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

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An evening at Ganpatipule Beach

In our endeavor to explore the coastal belt of Arabian Sea, we travelled Mumbai - Alibag - Kashid - Murud - Shrivardhan - Harihareshwar - Harnai - Dapoli - Velneshwar - Jaigad - Ganpatipule - Ratnagiri - Tarkarli (Malvan, Sindhudurg) - Devbag (Devbaug) and many other nearby places, but we didn't mind visiting Ganpatipule once again.

We started from Devrukh, and reached Ganpatipule within 2 hours. The route was full of fields of Rice, Cashew and Alphanso (Hapus) Mangoes. After that we visited Ganpatipule temple. We were lucky to get the darshan quite fast, surprisingly there were no queues! And then it was the time for our Pet-pooja (Lunch) Nearest best place for food is MTDC and there we were, for all our meals.

Ganpatipule beach is one of the most beautiful white sand beaches amongst the Konkan beaches. With the Ganapati temple on the shores rendering a peaceful atmosphere, Ganpatipule is as close as you can get to a perfect holiday destination in Konkan. Meenal and Smrati went for jet skiing at Ganpatipule beach. An evening spent at the beach gives a feel of Chowpati, a little too crowded over weekends and vendors lining the shore. The day was little hot and the best thing to beat the heat was coconut water!

Sunset at Ganpatipule: If you love watching sunset, This is one of the best place. This time we relaxed at this clean beach till sunset. The water and beach is so clean that we could take few reflection photographs as well. When the sun was about to set, I setup my tripod, and could manage a few beautiful clicks. You can explore this beach quite long by walk both sides from the temple.

Aare Ware Beach (Arey Warey Beach): We have been to this place during our last visit to Ratnagiri. The views across seaside is amazing, and you will love the drive following the seashore all the times. This route is highly recommended. Seaside Ratnagiri - Ganpatipule route passes through the twin beaches of Aare and Waare and the Aare sunset point. It is the best place to enjoy splendid sunsets, pulsating palms and wonderful waves in Ratnagiri ranges. We followed the same majestic views along-with sunset at Aare in our last visit. Many celebrities own land properties near to this beach. Certainly this beach will be a star attraction for tourist in near future.

Don't forget to visit Prachin Konkan Museum, if you are with kids or family or interested in conch. We also get to see India's biggest conch (Shankh).

Few other beaches/places to visit nearby Ganpatipule:
Malgund Beach
Nandivade Beach
Kunbiwadi Beach
Jaigarh (Jaigad) Fort and Lighthouse

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Windmills near Amba Ghat and Trip to Devrukh

Happy new year, We started our journey from Pune with Meenal, Ashish, Smrati, Paresh, Parul, Amit, Veena, and lovely kidos.  

Pune - Satara - Karad - Kale/Pachwad Phata - Undale - Ghogaon - Yenpe - Kokrud - Malkapur - Amba Ghat - Sakharpa - Devrukh

 

After the highway near Kale, our TT moved across beautiful curves till Devrukh. The best view during the drive was the one which had many windmills near Ghogaon and Yenpe hillside. Once we passed Amba Ghat, beautiful natural surrounding and cool breeze touched. Amba Ghat is famous gateway for its natural beauty, picturesque mountain-scapes and for pleasant climate throughout the year. During monsoon, thousands of tourist visit this place for waterfalls, and during winters, especially for bird watching. 

We saw many hornbills, kingfishers and other birds flocking from one place to another. Amba Ghat is surrounded by rain-forests and Bison Wildlife Sanctuary. We were also lucky to visit sunset while returning from same route, where all of us stopped-by one point closer to wind-mill. We had many group photos and 'windmills talking to sun' kind of photos. We had closer look to windmill, which were of 'INOX WIND'. These are really quite huge, and sunset light at moving windmills looks awesome.

We reached Devrukh, which is a very small town situated in Sangmeshwar Taluka (Dist. Ratnagiri). We stayed at O'Nest Home Stay at Devrukh which is quite and peaceful. Many honeymoon couple love to stay here, though place is good for family and group stay too. They also organise few cultural programs like, Jakhadi (folk dance), Lathi Kathi Banati, Avatya Bhovatya, Sangameshwari Boli from time to time. On additional payments, you can opt for multiple activities like traditional fishing, trekking, nature walk in farms, bird watching, pot making, backwater boating etc. Overall we had great time at O'Nest with lots of games, playing cards, at times, and of course lots of photos. 

 

  

There is also a beautiful Soljai Gramdevi temple, don't miss to visit if you are in Devrukh. It is quite colorful, clean, and one of its kind in this area. Devrukh is for sure a place to spend some good time away from regular routine and relax.

