Kunkeshwar Temple,
an ancient Shiva Temple is located in Kunkeshwar village, 14 Kms from Devgad
town. A pristine beach with a very long stretch of seashore and white sand adds
to the beauty of temple surroundings. This beautiful temple near beach has alluring architecture with reminiscent of South Indian
style of temple architecture. Yadav Kings built this temple in 1100 A. D.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj who rejuvenated this temple many times was a
frequent visitor to this temple. This temple is also famous as Kashi of South Konkan.
Every year a huge celebration takes place on the occasion of Mahashivratri,
which keeps religious beliefs in constant sight of the multitudes. During the
festival a large number of devotees throng this place with their families and
friends. This vigilant Shiva deity bestows
blessings on everyone who surrenders to its feet.
A walk through the 5 Kms long Kunkeshwar beach across the temple on one
side of the hill has quieting effect on the mind. Swimming in the clear water
freshens the mind and if you are lucky ones you can get a rare view of dolphins diving in the deep
sea from a distance. Greenery of coconut and mango trees
surrounding one side of the beach adds to the beauty and makes the whole
experience of every visitor a memorable one. World famous Alphanso mango is grown here in large
number. This Devgad Alphanso mango is
exported to UK, Australia, USA, gulf and asian countries. Visitors often enjoy
mango plantations on both sides of the road while driving to this place and
often buy mango-boxes from the villagers selling them on the streets.
On the
eastern side of the temple, one enjoys the sight of the cave with beautifully
carved male and female warriors in black rock. With the presence of Ganesh idol
along with Shiv-linga and Nandi in the center, this place is must see for every
visitor.
Accommodation:
Shri Kunkeshwar
Temple Trust provides accommodation to their devotees in their beautifully
constructed rooms called “Bhakta Nivas” at an affordable rate. Contact number
of the trust is 02364 – 248650 (*phone number is subject to change) Budget to
luxury accommodation is also available near by in Devgad town.
Getting there:
By
Air:
Nearest airport at
Dabolim, Goa is 186 Kms.
Mumbai Airport is
492 Kms.
By
Railway:
Nearest major
railway station on Konkan Railway is Kankavli, 49 Kms. Nandgaon Railway station
is 42 Kms.
By
Road:
42 Kms from
Nandgaon village on NH17 (Mumbai-Goa Highway)
14 Km from Devgad
Mumbai-Kunkeshwar
is 492 Kms.
Pune-Kunkeshwar is
387 Kms
Kolhapur-Kunkeshwar
is 160 Kms
Private vehicles and ST buses ply from Devgad, Kankavli, Kudal and Sawantwadi.
Near by Places
to visit:
Rameshwar
Temple, Velgive, Devgad: A very ancient temple since Mahabharata
time has been carved in a single large stone. It has six stone pillars with
Shivalinga in the center having cave-like architecture. It has been built by
Pandavas in just one night.
Vijaydurg
Fort: The oldest fort on Sindhudurg coast constructed in
the regime of Raja Bhoj of shilahar dynasty in 1205 (construction period
1193-1205).
The
Rameshwar Temple, Girye is 3 Km from the fort. This stone
archway and pathway leading to the temple is a sight and behold. This temple
also has beautiful wall paintings and wooden engravings on the columns.
Padavane
Beach: A secluded beach near Devgad is a must for every
visitor
Bhagavati
Temple of Kotkamte: It’s 30 Km from Devgad. Kanoji
Angre has built this historical temple approximately 250 years ago.
Tambaldeg
Beach: It’s 3 Km from Kunkeshwar temple.
Saitvade
Waterfall: (Padaghar Waterfall): A magnificent
waterfall flowing all the year round near Devgad is quite unknown for years.
Visitors can enjoy swimming in the river formed by the gushing waterfall.
Devgad
Jetty: After serving passengers since 1958 finally the
service was shut down in 1988 due to non-profit. However it is used for fishing
so visitors can get that unique experience as well as auctioning of fish.
Central and State governments have taken interest in developing this safe
jetty.
Bhalchandra
Maharaj Ashram: Enjoy serene environment of the ashram of
Shri Bhalchandra Maharaj in Kankavli.
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