Ganpatipule – The abode of the modak-loving God

Flaunting spectacular blue waters and a long stretch of sun-kissed sand, Ganpatipule is not just another religious destination. It is also a popular holiday destination for its bountiful nature and relaxed atmosphere. This little beach-town is located in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra with Chiplun to its north. Along with its gorgeous beach, Ganpatipule is known for its grand Ganpati temple that houses a 400-year old Ganpati idol that is said to have sprung up on its own from the soil. Tons of devotees visit the temple for a glimpse of the “swayambhu” (self-originated) Ganpati. As such, there are lots of hotels in Ganpatipule that have come up to accommodate this growing inflow of visitors to the little town.

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Legend goes, Lord Ganesha took offence at a native lady’s words and moved his abode from his original home at Gule to his current home Pule, and that is how the town got its name. The idol in the temple at Ganpatipule faces west, unlike other Indian deities that face the east, and is said to protect the western gates of the town. The temple is situated at the base of a hill and devotees walk around the hill as a mark of respect to the God.

Ganpatipule Beach

There are a lot of other temples around the Swayambhu Ganpati temple that visitors frequent, too. While in Ganpatipule, do visit the Karhateshwar Temple, Laxmi Keshav Temple, Dashabhuja Ganpati Temple and Velneshwar Shiva Temple, as well. Ganpatipule is a true delight for everyone with a religious and spiritual bent of mind. Lord Ganesha devotees must make sure to visit Ganpatipule at least once. Not only will you be able to take in the spiritual vibe of this tiny town, but also the abundance of nature and the tranquillity of the seaside.

A few other places one can visit while in Ganpatipule are Malgund, Ratnagiri, Jaigad Fort, Pawas and the famous waterfall, Marleshwar. There are countless Ganpatipule hotels in and around these areas so accommodation here won’t be a problem. Visitors will be pleasantly surprised to find all categories of hotels in Ganpatipule, ranging from budget, mid-range to luxury ones. If you’re looking for a destination to go to this Ganeshotsav, you can certainly plan a trip to Ganpatipule and get the best of both, a religious as well as a relaxing excursion!