Lord Shiva’s Paradise: Kunkeshwar Temple, Maharashtra

Significance of the Temple:

Kunkeshwar temple is located at one of India's biggest commercial and industrial backbone and also in the political sector, Maharashtra. This state acts as a home to 6 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Temples play a very crucial role under the ancient heritage sites. This temple is situated along the sea in the Sindhudurg district, Kunkeshwar.

Geographical survey:

Kunkeshwar temple is well known for its show side Shiva temple and the adjacent beach. This place is well known for the growth and supply of Alphonso Mangoes. This is located 16 kms away from Devgarh, 54 kms from Malvan and 60 kms from Kankavli. This is situated on the bank of Arabian sea.

Enclosures around the Kunkeshwar Temple:

The temple area is surrounded by other smaller shrines like Shri Ganesh temple, Shri Narayan temple and Shri Jogeshwari temple. A medium sized stone carved by deepstambh is also present in front of the main gate entrance of the temple. This temple ensures a promising good ambience and peace of mind to its devotees. After taking darshan of Kunkeshwar and other god/goddesses in and around the temple area, the next visit can be provided to the beautiful beach adjacent to the temple. During the summer season, the best time to visit the temple is early morning or evening time.

Chronicle of the temple:

This temple was auspiciously built in the 11th century. One of the priests, Srikant Gurav, stated that this was built by the Yadava dynasty. It Was later renovated by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaja in the 16th century. Kunkeshwar, the village has its own natural beauty with an adjacent beach developed by the local people surrounding the temple area. Many years ago, there existed a forest named ‘Kunki’ in the place where the temple is located. Thus, this Shivling got its name from Kunkeshwar which means Ishwar (God) settled in Kunki forest. One can easily sight dolphins in the sea from the beach. 

Dress code:

For men the dress code is shirt and trouser, Dhoti or pyjamas with upper cloth. For women the preferred dress code is saree or half saree with blouse or churidar with pyjamas with upper cloth. Shorts, midi, mini tops, sleeveless tops and low waist bottoms are strictly prohibited inside the temple premises.

Address of the Temple:

89MR+GR9, Katwaneshwar, Maharashtra - 416612.

Timings of the temple:

The temple opens at 7.00 am in the morning and closes by 7.30 pm in the evening.