Karhateshwar Temple — Attraction in Maharashtra

18 January 2023. Karhateshwar Temple. Sufficient parking is available at Karhateshwar Temple. As you walk toward the temple you see the main entry gate it is called Audumber Dwar, It is an arched gate. The top of the arch has a flag pole. At the bottom of the arch hangs a bass bell. The Audumber gate has a unique design, the top portion looks like a Viking helmet with horns!! Karhateshwar Temple is built on a sloping hill where the hill slope culminates at the beach and the sea. Two level areas had to be dug out of the hill face to enable the construction of the temple. Stone-paved stairs start at the Audumber Dwar and go right down to the sea shore where an underground perennial sweet water stream is channelled through a Goumukh to fill a Kund. (Goumukh : Cow mouth : hollow stone statue of a cow head. Where an underground stream flows out through the Goumukh). Devotees wash their feet and hands and freshen up, some who re more devoted take a bath with Kund water before going for darshan in the temple. Passing through Audumber gate, as you start descending, you pass near an old Audumber tree, after which the Audumber gate seems to have been named. We decided to first go and visit the Kund. The stairs are fully shaded by the thick and dense trees going all around. The climb / descent is a bit steep and the number of steps is also a fair amount. Those with knee trouble may find it a bit difficult. The water of the stream is cold and potable. One feels quite freshened up after washing the face n that water. Good view of the sea. The seashore is rocky in the area around the Kund. On the climb back to the temple I was intrigued by the ruins of what appeared like the ramparts of a fort along the seashore. Wanted to explore it but it was difficult and inaccessible so just continued the climb and reached the temple. Temple is an ancient temple. It is commonly accepted that it was built during the reign of Shaliharas.( 765 to 1029 CE). The architecture of this temple is unique. It is the first and only kind I have seen so far. It is a long rectangular building with a split two-tiered roof covered with clay tiles. There are no domes or shikhara which house the Garbha Graha, The Sabha Graha. Such domes and shikhara are the traditional, standard features of all the temples all over India. Ther are missing here. Once inside, the rectangular hall is sort of partitioned into three parts. A small built-in Garbha Graha, a Sabha Graha, and bit larger assembly hall. The roof is supported by teak pillars. These pillars are plain square in shape, very plain, and simply devoid of any designs or engravings, Such simplicity in this temple built of wood was another feature I found strange. This uniqueness and simplicity is what sets this temple apart and make it unique. On the upper tier dug out in the hill slope there are some rooms. The room which is closest to the stairs is Ganesh Mandir. It has a small but beautiful idol of Ganesh carved in white marble. The thick forest all around, and the remoteness of the temple from any habitat ensures the quite serenity of the temple. One can have a blast here, a picnic with kids and family near the Gomukh Kund 😊 It was a good place to visit. A temple with a difference. Thirteen photos and a video were taken at Karhateshwar Temple. All are given here. To see all zoomable photos given here with captions go to the trip album already opened in a new...

Karhateshwar temple is situated near the seashore of Jaigad. Surrounded by greenery and unspoilt nature, this ancient temple draws a lot of visitors to it. Placed at a distance of 40 km from Ratnagiri, the Karhateshwar temple is made of wood. The surrounding scenery and the location of the temple is the main attraction here. A small stream originating from the hillside nearby is also an interesting feature here. The temple is open throughout the day and people belonging to various religion and beliefs come here. As such, many tourists, families, nature lovers and photographers visit the place throughout the year. Other important attractions located near the Karhateshwar temple are Anjarle Beach, Ganapatipule Beach, Guhagar Beach, Jaigad Lighthouse, Jaigad Fort, Dhamapur Lake, Marleshwar Temple, Lakshmi Keshav Temple, Mandavi Beach, Gateway of Ratnagiri, Bhatye Beach, Ratnagiri Lighthouse, Sri Kanakaditya Temple, Swayambhu Ganpati Temple, Thibaw Point, Thiba Palace, Gopalgad Hill, Tilak Ali Museum and Devgad Beach. Karhateshwar temple is easily accessible from Ratnagiri by means of buses and taxis. Though it is a year round destination, you can plan your visit to the Karhateshwar temple just after the monsoon. That is the time when the nature will be fresh and rejuvenating. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, built on the sea shore Video Review Dedicated to Lord Shiva, built on the sea shore Om namah shivay Karhateshwar Mahadev Mandir he far purtan aani jagrut devshtan aahe. Tethe Gaimukhatun yenare pani mhanje Amrutcha aahe, aani mahatvache mhanje bajula mota samudra asunahi panyamedhye kharat pana jarahi nahi. Mandir aani aajubajucha parisar ha nisargane...

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🌟 Karhateshwar Temple – A Hidden Gem of Peace and Beauty! 🌴🙏

Karhateshwar Temple, near Jaigad Fort in Ratnagiri, is an incredible place to visit! 🏞️ This small, ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is tucked away on a cliff’s edge, surrounded by lush greenery. The wooden heritage structure gives an old-school vibe that takes you back in time. 🕉️

💨 As you step down the stairs, the strong sea breeze and the soothing sound of waves crashing below immediately refresh you. 🌊 The view from here is breathtaking—a perfect blend of the open sea and the serene surroundings. It’s a spot where nature and spirituality come together beautifully.

💧 There’s also a Gomukh with a gentle water stream flowing, adding to the peaceful vibe. Sitting on the steps in silence, with the waves as your background music, feels like meditation! 🧘‍♂️

📸 Don’t forget to take a short walk to see the JSW port from below—it’s a unique view that adds charm to the visit.

Karhateshwar Temple isn’t fancy, but it’s perfect if you’re looking for calmness and natural beauty. 🌟 Highly recommended for anyone visiting Ratnagiri! It’s a hidden gem you’ll love to explore. 🛕✨

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