Also few other nearby sightseeing can be done to below places from Devrukh:
Marleshwar Temple and waterfall, Maral
Karneshwar, Sangmeshwar
Ganpatipule, Ratnagiri
Ratna Durga Fort, Ratnagiri
Ambaghat - Pavankhind
Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur

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Shree Shankheshwar Parshnath Tirth - Jain Kalash Temple near Somatane Toll Plaza, Talwade

After visiting Pabal Jain Temple, we headed for Jain Kalash Temple near Somatane Toll Plaza which is just opposite to Birla Ganpati Temple Shirgaon. Many tourists and regular Jain mandir visitors stopby this temple. The look is very attractive and unique, which can be viewed from the expressway itself. Many people used to travel from Mumbai to this place. Lonavala is just 40 km away from this place.

Location: Shree Shankheshwar Parshnath Tirth - Jain Kalash Temple, National Highway 4, Near Somatane Toll, Talwade, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune, Maharashtra

Kalash is mainly used for religious and social ceremonies. It is used in temples when certain images are being worshipped. It is customary to carry the kalash when one enters a new home. This ceremony is performed to welcome grace and happiness into the new home. The Kalash is included in the Ashtamangala lists of both the Shwetamber and Digambar sections of Jainism. 

List of Jain temples in and near Pune (last edited 27-12-2015): If you are searching for Jain worship places in and around Pune, you are at the right place. I compiled this list after visiting different Shwetamber/Digambar Jain temples (mandir) and internet sites (sources). I was amazed to know that there are so many Jain temples in and near Pune only.

