The 400 year old Ganapati Swayambhu Temple in Gapapatipule is a highly revered temple where devotees gather to do the Pradakshina around the hill where the temple is located. Swayambhu means self- made and therefore the Ganesh idol at the temple is a self originated idol. It is said that Ganapatipule is one of the eight significant Ganapatis or “Ashta Ganapatis” of India.
The idol of Ganapati at the Swayambhu Ganpati Temple is built of pule which is nothing but white sand and is believed to be self originated - it is not man made.
Another idol of Ganapati which is made of copper is placed in the Sanctum Sanctorum. It depicts the Lord astride on a lion. The idol is so set that at sunrise and sunset, the golden light of the sun penetrates and lights the idol.
The Swayambhu Ganpati Temple is about 20 km from the town of Ratnagiri. The rhythmic beat of the nagaras is heard in the early morning. The chaughadas rhythms can be heard in the evenings when the clothes on the idol is changed.
