Anjarle

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Anjarle
type = village
state_name = Maharashtra
latd = 17.85 | longd = 73.09
locator_position = right
district = Ratnagiri
taluk_names = Dapoli
altitude = 36
population_as_of = 2001
population_total =
area_total =
postal_code=415714

Anjarle is a village in the Dapoli taluka of Ratnagiri district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is a small port located near the mouth of Jog river, about 4 miles south of Ade and 2 miles north of Suvarnadurga. The nearest railway station is Kolad, 110 miles to the south-east. [ [http://www.maharashtra.gov.in/english/gazetteer/RATNAGIRI/places_Anjarle.html Maharashtra Government - The Gazateers Department] ]

Apart from the nearby Ganpati temple, Anjarle is known for its unspoiled beach. Tourism facilities are limited.

Geography

Anjarle is located about 20 km from Dapoli. It has an average elevation of 10 metres (36 feet). As part of the Western Ghats, the forests are evergreen, consisting mainly of tropical forest. Alphonso mangoes and coconuts are grown commercially in this area.

Transportation

Anjarle is connected to Dapoli, the closest town, by MSRTC buses, private taxis and autorickshaws.

Kadyawarcha Ganpati

Anjarle is known for the "Kadyawarcha Ganpati" temple (Marathi: Ganapati on a cliff). This temple was originally constructed using wooden pillars ca. 1150. It was renovated between 1768 to 1780. Until the recent construction of bridge across the Anjarle creek and the building of a road up to the temple, pilgrims had to cross Anjarle creek (Jog River) in a boat, before climbing the hill using steps which pass through Anjarle village.

The idol at this temple differs from most other representations of the elephant-headed god, in that its trunk curves right, rather than the usual left. This is known as a "Ujwya Sondecha Ganpati" (Marathi: left-trunked Ganpati). The idol is also said to be a "jagrut daiwat" (Marathi: live deity), who responds to the pleas of its supplicants ("nawsala pavnara Ganpati"). The temple has a stone staircase on the right to reach the top of the temple (the "Kalas"), which has a commanding view of the surrounding coconut and betel nut trees, the nearby Suvarnadurg Fort, the Arabian sea and surrounding hills. There is a pond in front of the temple where visitors can feed large fish and turtles. Beside the temple to Ganesh is a small temple to Lord Shiva.

References