hello friends,

MARLESHWAR TEMPLE – Today we will know detailed information about Marleshwar Shiva temple located in Sangameshwar taluka of Ratnagiri district. Where exactly is this temple located? What is the marleshwar temple history in marathi? What festivals are held in this temple? We will know this information. So let’s see the Marleshwar information without wasting time.

INTRODUCTION OF MARLESHWAR TEMPLE :-

MARLESHWAR TEMPLE is a temple in Maral village in Sangameshwar taluka of Ratnagiri district. Tourists always come here to enjoy the closeness of nature along with God’s blessings. This place is at a distance of 35 km from Sangameshwar on the Mumbai-Goa highway. Shree Marleshwar is known as the most enlightened temple located on the hill of Maral village situated in the lap of Sahyadri. This ancient temple of Shiva Shankar in Ratnagiri is surrounded by dense forests and hills.

HISTORY OF MARLESHWAR TEMPLE :-

Around the year 1800 AD, Sardar Anerao Salunkhe of Angwali went to the dense forest in pursuit of a hunt. The little boy went inside a cave and just then a stone fell from above and the door of the cave was closed. When Sardar Anerao and his colleagues tried to enter inside by removing the stones and soil, they saw Shri Shambhu Mahadev in Marleshwar. That day was Makar Sankrant. Lord Parashurama is said to have established Marleswara at Maral.

This temple is located in a cave. Generally one has to climb 400 to 450 steps to reach this temple. On the right side of this temple, when you go down some steps, you can see the Dhareshwar waterfall in front. The temple has two pindis, one is said to be Marleswara and the other is said to be his brother Mallikarjuna. Pooja is performed regularly in this temple.

As this temple is in a cave, snakes exist in the holes of these caves but it is also said that these snakes have never bitten the devotees who come till date. If the devotees see snakes at this place, they get the blessings of the Lord. Such is the understanding of the people there. The marriage ceremony of Marleshwar is performed in this temple on the day of Makar Sankranti, also yatras are held at this place on Kojagiri Poornima, Mahashivaratri, Shravani Monday.

GEOGRAPHY OF MARLESHWAR TEMPLE :-

• Name – Shri. Marleshwar
• District – Ratnagiri
• Taluka – Sangameshwar
• Village – Maral
• Location – Lord Shankar
• Cult – Shaivism
• Founder – Parasurama
• Festivals – Makar Sankrant, Mahashivratri, Kojagiri Poornima, Shravani Monday
• Steps to Temple – 400
• Nearest Place – Dhareshwar Falls
• Height of Dhareshwar Falls – 200 feet

NAME OF MARLESHWAR TEMPLE :-

It is an important pilgrimage site, sitting near Maral village in Sangameshwar taluka of Ratnagiri district. Here in a natural cave there is an awakened Shivling of Lord Shankar, the God of Maral means Maral + God. Hence, it is said that the name of this awakened temple is Marleshwar.

MARLESHWAR DETAILS :-

Marleshwar Temple is a Shiva temple. According to local people, it is founded by Lord Parasurama. He is an avatar of Lord Vishnu. The gabhara of the temple is in a cave and has a three and a half feet entrance. There is a small temple next to this main entrance. There is an idol of Ganesha in this temple. It is customary for devotees who come here to see the Ganesha idol first and then to see Marleshwar. After entering this cave, two Shivapindis are seen, one of Marleshwar and the other of Mallikarjuna. Marleswar and Mallikarjuna are both brothers and Mallikarjuna is believed to be the elder brother.

Electricity is not used anywhere around that temple. For lighting they use Samai and oil lamps. Due to this dim light, the entire area, the atmosphere appears golden yellow. Electricity is strictly forbidden in this place. It is definitely worth visiting this temple at least once to see and experience this truly unique experience.

SNAKES IN TEMPLE :-

This temple is located in a cave. Many small holes are seen in this cave. There are many small and big snakes in these holes as well as in the temple. People there believe that if the devotees see a snake while darshan of Shivlinga, they will get the blessings of Lord Shankar. Another surprise is that the snakes near this temple have never harmed anyone till date.

PRECINCTS OF TEMPLE :-

As this temple is located in a hilly area, one has to climb 400 to 450 steps to reach this temple. While going up these stairs, many shops can be seen around. You can find soft drinks, food items and other items at this place. In some places, sheet sheds are erected to protect us from the sun and also from the rains during the rainy season. After climbing these steps, we can see the Pindi of Shri Shankara in the cave.

