drive along the coast- it’s lovely all the way.
Mythology:
During 16th Century AD, a villager, fed up with frequent quarrels in his village, escaped to the Kerda jungles. On his way there, he stumbled upon a naturally formed ganpati idol. Seeing this as a good omen, he built a temple there. As the word spread, people gathered and gradually even settled there. They worshipped the idol, performed prayers and made additions to the shrine. This was 400 years ago. Over time, the fame of this small temple has increased manifold, listing it on the map of holy places.
The local people of the area believe that in an age when men were spiritual and miracles were a common observable fact, the scriptures talked of four Dwardatas (Welcoming Deities) to the subcontinent, where Ganpatipule is one of the ashta (eight) Ganpatis of India and is known as Paschim Dwaar Devata (the Western Sentinel God).
Swayambhu Ganpati Temple
Swayambhu Ganpati Temple is known for its unique idol of Ganpati built on pule (white sand). It is swayambhu (self-originated) and not manmade. The idol of Ganpati is made out of copper and depicts the God astride a lion. It is placed in the Garbhagriha (Sanctum Sanctorum) and at sunrise and sunset, a shaft of golden light penetrates and illuminates the idol.
Early in the morning, the rhythmic beat of the nagaras (a percussion instrument) can be heard from the Temple. The chaughadas (percussion instruments) are played in the evenings at the time of changing the idol’s clothes and naivyadham (sweets) are offered to Ganpati as mantras (holy sayings) are read aloud.
Places Around Ganpatipule One can walk around the village over a rough road to Malgund village where the renowned Marathi poet Keshav Sut was born. The backwaters here abound in brilliant blue fish, and the paddy fields with the long legged, long beaked Sarus cranes. Malgund is a larger village than Ganpatipule and boasts of a market place, petrol station, auto-rickshaws, and other facilities at a convenient distance from Ganpatipule.
Bhandarpule on the other side is another beautiful beach village, serene, clean and as easy to fall in love with as Ganpatipule and a must for explorers.
Fairs and Festivals Six times in a year, the temple becomes the hub of grand activity. Come Bhadrapad (end-August-mid September) and the festivities commence and continue for five days. The villager’s and pilgrims join enthusiastically in a procession honoring the Lord. The smaller idol of Ganpati is placed in an ornate palanquin, and carried on the shoulders of the devotees through the village.