About Rajapur Ganga

The Ganga of Rajpur is an interesting matter of study for many researchers. This place is considered as a geological wonder as Ganga suddenly emerges and starts flowing here since the ancient times. This well-known holy spot near Rajapur has 14 smaller manmade ponds, locally called as Kund, on Gangateertha’s Ghat, which begin to flood with the emergence of Ganga. Six gallons of water comes every minute in each of these kunds during Ganga’s presence. All 14 kunds are dry throughout year. Even during rainy season not a single drop of water stays in these kunds. When Ganga appears, all kunds are filled with water and celebration starts.

 Another very surprising thing about this natural wonder is that the water smells like Sulphur and the temperature of the water in each of the pond is different even though these are so close to each other. Each small pond or kund here has a different name. These manmade ponds are named Varun Kund, Hira Kund, Vedika Kund, Narmada Kund, Saraswati Kund, Goda Kund, Yamuna Kund, Krishna Kund, Agni Kund, Chandra Kund, Surya Kund and Ban Kund. The devotees believe that the water of all the major rivers in India is generated here. The Kashi kunda is the biggest of them all. You also have the facility here of taking a bath in the Ganga on Ganga Ghat.  During this time, the Ganga of Rajapur obtains the form of a holy pilgrimage.

Rajapur Ganga first descended in March 1883, and stayed for around 68 days. It used to descend every 2-3 years after that. Then it descended in 1936 after 1918 with 18 years of gap. Since 1945, it has been descending for every 2 to 3 years. It appeared on May 28, 2009 and was there for around 20 days. 
Ganga at Rajapur descended on April 11, 2012 after 321 days from her last appearance. This phenomenon has been inviting scientists to research further.

Rajapur Ganga, one of the nature’s wonder descends when She wants, stays as long as She wishes to, and disappears when She decides. It is believed that Ganga descends to meet Lord Shiva of Dhutpapeshwar Temple. Devotees never miss a chance to take bath in the holy water of Ganga. They believe their sins are washed away with the blessings of Ganga Mata (Divine Mother).

This holy spot is located on the top of hill and the walk towards it through tree lanes is very beautiful. There is also a road that goes to the top for people who prefer vehicle to reach there. A half a mile below Rajapur Ganga, visitors first visit “Ushnodak Tirth” which is a continuous flowing hot water stream running throughout the year in Unhale village. “Ushnodak Tirth” is a naturally formed hot water spring, located on Mumbai-Goa Highway. Separate arrangements have been made for men and women to take bath in this water. Temperature of water in “Ushnodak Tirth” is 42.8 degrees. This water contains small amount of Sulphur in it and therefore it is believed to have medicinal values. People with skin and arthritis problems can benefit from taking bath in this water. After taking bath, visitors proceed towards Ganga either by walk or by vehicle. There is road from Rajapur’s Unhale village that leads to the Ganga Teertha.

Getting there:
It’s 3 k.m. from Rajapur village. State transportation buses are available from Rajapur to go to this spot. Visitors first get down at “Ushnodak Tirth” in Unhale village to take hot water bath and then walk half a mile towards Ganga which is on top of the hill.
 

Video Credits: Ratnagiri Tourism