In front of this temple there is Tulsi Vrindavan on Deep Mala. The sound of the waterfall called Dhareshwar at this place makes our mind happy due to the pure peace of the place. After going down some steps from there, we can see this waterfall.

MARLESHWAR TEMPLE :-

There is a Ganesha idol and a tank at the entrance of the cave. In front of the cave, at a little height, there is a pindi of Mahadeva surrounded by a silver snake. Abhishek’s continuous flow continues on Pindi. There is another Shivling on the side. The burrows in this cave are always inhabited by snakes.

DETAILS OF MARLESHWAR TEMPLE :-

This temple is located in a cave in a hilly area. No electricity is available in this cave till date. That is, it does not even work there. Samai and Niranjan are planted at that place. The existence of snakes can be seen in the holes in this cave. But the temple is characterized by the fact that these snakes have never bitten the devotees who come.

ARRANGEMENT OF MARLESHWAR TEMPLE :-

The temple area is located in a dense forest, leaving little aside for tourism. But due to the increasing flow of tourists here, there is little development. Mr. Diliprao Tukaram Baing of Sahajeevan Charitable Trust in Lanja has recently arranged a toilet.

On the way up to the cave, the devotees of Sakhri village of Guhagar, Mr. Chandrakant Rao, Atmaram Pawar created stone bench rests. Also, on the day of Makar Sankranti, the marriage ceremony and yatra of Marleshwar is completed, the devotees who come for this are arranged for medicinal water on behalf of Marleshwar Seva Sangh. Free Annachhatra is run by the initiative of Mr. Shashikant Rao of Angivali.

WORSHIP : –

The temple is worshiped daily. Shivpindi is decorated with white flowers which are liked by Mahadev. Samai and Niranj are also planted. Abhishekah is continuously performed on Shivpindi. No other kind of electricity works in this place. Every Shravani Monday Kojagiri Poornima Mahashivratri and Makar Sankrant, these days are also full of yatras to this place.

TIME TO VISIT AND ENTRY FEES :-

You can visit the temple anytime during the year, this temple is open throughout the year. Similarly, this temple is open for darshan from 6 in the morning to 6 in the evening. Devotees who come to visit this temple are not charged any kind of entry fee, free entry is given.

MARLESHWAR WATERFALL : – 

After approaching the temple and going down a little, a small shrine of Sri Vetala is found on the right hand side. At this place, you can get close to this waterfall by jumping over a big rock in the stream bed. It is a wonderful water stream that comes down with thousands of streams. This water stream, waterfall is named “Dhareshwar”. This waterfall falls from a height of almost two hundred feet. This waterfall is also known as MARLESHWAR WATERFALL .

The dohas below this are called “Karambeli Dohas”. After going beyond this doha we can go under this precipice. This waterfall further joins the river Bav. Bathing under this waterfall in the month of Magh is considered very sacred. This waterfall has to be seen from a distance as the water flows here during monsoons. During the rainy season, small waterfalls are falling all around, so you get to see this beautiful scene here. Seeing this beautiful scene here, one feels that the Ganga itself is falling down from Shankara’s stream.

In winter, when the flow decreases, you can enjoy a dip by swimming along or through the base of the waterfall. We forget the existence of the world when we see the thunderous sound of the waterfall in the surrounding hills and the thunder on the water due to the sunlight. This waterfall, which has perennial water, flows very fast during the rainy season. So there are restrictions to go to this place. Because it is very dangerous.

This pond is formed due to the force of water. Due to the continuous force of this water, a deep space must have been created by digging out the stones. According to local people, this place is so deep that no one has been able to measure its depth till date.

Also read this article of ours.  👇

Amboli: A Biodiversity Paradise

Shri Bhimashankar – Sixth Jyotirlinga

Devkund Waterfall – Gift of Nature

MARLESHWAR AND MAKAR SANKRANTI:-

Makar Sankranti is a festival day in the temple. Huge number of devotees come to Marleshwar temple for the auspicious ceremony of Shiva Shankar. Devotees who come here bathe under the Dhareshwar waterfall and then bow at the feet of Shiva in the cave. However, snakes, which are always seen on the day of the pilgrimage, are rarely seen in this cave temple. Makar Sankranti is the wedding ceremony of beloved Shiva Shambhu. Girjadevi of Sakharpa village is chosen as the bride.

