Spiritual Konkan

The path meanders through the dense forest. The light filters through the canopy of the trees like liquid beams of gold, and settles on the tender plants that have begun to break through the deep red soil. The silence of the forest is broken by the crunching of the leaves under our feet, as we trudge down the path, cocking our ears to listen to the stray call of a lonely bird. Life is beautiful, pulsing and never has it been so wonderful.The path leads to Keshavraj temple, located near the village of Asud in Konkan. Asud, a small village surrounded by verdant trees, is near Dapoli. Keshavraj, an ancient temple is located in the middle of thick woods, and is supposed to have been built over a thousand years ago. The route to the temple is quite picturesque – it winds through dense groves of cashewnut, mangoes, coconuts and betel-nuts. A brook babbles near the temple. It originates near the hilltop, and supplies water to the ‘gomukh’ – the mouth of a cow, carved in stone, which is often found in temples.There are many other temples in this scenic village, but one particularly noteworthy is the Vyaghreshwar temple. Located on the riverbank, the temple is of the beautiful ‘hemadpanthi’ architectural style. Elaborate, stunning wooden pillars support the main canopy of the temple.Similarly beautiful is the Chandika devi temple, which is situated quite close to Dapoli. This underground temple is said to be ‘swayambhu’, or that it has formed on its own. A dark passageway leads to the inner cave, where the idol is located. In the light of the flickering oil lamps, the quiet dignity, the hushed awe, the temple seems to spiritually uplift those who visit it.

Further down the coast, the Arabian sea laps at a sandy beach, as the sun casts a rosy glow over the dancing palms that line the beach. This beach is secluded, unpolluted by the cacophony of crowds, and the litter that is left in their trails. Hours can be whiled away on this white and pristine sun kissed beach.

Tucked away amidst the mighty hills, in Konkan, lies the tranquil village of Anjarle. It is a small, sleepy village that dreams of the past. The red soil is a brilliant contrast against the dense green foliage, and birds twitter melodiously, flitting from one tree to another. Stray chicken strut on the dusty red paths of the village, a rooster crows mistakenly. The air hums the tunes of long-forgotten songs.

Like any other Konkani village, it seems content within itself, and happy with its fate. This mystical contentment of Anjarle is probably linked with its famous Ganpati temple. Known as ‘Kadyawarcha ganpati’, which literally means ‘Ganpati on the cliff’, this temple is known throughout Konkan for its beauty. Nestled on a hill, and surrounded by woods, the temple is pleasing in its simplicity. A splendid structure, crowned by an elaborate top, it is said to have been constructed in the 12th century. It was later renovated, during the reign of the Peshwas. Though quite old, the temple is wonderfully maintained.

The Anjarle temple is renowned because the trunk of the Ganesh idol is curved towards the right. Since most idols of the elephant headed god have trunks curved to the left, this makes it a rarity. Additionally, it is considered that it is a ‘live deity’, which means that the lord responds to the pleas of the devotees. Hence, the temple is thronged by tourists and the devoted locals alike.

Earlier, the devotees would be ferried across a creek to reach the temple. But now, a road has been constructed, that leads right up to the steps of the temple, which makes visiting the temple easier.

Not far from Dapoli is the quaint town of Dabhol. Once an important trading port, in the 14-16th centuries, it slipped into obscurity down the ages. But it has now emerged as a marvellous beach destination in Konkan, where one can sample all the delights of this splendid region. A beach of black sand is one of its prime attractions. The magnificent beach is perfect for spending lazy afternoons – to just curl up in a hammock and listen to the rhythm of the waves crashing ashore. A dense sheoak plantation provides ample shade for relaxing.

There is much to see in Konkan, and for a traveller who loves nature and adores the sea, Konkan will be a never ending, delightful adventure. Many temples in Konkan are located near the sea. The beaches and the temples are inextricably linked. After praying at these serene, fantastic temples, a stroll on the beach is quite a given. The beautiful temples, with their tranquil atmosphere of serious devotion will nourish your spiritual self, while the beautiful beaches and the gorgeous foliage will replenish you physically. Coupled with the deliciousness of the warm modaks, cool, refreshing kokum sherbet and sol kadhi, and in the summers, the juicy sweet mangoes with skin of summers, Konkan makes for an unforgettable vacation. The beauty of Konkan is such that you will be compelled to visit it time and again – to marvel at the shades of the sea, and the listen to the whisper of the wind as it tiptoes through the palms. Make the most of your Konkan trips until it remains an undiscovered virgin territory.

Image credits: Abhijit Avalaskar, Wikimedia commons,flickr, Picasa web albums,