Religious/ Spiritual

Ganesh gully as the name suggest is a culvert which is very narrow of about 3 feet wide in between two hard Rocky Mountains. It is believed that at the end of the culvert, there is a holy niche, a place where Lord Ganesh Idol is placed. The niche is about 30 feet under water and it is assumed that during the tidal periods one can observe the Ganesh idol placed perfectly at the niche.

Many tourists visit this place to have a glimpse of the Ganesh Idol. The place Ganesh gully itself is in the backdrop of natural beauty and calm smoothening winds.

The Harihareshwar Temple attracts both pilgrims and tourists. It is built on a slightly elevated spot between two small hills just off the main beach. A refreshing breeze wafts through the gap continuously. According to local folklore, this gap was made by the deities to facilitate movement through the hills towards the ocean. This spot is referred to as ‘Dakshin Kasi’, meaning the Kasi of Southern India. The term is now extended to the whole of Harihareshwar.

The period of the Harihareshwar Temple’s original construction has not been definitely established. Some of the sculptures are linked to the era of Shivaji. There is clear evidence of its renovation by Bajirao Peshawa in 1723 AD.

The ancient Velneshwar Ganapati temple is about 25 km south of Guhagar, about 250m from the village center. The main idol was discovered by fishermen on the beach about 300 years ago. It is carved out of white rock. There is a small temple complex near the beach, and also a very old Shankar temple. The sheltered beach attracts many visitors.

Hedvi village 25 km from Guhagar has a famous Ganapati temple with a beautifully carved marble idol. It is believed to have been brought here from Jammu and Kashmir. There are some other minor temples here. The beach here is very pretty and has a rocky gorge at one end called Brahman Ghal.

The underground Chandika temple at Dabhol, 15 km from Guhagar, is very popular with tourists. The idol here is believed to have been formed by itself. The cave temple is dark inside and has not been electrified. Lamps or candles are used to guide devotees and other visitors around.

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga temple enshrines one of the most revered 12 Jyotirlingas in India. This lingam is also known as Kusumeswarar, Grushmeswara and Ghushmeswara, apart from Grishneswara. The temple was re-constructed in the 18th century by Ahilyabhai Holkar. The temple is constructed in red volcanic rocks and the appealing appearance of the temple is eye catching. The temple has a 5 tier Shikara, which is very attractive. Shikara is crowned with images of Bull and Monkeys.

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.

Built in 1725 AD by Peshva Sardar Ramji Mahadev Varad Vinayak Biwalkar, Varad Vinayak temple is situated in the pretty village near Durshet. Though the temple has a dull look from the outside, it looks marvelous with its 25 feet golden pinnacled dome.

Durshet, is a famous and spiritually awakened place, nestled between Sarasgad fort and River Amba. Flanked by all around greenery, Durshet is the only place where an Astavinayaka temple is known by its devotees name. Built in 1760 AD, the deity in Ballaleshvara is clothed like a Brahmin.

The east facing temple complex is tiled and it encloses two lakes. This pretty shrine has two sanctums and the inner one is rather big, which houses the Idol of Vinayaka. The 12 feet high outer sanctum has a rat idol with Modak in his hands and it over looks its master in the inner sanctum.

The Parshuram Temple is an ancient temple in Chiplun. The temple is famous for the 6th incarnation of Vishnu. The architecture of the temple incorporates both the Hindu & Muslim styles.

Steps from the ghat lead to the temple. The Parshuram Temple is surrounded by stone walls and it has three idols inside the temple. The temple was built by Brahmendra Swami some 300 years ago.