The palanquins of gods and goddesses come here from many villages. As Marleshwar first appeared in Angavali village, a silver crown is brought here from the temple of that village. The lord of Raipatan from Lanja is present here at that time. This auspicious ceremony is performed with great fanfare and chanting of mantras.

LOCATION AND HOE TO REACH:-

This temple is located in Maral village in Sangameshwar taluka of Ratnagiri district. As this temple is located in a hilly area and is located in a village, it is convenient for the devotees to come to this place by private vehicle.

1. Air – The nearest airport is Ratnagiri. The distance from Ratnagiri airport to the temple is approximately 45 km. You can reach this place by cab or bus.

2. Train – The nearest railway station is Sangameshwar. The distance from Sangameshwar railway station to the temple is about twenty five kilometers. From there you can come by auto or cab.

3. Bus – The nearest bus station is Devrukh Bus Station. The temple is at a distance of fifteen kilometers from Devrukh bus station. Also this temple is at a distance of 23 km from Sangameshwar Bus Station.

4. Private Vehicles- As the temple is located in a village location as well as in a hilly area, it is most convenient for the devotees to come by their own private vehicle.

Pune to Mandir – 262 kms

Mumbai to Mandir – 240 kms

Lanja to Temple – 31 Kms

Sangameshwar to Temple – 23 kms

Ganapatipule to Temple – 50 kms

MARLESHWAR WATERFALL TREK:-

Although this place is famous as a religious place of Lord Shiva, it is a paradise for the avid trekkers. Surrounded by the lush green Sahyadri mountain ranges and the spectacular cascading Dhareshwar Falls, this temple is an excellent trekking destination. Marleshwar is a favorite place for nature lovers due to its amazing natural beauty and beautiful hill ranges

This trek can be started from Chiplun. From Chiplun to Marleshwar one can do a three day trek from Chiplun to Chandoli forest and then to Marleshwar. Since this is not a one day trek, you have to take your time and go trekking.

On the first day one can stay at Ramgad, then Bhairavagad and Patharpanj

On the next day, trekkers can reach the famous fort by traveling through the dense forest of Chandoli.

The third day trek is Kundi Village followed by Mahima Gad and the last destination is MARLESHWAR WATERFALL .

If we have time to extend our stay in a village, otherwise if trekking is not possible due to rain or other reasons, trekking days can be four to five days. Avid tourists must visit here to experience this thrilling trek

CARE TO BE TAKEN:-

• The roads leading to this temple are very narrow and rough. So be careful while driving.
• Since the temple is in a hilly area, it is generally advisable to leave by 5:30 to 6:00 PM. Because there is no electricity system in this place.
• Before visiting Deva one has to arrange their accommodation as there are no hotels available in this place.
• When going to visit the temple, one has to return at a suitable time in the evening. Because this is a forest area, there is no house or garage in this place. So it is convenient to leave there early for safety.
• As this area is hilly and forested, wild animals and snakes are found in this place. Because of this, care must be taken while walking there.

Watch this video for sure

Amazing Marleshwar Temple and Dhareshwar Falls

15 PLACES TO VISIT NEAR MARLESHWAR :-

01) Ganapatipule – Ganapatipule Beach and Shri Ganesha Temple at a distance of about 70 kms is a popular tourist destination for tourists and devotees. One must visit here at least once during a two-three day stay

02) Sangameshwar Temple – Sangameshwar Temple, which is about 40 km away, is also known as the awakening place of Shiva Shankar. If you are going through this road, make sure to see this temple as well

03) Ratnagiri – Ratnagiri city is 63 kms and has quite a few famous tourist spots.

04) Aare-Vare Beach – About 72 kilometers from the temple is the Aare-Vare beach. There is a lot of tourists here on holidays.

05) Patti Pawan Temple – About 65 kms away is Sri Savarkar’s Patti Pawan Temple.

06) Gowalkot Fort – Gowalkot Fort is located at Chiplun, which is about 88 kms away. You can visit that fort on the way from Mumbai to Marleshwar.

07) Sri Parashuram Temple – Located at a distance of 94 kms, this temple of Parashurama in Chiplun is situated on Mahendra Parbat.

08) Deole Falls – Located at a distance of 31 km, this waterfall is a center of attraction.

09) Malgund – 59 km from the temple, this beach is popular with tourists near Ratnagiri Chiplun.

10) Pawas – Pawas is a very attractive village situated on the seashore at about 50 kms

11) Jaigad Fort – Jaigad Fort, which bears witness to history, is 60 kms away from this temple

12) Kerala Falls – About half an hour away, the thirty kilometer Kerala Falls has always been a favorite among tourists.

13) Savatsada Falls – This falls is about 58 kms from this temple

14) Nageshwar Temple – Another place of Shiv Shankar near the temple – Shri Nageshwar Temple is 24 Kms away

15) Manoli Falls – Manoli is another beautiful waterfall at a distance of about 16 kms

Hotels near temple :-

As the Marleshwar temple is generally in a hilly area, some hotels are available at a distance of ten to twelve kilometers.

• Hotel Pride Residency
• Honest Luxury Homes Stay
• Sunshine Stay
• The Jungle Resort
• Riverside Country Resort

FAMOUS FOOD :-

This temple falls in Ratnagiri district and Ratnagiri district falls in Konkan. Just as Konkan is famous for its clean, beautiful beaches, Koularu houses, as well as dirt roads and lush green nature, it is also famous for its food culture. Modak bhajani vada, ghavan rasa, mango poli, phanaspoli, kokum, kokum syrup, mango slices, mango pickles, as well as wild fruits and foods like Ratnagiri hapus mango, fanas, karavande are very famous in this place.

STORY OF MARLESHWAR:-

Akash Darshan Parameshwara, Giri Darshan Marleswar I

Giriche Mastaki Ganga, Marleshwari Asati Giri-Ganga II

The legend of this place is slightly different. It is believed that Lord Sri Parashurama himself established Vadeshwar of Devrukh, Karneswar of Sangameshwar and Marleshwar of Maral. The rule of the Silahar Dynasty kings was beginning to decline. He was ready to do anything to get money, wealth, jagiri, chieftaincy. For that, they went to the extent of strangling the benefactors, forgetting the blood relation. So Marleshwar decided to leave this temple in anger and go to live in the suburbs.

Outside the village, he saw a Chambar doing his work in a hut but chanting the name of the Lord. He took his lantern and waited for the passerby who was stumbling in the dark. Marleswara said goodbye to Chambhara who was taking Mukhi Shivanam when he came to the cave. At night Chambhar came back home and slept. The next day he also heard that God had disappeared from the temple.

Chambhara had this kind of dream that we have left the temple and gone to Sahyadrit to Kapari due to torture. People tried to search for Marleswara a lot, but the god was nowhere to be found. Later, many crises and difficulties fell on this village. Pestilences, invasions of foreign tyrants, many things happened. Later the local people got together and chased away the aggressors.

The Kshatriyas did their work, after which the Brahmins gave lessons in religious conduct to these ruined villages. The area where this battle took place, got the name “Maral”. Around 1800 AD, Sardar Anerao Salunkhe of Angivali went to the Ghor forest in pursuit of a hunter. The beast entered through the mouth of a small cave, then a stone fell from above and the door of the cave was closed. Sardar Anerao and his colleagues removed the stones and soil from here. Going further, he saw Shri Shambhu Mahadev inside. He recognized this as his Marleswara, and started chanting Marleswara.

That day was Makar Sankranti. Further it is said that this Marleshwara was established by Lord Parasurama. The devotees of this region celebrate this festival of Mahadev’s re-visitation with great reverence.

FESTIVALS AND RITUALS:-

• Kojagiri Purnima
• Makar Sankrant
• Mahashivratri
• Shravani Monday

FAQ:-

1. How many steps do you have to climb to reach Marleshwar Temple?

Generally 400 to 450 steps have to be climbed to reach the temple

2. Where is Marleshwar Temple?

Marleshwar temple is located in Maral village of Sangameshwar taluka in Ratnagiri district.

3. Who founded the Marleshwar Temple?

The temple was established by Lord Parasurama.

4. Which is the waterfall near Marleshwar temple?

The waterfall near the Marleshwar temple is known as Dhareshwar. It is also known as MARLESHWAR WATERFALL .

5. From what height does this Dhareshwar waterfall, which is near the Marleshwar temple, fall down?

The Dhareshwar waterfall falls from a distance of 200 feet and is located near the Marleshwar temple.

6. What is the characteristic of Marleshwar temple?

As the Marleshwar temple is in a cave, snakes exist in the holes of this cave. These snakes have never bitten the pilgrims.

Friends,
we have made a small effort to provide the history and complete information about Marleshwar temple through this article. What did you think of our article? Please let us know by commenting. Let us know if there are any mistakes, we will definitely try to correct them. 

See you again for more updates.