Kankeshwar Temple

Overview

The Kanakeshwar temple is a God Shiva temple and it is located on a hill near the village of Mapgoan which is about 13 Kms from Alibag, regular buses are available from Shivajinagar to Alibag and buses from Alibag to Kanakeshwar.The temple is 13 Kms from Alibag in North east direction and is very famous.

Nearby Attractions

Land marks around the route are the tombs of Mohan Giri, Gaymandi, Balgiri, Nagoba Rest, Jambhali Plateau, God's stair e.t.c. The fatigue of the uphill climb vanishes the moment when the devotees perceive the scenic beauty.

About the temple

It incorporates many small temples of Sri Paleshwar, Sri Hanuman, Sri Balram Krishna and God Shiva. In the mid of the hill one can see "Nagobacha Tappa" (a place of snakes) and the famous step called "Devachi Payari" is named because, it is said that God himself stepped here after the construction of the temple and the steps. The hill is almost 1,200 feet high and one has to climb 700- 750 steps to reach the temple. The temple of Kanakeshwar is very beautiful it is a Hoyasala style structure built in 1764. The temple was built by Raja Ramdeoraj Yadav. A water tank called a "pushkami" consists of water almost throughout the year which is now closed for the pilgrims. There is another water tank known as Brahma Kund. The special attention and the center of attraction is an ancient sweet water tank enclosed in traditional structure of red stone.The site also include Nagaar-khana, Bheem Kunda, a garden for flowers to be offered to the God Sri Ram Ganesh temple and Gomukha. The beauty of the Arabian sea and the fort of Khandvi as well as the entire hilly region can be viewed from the Kanakeshwar temple. Right next to this is a temple of Lord Hanuman (Maruthi), which, it seems, is a popular temple with the devotees visiting the temple.

About the deity

The height of the Shiv mandir is about 54 feet, the front gate has a sculpture of a Lion on both the sides with traditional lamp-pillar(deepmaal) in front. The 4 feet long 'Pindi' of Lord Shiv is Silver plated.

Festivals

Every year, according to the Kartik Poornima in the Hindu calendar is the day of fair. The center of attraction is the ancient sweet water tank enclosed in a traditional structure of red stone, the ancient temple was built by Raja Ramdeorai Yadav.

Accessibility

Air

Mumbai is the nearest International Airport.

Road

Buses or taxis can be hired from Mumbai to reach Alibaug. The Alibaug bus stand is located at a distance of around 2 km from the city centre and can be reached by taking auto rickshaws and taxis. Recommended for individual travellers and backpackers. Rented cars and taxis are available from Mumbai to Alibaug, which takes around 2 hours. Taxi or cab fares range from INR11 to INR30 per kilometre, depending upon the showtype of car. This mode of transport is suitable while travelling with families, seniors and kids.