If you see the map of India, you will notice a blackish green line running from Gujrath to Kanyakumari in the Western part of the map. The line runs from Gujrath and passes through Maharashtra, Goa, Karnatak, Tamilnadu and then reaches Kerala. That line is Western ghats.
Western ghats are the mountain ranges forming the edge of Deccan Plateau. There are many natural reserves, water bodies, waterfalls in this area and this area is designated as UNESCO World Heritage site due to it's biodiversity as well as it's age. Western Ghats are older than Himalayas.
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| Varandha Ghat 📷By User;Cj.samson - Own work, GFDL 1.2, https://commons.wikimedia.org |
Western Ghats are the point of origin of many major rivers. In Monsoon season, one can see many waterfalls in this region, as seen in the above photograph.
One of the many beautiful waterfalls in the Western Ghat ( Maharashtra) is Shivtharghal Waterfall. When it rains heavily, the waterfall can be seen in it's full glory.
This cascade jumps from the height of nearly 100 ft. The noise of the waterfall, the droplets splashing out from the waterfall and the lush greenery around it make it a sought after site for trekkers and nature lovers.
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| Shivthar Waterfall 📷 My Friend |
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| Shivthar Waterfall in Monsoon 📷 Wikimedia Commons |
This is surely one of the best waterfalls in Sahyadri ranges and is located near to Mahad in Raigad District of Maharashtra.
Though the waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sahyadri ranges, that's not the main reason why people visit this place.
People visit this place because of Shivthar Ghal. Shivthar Ghal is the cavern near the waterfall or you can say, almost under the waterfall.
Why this Shivthar Ghal is important? It's important due to it's natural beauty, it's gorgeous surroundings, it's geological importance and most prominently because it was the residence of Saint Ramdas- Samarth Ramdas Swami for 22 years.
Samarth Ramdas Swami was a 17th century Indian Nationalist Saint who was a great poet, philosopher and spiritual guide.
He has written many books, which even after these many centuries, are followed by thousands and crores of people. One of his prominent writings is Dasbodh, which he has written in Shivthar Ghal. You can see idols of Ramdasswami and Kalyanswami in Shivthar Ghal. Samarth Ramdasswami is dictating the Dasbodh and Kalyanswami is writing down.
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| Samarth Ramdas and Kalyan Swami |
These idols are in the cavern near or under the waterfall. Behind the idols, you can see the Shriram temple which was established by Samarth Ramdas swami.
Entrance of the cavern looks like this. You have to bow down to enter the cavern, to protect your head from the rocks!
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| Entrance of the cavern |
The place where this Shivtharghal is situated is known as Sundarmath.
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| Entrance of Sundarmath |
Till here you can go by a four wheeler. Then there are few steps to climb and you can reach the Shivthar ghal.
Samarth Ramdas was spiritual guide of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and it is said that one of their meetings was held in the premises of Shivthar Ghal.
Samarth Ramdas had said that even my physical presence is not there, my literature - Dasbodh will keep on guiding people. Dasbodh is translated into many Indian as well as international languages till now.
Dasbodh Jayanti is celebrated on the day of Magh Shuddha Navami, every year. It was written on this day in 1654.
On that day, procession of Dasbodh is taken to surrounding villages like Kumbhe Shivthar, Ambe Shivthar, Kasabe Shivthar and Khadakeshwar.
The locals are eager to welcome the procession and carry the palanquin on their shoulders at least for a short time. The palanquin visits the temples in the surrounding and invites every one at Shivthar Ghal.
When the palanquin returns to Shivthar Ghal, there is prayer, pooja, Arti and prasad for everyone. You can experience the community spirit at it's best. I was lucky enough to join this ceremony in Feb. 2019.
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| Palanquin |
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| Palanquin |
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| the palanquin carrying Dasbodh |
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| Sahyadri ranges 📷Pradnya Sathe |
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| The procession 📷Pradnya Sathe |
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| I was lucky to get the chance. ( Feb 2019) 📷Pradnya Sathe |
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| The procession and Sahyadri ranges 📷Pradnya Sathe |
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| 📷Pradnya Sathe |
Walking in the villages situated literally in Sahydri, being with local people, getting a chance to carry this divine palanquin and being a part of the procession were the highlights of the immemorable experience.
If you want more information about how and when to visit Shivthar Ghal, this is the photo clicked by me in Feb 2019. I hope the numbers are still same!
#OneDayTrip #JayJayRaghuveerSamarth #RamdasSwami #DasNavami #DasbodhNavami #Raigad#PlacsToVisitNearRaigad
Very nicely written. took me down the memory lane
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