Marleshwar

Marleshwar (मार्लेश्वर)
Marleshwar (मार्लेश्वर)
village
Country	India
State	Maharashtra
District	Ratnagiri
Languages
• Official	Marathi
Time zone	UTC+5:30 (IST)
Telephone code	02354
Vehicle registration	MH-08

Marleshwar is a small Shiva temple in Sangameshwar subdivision of Ratnagiri district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It takes about one and a half hours to reach by road; visitors then climb 300–400 steps, which are lined with refreshment stalls to keep the climbing pilgrims refreshed. The temple is in a cave and has a small viewing platform from which the magnificent Dhareshwar Waterfalls can be admired.^[1] Every year thousands of devotees visit and perform ablutions in the nearby Bav River.^{[citation needed]}.

Although Marleshwar Temple is most popular for religious beliefs, its location makes it quite popular among thrill-seekers.^{[citation needed]} Surrounded by the Sahyadri range and Dhareshwar Waterfalls, makes temple has treacherous yet exhilarating pathways^{[citation needed]} and its natural environment make it a nature lover's getaway destination.^[2]^[tone]

A trek through Chiplun to reach Marleshwar Temple takes about three days, from Helwak through Chandoli Forest. As it is not a one-day trek, the destinations are broken down: On the first day, travellers may cover Ram Ghal, Bhairav Gad and Patharpunj Village; the second day may include reaching Prachit Gad through the dense Chandoli Forest and Chandel Village; and on the third day, one can travel through Kundi Village and Mahimar Gad before reaching Marleshwar.^[2]

On the day of 'Makarsankranti', a celebration of the marriage of Marleshwar and Girijadevi takes place. There are also fairs on 'Mahashivratri' and 'Tripuri Poornima'. Marleshwar's name may have been inspired by Maral village .^[2]