Marleshwar Temple & Waterfalls, Ratnagiri - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Marleshwar Temple

At a distance of 65 Km from Ratnagiri, Marleshwar Temple is a cave temple located at Maral village near Sangameshwar in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. Surrounded by the scenic Sahyadri mountain ranges, Sri Marleshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is known as the 'Trimbakeshwar' of Konkan. Marleshwar name may have come from Maral village. It is one of the popular pilgrimage places in Maharashtra, and among the must-include places in the Ratnagiri tour packages. Dhareshwar waterfall formed over the Bav River is another attraction of Marleshwar. The site of Marleshwar Temple is also a great trekking destination and finds many admirers among adventure seekers as well.

History & Mythology of Marleshwar Temple

It is thought that Lord Parshuram established the foundation of the temple. A particularly remarkable aspect of the Marleshwar Temple, which contributes to its popularity among pilgrims, is the presence of cobra snakes within the temple grounds. It is commonly believed that Lord Shiva coexisted with these snakes in this location. According to legend, these snakes are non-aggressive and do not harm visiting pilgrims; in fact, they can be touched if desired. To date, there have been no reported incidents involving these snakes, which enhance the temple's reputation among devotees. However, sightings of these cobras have significantly declined in recent years.

Marleshwar Temple Trek

Nestled amidst the verdant beauty of the magnificent Sahyadri range and the breathtaking Dhareshwar Waterfalls, this temple offers an exhilarating experience for those seeking thrills. The challenging yet invigorating trails of Marleshwar, combined with the surrounding natural splendor, create an ideal weekend retreat for nature enthusiasts. The trek to Marleshwar Temple from Chiplun spans three days, beginning at Helwak and traversing through the Chandoli Forest. As it is not a single-day trek, the journey is divided into segments. On the first day, trekkers can explore Ram Ghal, Bhairav Gad, and Patharpunj Village. The second day involves reaching Prachit Gad via the dense Chandoli Forest and Chandel Village. Finally, on the third day, one can visit Kundi Village, Mahimar Gad, and Marleshwar. Should circumstances allow for an impromptu overnight stay in one of the villages, the adventure can extend to an exciting four to five days.

Festivals of Marleshwar Temple

Makarsankranti and Maha Shivratri are celebrated with great pomp at Marleshwar Temple. On Makarsankranti, the wedding of Marleshwar and Girijadevi is held, attracting thousands of devotees to this annual festival, which includes fairs, cultural activities, and the distribution of Mahaprasad. In addition to Makarsankranti, Maha Shivratri and Tripuri Poornima also witness fairs and festivities at the temple.

Marleshwar Temple Dress Code & Other Restrictions

Although Marleshwar Temple does not enforce a strict dress code, it is advisable to wear modest attire that covers the upper arms and legs as a mark of respect. Men are encouraged to don a dhoti or pajama along with an upper garment, or alternatively, formal trousers and shirts. Women may choose to wear a saree, half saree, or chudidhars. It is recommended to avoid modern clothing such as mini-skirts, shorts, and sleeveless tops while visiting the temple.

While the temple is open to all, the inner sanctum where the deity is enshrined is restricted to Hindus only. This is a common practice in many Hindu temples to maintain the sanctity of the deity and the rituals associated with it.

Marleshwar Temple Timings

Monday: 7 AM - 7 PM
Tuesday: 7 AM - 7 PM
Wednesday: 7 AM - 7 PM
Thursday: 7 AM - 7 PM
Friday: 7 AM - 7 PM
Saturday: 7 AM - 7 PM
Sunday: 7 AM - 7 PM

Marleshwar Temple Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Marleshwar Temple

The best period to visit Marleshwar Temple is between June and March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for temple visits. To fully immerse yourself in the temple's spiritual atmosphere, consider scheduling your visit during the Makarsankranti, which features grand celebrations. Monsoon or just after monsoon is the best time to visit Marleshwar because of all the greenery & cool climate all around. However, the temple will be closed if the waterfall reaches the cave premises making it very difficult to approach the temple site. The summer months from March to May can be excessively hot and humid so better to avoid visiting the temple during this time.

How to Reach Marleshwar Temple

To reach Marleshwar Temple, visitors will need to travel from Ratnagiri, the nearest major town and railhead, which is about 65 Km away. From Ratnagiri, you can take an ST bus to Devrukh and then another bus or auto-rickshaw to Marleshwar. Alternatively, you can hire a car from Ratnagiri or even Sangameshwar. The temple is perched atop a hill and one has to climb some 520 steps to reach the summit.