Kankeshwar Temple Kankeshwar,Maharashtra

Kanakeshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a revered pilgrimage site situated atop a hill, approximately 1200 feet above sea level. To reach the temple, devotees and visitors must climb around 650 steps, offering both a spiritual journey and a thrilling trek. The path to the temple is surrounded by lush greenery, providing a serene and immersive experience amidst nature. 750 steps in all to climb.

A calm Lord Shiva temple along with other little Lord Shiva temple, Ganesh Mandir, Laksmi Narayan temple, samadhi and panchkarni.

A calm Lord Shiva temple along with other little Lord Shiva temple, Ganesh Mandir, Laksmi Narayan temple, samadhi and panchkarni.

Shree Kshetra Kanakeshwar on the Konkan coast near Alibag, is a popular place, famous for its cool climate and the old temple of Shiva. The temple is situated on a small hill near the village of Mapgaon and village Zirad which is almost 12 km and 15 km from Alibag respectively. The hill is almost 1200 feet high and one has to climb 650 steps to reach the temple.

The temple of Kanakeshwar is very beautiful; it is a Hoysala style structure. It has two parts: Sabhamandapa and Gabhara (Sanctum sanctorum). A water tank, called a “Pushkarni”, has water almost throughout the year. The daily rituals lord Shiva are performed by Gurav family from Village Zirad. They perform rituals in main temple followed by rituals of surrounding lord Shiva temples.

While climbing from Mapgoan, in the mid of the hill one can see “Nagobacha Tappa” (a Place of Snakes) and the famous step called “Devachi Payari” named because, it is said, God himself stepped here after the construction of the temple and the steps. One can also see Gaymandi (Sculpture of a Cow).

While climbing hill from Village Zirad, one can see Coastline of Arabian Sea, Khanderi Fort villages nearby and Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers, Thal Unit. One can also see Temple Patrubai and Sant Manamata Samadhi.