Come close to nature and God - Marleshwar, Maral

Marleshwar, is an ancient Cave Shiva Temple, which is at distance of 17 km from Devrukh, 30 km from Sangameshwar, and 62 km from Ratnagiri. We came across great scenery on the way even in Jan, the views were really breathtaking. 

 
One has to go to Maral village, which is 14 kms from Devrukh. And after that 3 km road is by motorway and 1 km is by foot. Marleshwar name may have come from Maral village. This temple is also known as 'Trambakeshwar' of Konkan.

The craze for travel took us to strange places, this was one of them which was unplanned and I had minor injury in my right foot. I finally convinced myself and others to take the short trek of 530 stairs, and motivated others. :) If you don't mind climbing a few hundred steps, this is totally worth it. As the stairs are not very steep so even old and children can also climb with little support of family. Lovely weather, roads, towards Marleshwar from Devrukh. The vehicles can reach up to the base of the hill on which the temple is located. Area is green so you don't get tired, even the children with us were not. Though they demand their choice of toys, which many shopkeeper have as strategy of shopping while climbing stairs. 

It is a Shiva temple situated in a natural cave and is believed to be Swayambhu. The Shiva temple situated in between the beautiful hills and the Shivling in the cave is mesmerizing. Once we reached on top, there was no queue as such, and we got the darshan (visit) quite easily and with sufficient time. The feel of the hym, aroma, smoke and dripping water were just awesome, that can only be experienced once you are there in person. 

There is 'Kund' of cold water, where few snakes can be seen. I captured one kingfisher grabbing crab at this place, and many small birds flying. We had heard about the snakes roaming in the temple; though we did not see any of them. There were many monkeys jumping from one place to another, and we also found that monkeys also have love for Frooti, there were few monkeys who try to snatch visible food from others hands. The waterfall near the temple was awesome. It was not in full flow though, as we visited during Jan. But still a small stream was flowing from the small waterfall near the temple. It was really a lovely site to visit. There are many stalls on the way from tail to top of Marleshwar temple. There are shops all along the stairs selling food, Pooja items and souvenirs. Water, buttermilk, diffrent sharbat, drinks are available on the peak, some snacks also available there. Our group of 8 had around 25 glasses of all different drinks, and thalipeeth.

This place is must visit in monsoon as view of fall is great. In monsoon it has a beautiful waterfall amidst the Sahyadri hills, also the best season to visit though visitors are not allowed to enter the falls. It is called the place of thousand waterfalls. I can just think of that huge waterfall in front of temple during monsoon, would be just like "BAHUBALI" movie's scene. Think of amazing walk amidst rain, clouds, streams with deep gorges on one side and high mountain on others. There was water even in early Jan, and we saw that many people easily get under the stream and enjoy themselves. We got to hear many stories about Marleshwar from local people and shopkeepers. On the day of Makarsankranti a celebration of the marriage of Marleshwar and Girijadevi takes place. During Mahashivratri and Tripuri Poornima, there is a fair. Hope to visit again in monsoon.

Har Har Marleshwar!

Also few other nearby sightseeing places near Marleshwar, Maral: 

Soljai Gramdevi temple, Devrukh
Karneshwar, Sangmeshwar
Ganpatipule, Ratnagiri
Ratna Durga Fort, Ratnagiri
Ambaghat - Pavankhind
Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur