Dapoli being a scenic coastal town in Maharashtra is slowly becoming popular among tourists. Located 800 meters above sea level, the place is famous for its beaches and rich cultural heritage. However, in recent times, temples in Dapoli have become a hot topic among tourists. Here you can explore some of the ancient temples in Maharashtra and get a glimpse into the past. Many of these temples have a unique location, which makes them a perfect tourist destination. Not about the religious aspect, you will also learn about the history and the dynasties which ruled over the area.
Top 8 Temples In Dapoli To Explore
When you are on a mission to explore the most famous temples in Dapoli, you must make sure to make the most of your journey.
1. Keshavraj Temple
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Nestled in the exotic wilderness of Dapoli, Keshavraj Temple is one of the most serene places to visit. From its beautiful surroundings to its architectural brilliance, everything about this shrine feels exquisite. As soon as you step inside the temple, you are greeted with unique architectural designs that are sure to leave you speechless. As the oldest temple in Dapoli, it boasts elaborate sculptures and exquisite carvings that tell you a lot about ancient history. However, the main highlight is the Keshavraj idol, which is seated at the centre of the temple.
Location: Vyaghreshwar – Garambi Rd, Asud, Maharashtra 415713
Timings: 24*7
2. Shri Vyaghreshwar Temple
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Dapoli temples are known for their rich history and stunning architectural work. Shri Vyaghreshwar Temple near Asud is an ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Despite being 800 years old, the temple holds its importance and draws thousands of pilgrims each year. Due to its rich history and spiritual significance, the temple has become a popular tourist place. When at Shri Vyaghreshwar Temple, you can enjoy a serene environment, especially around the water stream that flows near the temple.
Location: Near, Asud, Dapoli, Asud, Maharashtra 415713
Timings: 6:30 AM – 8 PM
3. Kadyavarcha Ganapati
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Exploring popular temples offers a unique experience, especially if it is as significant as Kadyavarcha Ganapati. To visit this temple, you will have to travel 27.5 km from Dapoli. You can either take a car ride or use public transport. It’s the uniqueness of this temple that attracts visitors from all across the country. In most temples, you will notice Ganpati’s trunk curved towards the left. But in Kadyavarcha Ganapati, the trunk is bent towards the right side, which is rare. Besides the unique Ganpati idol, you can enjoy a peaceful environment around the temple.
Location: Murdi-Anjarle Khadipulmarge Kadyavaril Ganapati Mandir Marg, Anjarle, Maharashtra 415714
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
4. Chandika Mandir
Photo: Manoj Radhakrishnan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
If you are planning to explore the most famous temples in the Ratnagiri district, Chandika Mandir needs to be on your itinerary. Located 27 km away from Dapoli, this temple is a must-visit, especially if you are a religious person. As the name suggests, the temple is dedicated to goddess Chandika. What’s unique about this shrine is the entrance, travelling through a narrow cave that adds a mysterious and unique charm to the entire place. The idol of the goddess is placed inside the cave, where people worship and pay devotion.
Location: Palavni, Mandangad, Unhavare Road, Dapoli – 415712
Timings: 24*7
5. Shri Sainath Maharaj Temple
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Located at Kherdi, you are required to travel 6 km from Dapoli to reach the shrine. Here you will find idols of other deities, including Lord Ganesha, Dakshinamukhi Hanuman, Lord Shiva, Shri Dattatreya, and Vindhyavasini. You will also notice a Navgraha on the ground floor. The temple follows the principles and teachings of Sai Baba, making it a spiritually significant place for devotees.
Location: Near Bondivali Ice Factory, At Post Karanjani, Dapoli – 415 712
Timings: 5.30 AM – 12 PM; 4.30 PM – 6.30 PM
6. Mahalaxmi Temple
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Mahalaxmi Temple may not be the biggest temple in Dapoli, but it is worth a visit. Since the temple is in Kelshi, it will take you some time to reach there from the taluka. The most interesting thing about the shrine is the architecture, which offers a glimpse of the Peshwa Period. The temple is divided into two sections including a Sthan of Goddess Kshetrapal, and a Swayambhu Sthan of Goddess Mahalaxmi. There also lies a Shiva Linga in the middle. The best time to visit this shrine is during the Mahalaxmi festival.
Location: Ladghar, Dapoli, Maharashtra 415713
Timings: 4 AM – 10.30 PM
7. Sri. Svayambhu Panchmukhi Maruti Mandir
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Nestled in central Dapoli, Sri Swayambhu Panchmukhi Maruti Mandir offers a unique spiritual experience to devotees. The temple is almost 140 years old and is home to Lord Hanuman, a powerful Hindu deity. Unlike the other temples we discussed so far, Sri Swayambhu Panchmukhi Maruti Mandir boasts a simple architecture. Talking about the temple’s origin, it was built several decades ago when Mr Abhay Puri found Lord Hanuman’s idol while digging in his yard. Initially, the idol was installed in a small hut, but as the words of miracles started to spread, it attracted more devotees.
Location: Dapoli, Maharashtra 415713
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
8. Siddhi Vinayak Ganapati Temple
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The Siddhi Vinayak Ganapati Temple was built by Madhavarao Peshwa in the 18th century to provide a place of worship for both locals and visitors. Perched on a hilltop, the temple offers breathtaking views of the Anjarle beach and cliffs. The setting of the temple is so beautiful that it is easy to mesmerise your senses. The lush greenery surrounding the shrine makes it a picturesque spot for tourists. To make the most of your journey to the temple, you should take the route from Dapoli to Harnai, and then Anjarle.
Location: Post Karde, Brahmanwadi, Dapoli, Maharashtra 415713
Timings: 24*7
Exploring temples in Dapoli is a serene experience. It allows you to delve deeper into spirituality and take a closer look at the region’s rich culture and natural beauty. Whether you want to pay devotion or set out on a peaceful retreat, these temples need to be on your itinerary. Plan a trip with TripXL and enhance your experience.
Cover Photo: Kbdessai / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only