About Shree 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. The shivling is self-originated in the cave so it is called as Swayambhu (Svayambhu is a Sanskrit word that means “self-manifested” or “that is created by its own”). Surrounded by the scenic Sahyadri mountain ranges, Shree Marleshwar Temple is one of the popular pilgrimage places in Maharashtra, and among the most visited tourist places in Ratnagiri. Tourists visit this important temple for devotion and natural beauty.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Marleshwar Temple is one of the famous pilgrimage places to visit. This temple is perched atop a hill and one has to climb some 400 steps to reach the summit. Although Marleshwar Temple in Ratnagiri is most popular for religious beliefs, its location makes it popular with thrill seekers as well. This temple is surrounded by the Sahyadri range and the Dhareshwar Waterfalls, and its treacherous yet exhilarating pathways, as well as its natural environment, make it a nature lover’s getaway destination. Marleshwar, with its pleasant atmosphere can pleasantly surprise you. At the right side there is the entrance of the cave and near the entrance, there is a ‘Kund’ of cold water. When we enter the caves one can see the idol of Marleshwar.

It is locally believed that the temple was built by Lord Parashuram. Many Boa snakes and Cobras are found roaming everywhere in and around the premises of the caves but an interesting thing to note is that not a single person ever been hurt or died because of these snakes. This has resulted in the increasing faith of the devotees in the place and every year thousands of devotees visit here as part of their Ratnagiri Tour. This temple is known as the 'Trimbakeshwar' of Konkan. Marleshwar name may have been derived from Maral village.

The Shiva Temple is housed within a cave and has a small viewing platform from which to admire the magnificent Dhareshwar Waterfalls. This waterfall is another tourist attraction of Marleshwar. The waterfall  is indeed very beautiful & pleasing to the eyes. Many small waterfalls come together to form the Dhareshwar water falls. The Dhareshwar waterfall is formed over the Bav River. Adventure lovers and trekkers love this area. The waterfall sight is very beautiful from the cave but one can get a better view of the falls from Karambeli Doh, which is situated near the falls. One can see a saffron flag fluttering right on the tip of the opposite huge hill behind Dhareshwar falls. This flag houses another Shiva temple and villagers take processions to this place from Marleshwar on marked days of Diwali.

Makarsankranti and Mahashivratri are celebrated here with great enthusiasm. On the day of Makarsankranti, the marriage of Marleshwar and Girijadevi takes place. Local villagers celebrate the marriage ceremony with great enthusiasm. Besides Mahashivratri, there is also a fair conducted on Tripuri Poornima.

A visit to this temple along with family will be a gratifying experience although the climb may prove to be a bit difficult for children and elders. Monsoon is the best time to visit the temple as the climate here is quite pleasant at that time. But its also a bit risky as the pathways get very muddy and slippery during this time. Moreover travellers are advised to check the opening status of the temple as it may be closed if the waterfall reaches the cave premises making it very difficult to approach the temple site.

There are state transport buses from nearby major towns to Maral village.