Ganapatipule

Ganapatipule, a small village is located on the western coast of Maharashtra.It is known for its serene beach and the 400-year old Swayambhu Ganapati temple. Ganapatipule offers itself as an ancient pilgrim centre bearing a Swayambhoo, a naturally formed idol of Ganapati. 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 worshiped the idol, performed prayers and made additions to the shrine. The Temple becomes the hub of grand activity for five days celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi. 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.