The Redi Ganpati Temple, a significant spiritual site in Maharashtra, holds a captivating history that intertwines faith, legend, and discovery.
Situated approximately 30 km from Vengurla, in the small village of Redi, this temple attracts thousands of devotees every year.
This blog post will delve into the fascinating history of the Redi Ganpati Temple, its location, directions to reach the temple, and the story behind its discovery.
Redi Ganpati Temple Location
The Redi Ganpati Temple is located in the coastal district of Ratnagiri in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. Specifically, it lies in the village of Redi, known for its iron ore mines.
The temple’s exact location offers a serene and picturesque view, making it a perfect spot for both spiritual seekers and nature lovers.
Redi Ganpati Temple Directions
To visit the Redi Ganpati Temple, you can follow these simple directions:
- From Vengurla: The temple is about 30 km away. You can drive or take a local bus to reach the temple.
- From Shiroda: The distance from Shiroda to Redi Ganpati is approximately 20 km. It’s a short drive or bus ride.
- From Sawantwadi: The distance from Sawantwadi to Redi Ganpati is around 50 km. A car or bus journey will get you there in about an hour and a half.
Redi Ganpati Temple History
The history of the Redi Ganpati Temple is as enchanting as the idol itself. The story dates back to April 18, 1976, when Sadanand Nagesh Kambli, a truck driver, parked his vehicle near the Redi port coast and had a divine vision.
In his dream, Lord Ganesha appeared and instructed him to dig at a specific spot.
Trusting his vision, Sadanand, along with some local workers, began excavating the area. To their astonishment, they discovered a beautifully carved idol of Lord Ganesha.
Redi Ganpati Discovery
The idol of Lord Ganesha found in Redi is unique in many ways.
It stands approximately 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide, depicting the deity in a sitting position with two arms (Dwibhuja).
This is quite different from the typical four-armed (Chaturbhuja) representations of Ganesha found in most temples. The idol is carved from a purple stone and is believed to date back to the time of the Pandavas.
Redi Ganpati Temple Further Excavations
The initial discovery did not end with the idol of Lord Ganesha.
About one and a half months later, a large statue of a mouse, the traditional vahana (vehicle) of Ganesha, was also found near the harbor.
This added to the temple’s uniqueness and further solidified its significance among devotees.
Redi Ganpati Temple Construction
Following these discoveries, the local community decided to build a temple at the very spot where the idol was found.
The construction of the temple was completed, and it quickly became a revered site for devotees.
The temple’s architecture is simple yet elegant, allowing the divine presence of Lord Ganesha to be the focal point.
Significance of Redi Ganpati Temple
The Redi Ganpati Temple holds immense religious significance. Devotees believe that the idol is “Swayambhu” (self-manifested), which adds to its divine aura.
Every Sankashti Chaturthi, a significant day in the Hindu calendar dedicated to Lord Ganesha, sees a huge gathering of devotees who come to seek blessings and offer prayers.
Redi Ganpati Distance from Major Locations
For those planning to visit the temple, here are some distances from key locations:
- Shiroda to Redi Ganpati Distance: Approximately 20 km
- Sawantwadi to Redi Ganpati Distance: Approximately 50 km
- Vengurla to Redi Ganpati Distance: Approximately 30 km
Redi Ganpati Photo
The idol of Lord Ganesha at Redi is a sight to behold.
Its serene expression and majestic presence instill a sense of peace and devotion in all who visit. Many devotees and tourists take photos of the idol to capture its divine beauty and keep it as a memory of their visit.
Redi Ganpati Story in Marathi
For Marathi readers, here is the story of Redi Ganpati in Marathi:
रेडी गणपतीच्या मंदिराचा इतिहास अद्भुत आणि मंत्रमुग्ध करणारा आहे. १८ एप्रिल १९७६ रोजी, रेडीच्या बंदर किनाऱ्याजवळ एक ट्रक चालक सदानंद नाशिक कांबळी ने आपला ट्रक उभा केला आणि त्याला एक दैवी स्वप्न पडलं. त्या स्वप्नात, गणपतीने त्याला एक ठराविक ठिकाणी खोदण्याचे निर्देश दिले. त्याच्या स्वप्नावर विश्वास ठेवून, सदानंद आणि काही स्थानिक कामगारांनी त्या क्षेत्रात खोदकाम सुरू केले. त्यांच्या आश्चर्यकारकतेसाठी, त्यांना गणपतीची सुंदर कोरलेली मूर्ती सापडली.
Conclusion
The Redi Ganpati Temple is not just a place of worship but a testament to faith and divine intervention.
Its history, from a dream to a remarkable discovery, continues to inspire and attract devotees from all over.
Whether you’re a spiritual seeker, a history enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a peaceful retreat, the Temple offers a unique experience that resonates with the divine.
Plan your visit to this enchanting temple, soak in its serene atmosphere, and witness the divine presence of Lord Ganesha that has captivated hearts for decades.
Read More
- 108 Divya Desam: A Guide to Lord Vishnu’s Sacred Abodes
- 108 Divya Desam (Lord Vishnu Temples) – Map, Full List, Details
References
About the Author
Dr. Anjali Deshmukh is a renowned historian and cultural anthropologist specializing in Indian temple architecture and mythology. Her extensive research on the historical significance of temples in India has made her a respected authority in the field. Passionate about preserving and sharing India’s rich cultural history, Dr. Deshmukh combines rigorous academic research with engaging storytelling to bring the past to life for her readers
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