Maharashtra: This temple in Konkan offers a veritable treat

Dhutpapeshwar temple, a tiny remote village nestled in the lap of the Konkan ranges, is bestowed with the best of nature. If you have a thing for heritage and would not mind all that nature has to offer, plan a trip to this place in the next weekend for a veritable treat.

How to reach: Located in Dhopeshwar village, Dhutpapeshwar temple is hardly 8km away from Rajapur town in Ratnagiri district and 115km away from Kolhapur city.It takes around three hours to reach the place. Since it is situated in the interiors of the Konkan, one will get to enjoy breathtaking views of the Sayhadri during the journey. One will have to take the Kolhapur—Gagan Bawda route and then take a right at Kale village. From here, one has to travel via Anuskura ghat, Pachal, Vatul, Oni, Rajapur and Diwtewadi to reach Dhopeshwar village. The roads in the Dhopeshwar village are a bit confusing so it is advisable to use GPS to access the location of the temple.
Legend has it: The temple here is believed to be around 400-years-old. Shyam Hirdekar, a priest at the temple said, “The place hosts two temples of Lord Shiva and Lord Datta in close vicinity. In between these two temples is the Mrudani river, which flows down the mountains as a waterfall, creating a scenic view beside the temple. The temple architecture is beautifully carved on wood and basalt rock and is believed to be built in the early 17th century, after a local villager spotted a Shivling here. A Nagarkhana (entrance arch) and a few other small temples also can be found in the premises along with a coloured Deepstambh. A large number of people visit this temple during Mahashivratri and in the month of Shravan”.
Flora and Fauna: Famous among environmentalists as an ecological hotspot, Dhopeshwar in Rajapur hosts many rare species of flora and fauna in its surroundings. Umakant Chavan, an environment researcher said, “Dhopeshwar boasts of verdant beauty. The rural Konkani life here is an experience of its own. One can find many medicinal plants here. Trees like areka, teak, banyan, mango, konkam, cashew and ficus can be found here aplenty. Given the greenery here, a variety of birds have made this place their natural habitat.”