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From beaches and caves to forts and waterfalls, Ratnagiri has something in store for everyone. In recent times, Ratnagiri has become a popular destination among tourists and that is also for the right reasons. Besides the places of attraction, you must also check out the famous temples in Ratnagiri, since they have so much in their possession. Be it the architecture, or the historical vibe, it cannot be denied that these temples are one-of-a-kind. While it is difficult to explore all the famous temples in the city, you should at least make the effort to visit a few of them.
Top 10 Temples In Ratnagiri
On your next trip to Maharashtra, make sure to visit the famous temples in Ratnagiri. Besides offering prayers, there’s so much you can learn about these temples.
1. Dhootpapeshwar Temple
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One of the Ratnagiri temples that is likely to blow your mind is Dhootpapeshwar Temple. This shrine, which is 3–4 miles from Rajapur Railway Station, is encircled by lush foliage and waterfalls. The temple is close to the Mrudani River, which has given birth to multiple waterfalls. People come here to not only worship the Shiva Lingam but also to enjoy the stunning views. The temple can be divided into three parts — the sanctum, pavilion, and hall. There’s also a banyan tree, which is over a hundred years old.
Location: Hardi, Dhopeshwar, Maharashtra 416702
Timings: 6 AM – 1 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM
2. Nateshwar Temple
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When exploring temples in Ratnagiri, you are likely to come across Nateshwar Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Nateshwar. For those who aren’t aware, Lord Nateshwar is an important deity of Nate Village. The temple also houses a Shiva idol, along with idols of Ram, Sita, and Lakshman. The unique thing about the Shiva idol is that it is made of basalt. While you are at this temple, you can explore the beautiful surroundings, consisting of lush greenery, betel nut plantations, and Konkani houses. You can also go to Nate village for a rich cultural experience.
Location: Nateshwar Mandir, At Post Nate, Taluka, Rajapur, Bharadin, Maharashtra 415806
Timings: 5:30 AM – 9 PM
3. Mahakali Temple
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If you plan to explore the best temples in Ratnagiri, Mahakali Temple needs to be on your itinerary. This shrine is home to five deities, including Shri Mahakali, Shri Yogeshwari, Shri Rawalnath, Shri Mahasaraswati, and Shri Mahalakshmi. However, the main highlight is the Shri Mahakali idol, which is made of black stone. As a tourist, you may not know, but the temple follows a ritual of bathing the idols in coconut milk and oil during the full moon. Also, this is the oldest temple in Ratnagiri as it was built back in the 1300s.
Location: Adiware, Rajapur Taluka, Maharashtra
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
4. Ganeshgule Temple
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The list of the best temples in Ratnagiri is incomplete without Ganeshgule Temple. Although this shrine is located 22 km from Ratnagiri, it is a must-visit for tourists. The temple is almost 400 years old and features a dome-shaped structure. However, what makes this special is the self-styled rock that worshippers revere as Lord Ganesh. Also, the entire shrine is made of lateritic rock. Near the temple, you will notice a water well, which is about 70 feet deep. Back in the day, water used to flow from the Gomukh (cow’s mouth). But ever since the water stopped, it is believed that Lord Ganesha left the shrine.
Location: Ganesh Gule Rd, Thikan Soman, Maharashtra 415616
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
5. Swayambhu Ganapati Temple
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Exploring famous temples in Ratnagiri offers a unique experience. While you are at it, make sure to visit Swayambhu Ganapati Temple to witness the spiritual significance of Lord Ganesha. This 400-year-old temple has a unique charm that draws people from all corners of the state. One of the best aspects of this temple is the self-created monolith of Lord Ganesha, which is believed to have been discovered 1600 years ago. Built of pule, this shrine exudes a different aura, especially during festivals like Diwali and Ganesh puja. The best time to visit this temple is between October and November.
Location: Tilak Ali, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra 415612
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
6. Shri Devi Bhagwati Mandir
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Located in the Ratnadurg fort, Shri Devi Bhagwati Mandir happens to be one of the famous temples in Ratnagiri. It is an ancient temple that has idols of deities like Ashtadashbhuj and Veer Vignesh. Even the other sculptures in the temple are worth paying attention to, mainly because of the intricate details. After you are done with the rituals, you can visit the Arabian Sea, which is located close to the temple. For the best experience, you should visit the temple during the Navratri festival.
Location: Bhagwati Fort And LightHouse, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra 415612
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
7. Sri Kanakaditya Temple
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Even though Sri Kanakaditya Temple is the biggest temple in Ratnagiri, it is still worth visiting. For those who don’t know, this temple is over 800 years old and holds great importance to devotees. It is one of the very few temples in Maharashtra that is dedicated to the Sun God. The beauty of the shrine lies in its construction, which is made of black stone. As for the structure, it is constructed of laterite and mud. The idol is placed right at the centre, so everybody can see the deity during puja rituals. During the Rath Festival, the temple takes out a silver chariot, which is worth the experience.
Location: Surya Mandir Road, Rajapur Taluka, District Ratnagiri, Kasheli, Maharashtra 416707
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
8. Velneshwar Shiva Temple
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If you are a devotee of Lord Shiva, Velneshwar Temple needs to be on your itinerary. What’s good about this temple is that it is located far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The surrounding areas offer peace, allowing visitors to bask in the serene atmosphere. Once you reach the temple, you will notice the big gate that encompasses the shrine. There are also several banyan trees, which further contribute to the serene environment. Other trees found outside the temple include coconut and Ashok. Overall, this is a great place to worship and relax.
Location: Velaneshwar, Maharashtra 415729
Timings: 6 AM – 9:30 PM
9. Parshuram Temple
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While there are many popular temples in Ratnagiri, not many of them are as unique as Parshuram Temple. People from all across the state come here to witness the stunning architecture, which is a blend of Muslim and Hindu styles. Despite being 300 years old, the temple stands tall and oozes a different aura. As the name suggests, the shrine is dedicated to Lord Parshuram, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. There are three giant idols inside the temple, each with intricate details. Some of the festivals celebrated at the shrine include Ram Navami, Mahashivratri, and Akshaya Tritiya.
Location: Sansthan Shri Bhargavram Parshuram At post, Taluka, Parshuram, Dhamandevi Mohalla, Chiplun, Maharashtra 415605
Timings: 8 AM – 8 PM
10. Patit Pavan Mandir
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Built by Shriman Bhagoji Sheth in 1931, Patit Pavan Mandir is a significant place for Hindus. The name “Patit Pavan” means “Purifier of the Fallen,” which signifies the temple’s mission to welcome people from all castes and communities. This was the first-ever temple in India that allowed people from all social classes to enter. This shrine is not just a place of worship, but a symbol of unity and social harmony. Anybody interested to learn about the temple’s role in India’s social reform movement must visit this place. Unlike other shrines in Ratnagiri, Patit Pavan Mandir may not have an eye-catching architecture, but it is worth exploring.
Location: Varachi Ali, Subhash Road, near Phatak High School, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra 415612
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Temples in Ratnagiri showcase rich history, culture, and spirituality. From the serene Swayambhu Ganesh Temple to the majestic Parshuram Temple, each temple offers a unique experience. Whether you are travelling solo or with family, make sure to explore these architectural marvels. While you plan your trip to Ratnagiri, book your tickets with TripXL for an enhanced travel experience.
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