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GANAPATIPULE FACTS & FIGURES

Location: Maharashtra, India
Best time to Visit: Throughout the year
Significance : Swayambhu Ganapati Temple , five days celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi.

Ganapatipule is the land of the 400-year old Swayambhu Ganapati Temple. Ganapatipule presents itself as an ancient pilgrim centre with a Swayambhu, a naturally formed idol of Ganapati. The hill where the temple is set is considered as sacred as the temple itself, with a perennial stream flowing from the hill to the pond beside the temple. In fact tourists often perform the pradakshina (devotees walking in a circle around the idol of the
deity, or around the temple in which the idol is housed) around the hill instead of just the temple.

The Past

Legends have it that during the 16th Century AD, a villager, depressed with recurrent quarrels in his village, escaped to the Kerda jungles. On his way there, he came upon a naturally created Ganapati idol. Considering 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 even made additions to the shrine. Hence, Ganapatipule became a famous Hindu pilgrimage site.

Prominent Pilgrimage Attractions of Ganapatipule

The Swayambhu Ganapati Temple of Ganapatipule is known for its unique idol of Ganapati built on pule (white sand). It is believed to have originated by itself (swayambhu), and hasn't been created by man. The idol of Ganapati here is made out of copper and depicts the God astride a lion. It is placed in the 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 drum-like instrument) can be heard emanating 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 chants) are read aloud.