1. Shree Vasupujya Jain Shwetambar Trust, Akurdi, Pune. 
2. Shree Nakoda Parshwanath Jain Temple Trust, Alandi, Pune.
3. Shree Sambhavnath Jain Mandir, Vitthalwadi, Akurdi, Pune.   
4. Shree Shankheshwar Parshwanath tirth, Devachi Alandi, Pune.   
5. Shree Shewatamber Jain Mandir, Kumar Society, Vishrantwadi, Alandi Road, Pune-411015.     
6. Shree Vimalnath Swami Jain Mandir, Rajkiram Bunglow, Opp. Pawar Hospital, Balaji Nagar    
7. Shree Sheetalnath Shwetambar Jain Derasar, Balaji Nagar, Pune - 43.    
8. Shree Shankheshwar Parshwanath Shwetambar Jain Mandir Trust, 1201, Bhawani Peth, Pune - 42    
9. Shree Kesariya Parshwanath Jain Temple Trust, 382/2, Bhawani Peth, Kumar Galaxy, Pune - 42.    
10. Shree Satavisa Jain City Group, 113, Kalpataru Plaza, Bhawani Peth, Pune - 42.    
11. Shree Jain Shwetambar Rajasthani Samaj Trust, 1690, Bhopla Chowk, Camp, Pune - 1    
12. Shree Shantinath Jain Mandir (Ghar Derasar), Alandi Road, Bhosari, Pune.   
13. Shree Lake Town Jain Sangh, Lake Town, Bibwewadi, Pune.    
14. Shree Vimalnath Swami Jain Shwetambar Temple Trust, Opp. Bibwewadi Police Station, Bibwewadi, Pune- 37.    
15. Shree Sambhavnath Jain Mandir, Bopodi, Pune    
16. Shree Sudharma Swami Jain Shwetambar Murtipujak Sangh, 508 B, Budhwar Peth, Pune - 2    
17. Shree Chintamani Parshwanath Jain Mandir, 338, Budhwar Peth, Pune - 2   
18. Shree Adeshwar Temple Trust, Chinchwad, Pune    
19. Shree Shantinath Jain Shwetambar Mandir Trust, Dapodi Gaon, Pune.    
20. Shree Vimalnath JainMandir, Dehu gaon, Pune.    
21. Shree Vasupujya Swami Jain Temple Trust, 5/9, Erandwane, Near Nal Stop, Pune - 4.    
22. Shree Munisuvrat Shwetambar Jain Derasar, Plot No. 20, Fatima Nagar, Pune - 13.
23. Shree Jain Swaitamber Sabhabhavan : 541, Ganesh Peth, Pune-2   
24. Shree Shantinath Khandelwal Digamber Jain Mandir, 248 Ganj Peth, Pune-2
25. Shree Mahavir Jain Mandir, Gorpadi Bazaar, Near Bus Stand, Pune.    
26. Shree Sambhavnath Shwetambar Jain Derasar, Maniwal Bunglow, Near Golibar Maidan, Camp, Pune - 1.    
27. Shree Godi Parshwanathji Temple Trust, 110 B/111, Guruwar Peth, Pune - 42    
28. Shree Shantinath Bhagwan Temple Trust, 321, M. Phule Peth, Shanti Nagar Society, Pune - 42.    
29. Shree Adinath Shwetambar Jain Derasar, Rushabh Jain Group, Porwal Bhavan, Guruwar Peth, Pune - 2.
30. Shree Chandraprabhu Jain Temple, Opp. Naik Hospital, Guruwar Peth, Pune (Opposite to Nail Hospital. 5 Min Distance from Mandai, Near Laxmi Road, Tulsi Bag.)   
31. Shree Sheetalnath Bhagwan Jain Mandir, Trimurti Colony, Nr. Sadhna Society Gate, Akashwani Kendra, Hadapsar.    
32. Shree Sheetalnath Bhagwan Jain Ghar Mandir, Kothari's Home, Sadhna Society, Hadapsar.    
33. Shree Sheetalnath Bhagwan Jain Mandir, Phursungi Gaon, 1km. away from IBM office, Phursungi.    
34. Shree Digamber Jain Chaityalya, Anil Madhukar Jain, Bhekarai Nagar, Tukai Darshan, Road No 11, Near Dutt Mandir, Fursuingi (Haveli), Hadapsar, Pune
35. Shree Sheetalnath Shwetambar Jain Derasar    
36. Shree Munisuvrat Swami Shwetambar Jain Derasar, Near HSBC, West Ave., Along the river side, Kalyani Nagar, Pune.    
37. Shree Naminath Shwetambar Jain Sangh, Kasarwadi, Pune.    
38. Shree Agamodhaarak Devarshi Jain Agam Mandir Trust, Agam Hill, Katraj, Pune - 46.    
39. Shree Viralayam Shwetambar Jain Derasar    
40. Shree Shatrunjay Temple Trust, S.No. 94, Katraj Kondhwa Road, Pune.    
41. Shree Mahavir Swami Temple Trust, Juna Bazaar, Khadki, Pune - 3.    
42. Shree Munisuvrat Swamiji Maharaj Temple Trust, 24 Juna Bazaar, Khadki, Pune - 3.    
43. Shree Adinath Shwetambar Jain Derasar, Isha Emerald Society, Ganga Dham Chowk, Market Yard, Pune.    
44. Shree Vasupujya Shwetambar Jain Derasar, Murad Society, Market Yard, Pune - 37.    
45. Shree Parshwanath Shwetambar Jain Derasar, Siddhachal Society, Gul tekdi, Market Yard, Pune - 37.    
46. Shree Ruturaj Jain Sangh, Ruturaj Society, Pune    
47. Shree Hyde Park Parisar Jain Sangh, Hyde Park, Gultekdi, Market Yard, Pune    
48. Shree Suparshwanath Shwetambar Jain Derasar, Suparshwanath Society, Market Yard, Pune - 37.    
49. Shree Vasupujya Shwetambar Jain Derasar, 553, Center Street, Sachapir Street, Off. M.G. Road, Pune - 1.
50. Shree Digamber Jain Chaityalya, Rajkumar Ji Doshi, Gajraj Cloth Shop, M.G. Road, Camp Area   
