The small village of Ganapatiphule lies on a vast stretch of the silvery coast of Maharashtra. The main attraction here is the 400 year old Ganapati idol in the Swabhimanyu Temple. The Temple is at the foot of a hill adjacent to a glorious beach. The hill itself is considered sacred and a perennial spring flows from the hill to a pond besides the Temple.

During 16th Century AD, a villager, fed up with frequent quarrels in his village, escaped to the Kerda jungles. On his way there, he stumbled upon a naturally formed Ganapati idol. Seeing this as a good omen, he built a temple there. As the word spread, people gathered and gradually even settled there. They worshipped the idol, performed prayers and made additions to the shrine. This was 400 years ago. Over time, the fame of this small temple has increased manifold, listing it on the map of the holy.

The local people of the area believe that in an age when men were spiritual and miracles were a common observable fact, the scriptures talked of four Dwardatas (Welcoming Deities) to the subcontinent, where Ganapatipule is one of the ashta (eight) Ganapatis of India and is known as Paschim Dwaar Devata (the Western Sentinel God).

Swayambhu Ganapati Temple is known for its unique idol of Ganapati built on pule (white sand). It is swayambhu (self-originated) and not manmade. The idol of Ganapati is made out of copper and depicts the God astride a lion. It is placed in the Garbhagriha (Sanctum Sanctorum) and at sunrise and sunset; a shaft of golden light penetrates and illuminates the idol.

Early in the morning, the rhythmic beat of the nagaras (a percussion instrument) can be heard from the Temple. The chaughadas (percussion instruments) are played in the evenings

at the time of changing the idol's clothes and naivyadham (sweets) are offered to Ganapati as mantras (holy sayings) are read aloud.

Festivals: Ganesh Chaturthi: The Temple becomes the hub of grand activity for five days of celebrations. Villager's and pilgrims join enthusiastically in a procession honoring Ganapati. A taller idol is placed in an ornate palanquin and carried on the shoulders of the devotees through the village. The idol in the sanctum is placed in a way that also makes it visible.

The climate here is moist and humid. From March onwards, the temperature begins to rise with May being the hottest month. Monsoons last between June and October. The remaining months are very pleasant.

All itinerary on this site, are suggested program only and can be modified to suit your individual needs and interest.