51. Shree Vasupujya swami Mira Anand Jain Sangh, Sheetal Society, Behind Mira Society, Pune - 6.    
52. Shree Mahavir Jain Temple, H.N.D. Jain Boarding, Model Colony, Near Om Super Market, Pune. (This temple is just 2 min. from E-Square)
53. Shree Shantinath Shwetambar Jain Derasar, DSK Chandradeep Society, Mukund Nagar, Pune - 37.    
54. Shree Naminath Shwetambar Jain Derasar, Chandanbala Apartment, Mukund Nagar, Pune - 37.
55. Shree Mahavir Jain Temple, Opp. Gometesh Vyayamshala, Near Ayurvedic College, Sec. 25, Nigadi, Pune
56. Shree Chandraprabhu Digamber Jain Mandir, Telco Road, Yamunanagar, Nigadi
57. Shree Adinath Society temple Trust, Pune-Satara Road, Pune-37   
58. Shree Bhagyavardhak Jain Shwetambar Derasar, S.No. 13, Padmavati Nagar, Pune Satara Road, Pune - 43.    
59. Shree Pabal Tirth, Shree Padmamani Jain Shwetamber Tirth Pedi, M.P. Pabal, District - Pune, Maharashtra
60. Shree Suvidhinath Jain Sangh, Paud Road, Pune    
61. Shree Kalewadi Jain Mandir, near Pimpri railway station, Pachpir Chowk, Pimpri
62. Shree Munishuvratswami derasar, near Nehru Nagar, Pimpri
63. Shree Sheetalnath Bhagwan jain Trust, Near Vishal Theatre , Pimpri, Pune
64. Shree Shantinath Shwetambar Jain Derasar, 209, Solapur Bazaar, Pulgate, Pune - 1    
65. Shree Adishwar (Indraprasth) Jain Shwetambar Temple Trust, Indraprastha Complex, Rasta Peth, Pune - 11.    
66. Shree Rajrajendrasuri Jain Gyan Mandir, 1137, Ravivar Peth, Govind Halwai Chowk, Pune - 2.
67. Shree Shantinath Digamber Khandelwal Jain Mandir, 520, Near Moti Chock, Ravivar Peth, Pune-411002
68. Shree Shantinath Digamber Saitwal Jain Mandir, 846, Lonar Aali, Near Moti Chock, Ravivar Peth, Pune-411002   
69. Shree Vardhaman Swami Jain Charitable Trust, Gai Ali, Sadashiv Peth, Pune - 30.    
70. Shree Parshwanath Shwetambar Jain Mandir Trust, 411, Mahavir Society, Sahakar Nagar No.1, Pune - 9.    
71. Shree Mahavir swami Shwetambar Jain Derasar, Trupti Apartment, Sahakar Nagar No. 2, Pune - 9.    
72. Shree Sambhavnath Jain Mandir, Salisbury Park, Gultekdi, Pune - 37.    
73. Shree Jain Shwetambar Murtipujak Sanghs’ Shree Kunthunath Shwetambar Jain Derasar, Dhore Nagar-1, Old Sangavi, Pune - 27.
74. Shree Jain Shwetambar Kunthunath Trust, 372, Shivaji Nagar, Pune - 5.
75. Shree Ajitnath Jain Shwetamber Trust, 372, Shivajinagar, Nr. MSEB Office, Opp. Shivaji Statue, Off Shivaji Road, Pune - 411005   
76. Shree Mahaveer Digamber Jain Temple, In the lane of Trapti Auto Service Center, Behind Brahma Veg Restaurant, Manik Bag, Sinhagad Road, Pune.
77. Shree Adinath Maharaj Mandir (Gotiwala Ghada), 1415, Shukrawar Peth, Pune - 2.    
78. Shree Sheetalnath Shwetambar Jain Derasar, Shree Panchdasha Oswal Jain Sangh, Shukrawar Peth, Pune.    
79. Shree Adeshwar VisaPorwal Sirohiya Temple Trust, 995, New Shukrawar Peth, Pune - 2.    
80. Shree Godwad Jain Shwetambar Mutipujak Sangh, Shukrawar Peth, Gadikhana, Pune - 2.    
81. Shree Kunthunath Jain Sangh, Manikbaug, Sinhgadh Road, Pune - 51.    
82. Shree Adinath Bhagwan Jain Derasar, 28, Somwar Peth, Pune - 11    
83. Shree Sukhsagar Parshwa Jain Murtipujak Sangh, S.No. 10/11, Sukh Sagar Nagar, Pune    
84. Shree Shatrunjay Darshan Society, Shankarsheth Road, Pune - 42.    
85. Shree Dadawadi Jain Shwetambar Temple trust, 984/85, Shukrawar Peth, Near Saras Baug, Pune - 2.    
86. Shree Adinath Society Jain Temple Trust, Adinath Society, Pune-Satara Road, Near Swargate, Pune - 37.    
87. Shree Neminath Shwetambar Jain Derasar, Kalyan Society, Shankar Sheth Road, Pune - 37.    
88. Shree Shankheshwar Parshwanath Jain Derasar, Ghar Derasar, Himgiri, 322/11/ Shankar Sheth Road, Pune - 37.    
89. Shree Parshwanath Jain Shwetambar Mandir Trust (Manmohan Parshwanath), 267/2, Timber Market, Pune - 42.    
90. Shree Sambhavnath Jain Shwetambar Murtipujak Sangh, Vadgaon Sheri, Pune.    
91. Shree Vishrantwadi Jain Sangh, Vishrantwadi, Pune.    
92. Shree Adinath Shwetambar Jain Derasar, Wanawadi gaon, Wanawadi, Pune - 40.    
93. Shree Suvidhinath Maharaj Temple Trust, 31, Yerwada Bazaar, Pune - 6   
94. Shree Adinath Ghar derasar, Center Street, Pune - 1.      
95. Shree Shantinath Jain Derasar, Bhopla Chowk, Pune - 1.

Jai Jinendra...

Note: If you have any information to be corrected, or any Jain temple/mandir to be added to the list, feel free to comment.

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