Marleshwar is a place in Sangameshwar subdivision of Ratnagiri district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Marleshwar is known for the Cave Shiva Temple, where devotees handle venomous snakes. Every year thousands of devotees visit the temple and perform ablutions in the nearby Bav river. Dhareshwar is a waterfall on the Bav river which is another tourist attraction of Marleshwar.
On the day of Makarsankranti, a celebration of the marriage of Marleshwar and Girijadevi takes place. On Mahashivratri and 'Tripuri Poornima,' there is a fair. A marleshwar name may have come from Maral village. Local villagers celebrate the marriage ceremony with great enthusiasm. Besides Mahashivratri, there is also a fair conducted on Tripuri Poornima.
A visit to this temple along with family will be a gratifying experience although the climb may prove to be a bit difficult for children and elders. Monsoon is the best time to visit the temple, but the temple will be closed if the waterfall reaches the cave premises making it very difficult to approach the temple site.
Places to visit near Marleshwar temple:
Dhareshwar waterfall, Malgund, Pawas, Derwan Parshuram Temple, Marleshwar Waterfall, Jaigad Fort.Marleshwar Waterfall
Marleshwar Waterfall is located in Marleshwar of Ratnagiri district near Sangameshwar in the state of Maharashtra. The word Marleshwar has been derived from the name of the cave in the same name dedicated to Lord Shiva. It could also have been derived from the name of the village nearby known as Maral. Marleshwar literally means ‘God of Marle village’. It is a cave temple and is circumvented with sacred grooves. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva. The Marleshwar Yatra which takes place during the Makar Sankranti is a major event of this temple.Maraleshwar has also been likened to a peacock whose feathers when extended, look like a bird with a thousand eyes. In Marleshwar, there are 30 small waterfalls that sprout out and is such a magnificent sight during the monsoons. This phenomenon in nature is situated in the Sahyadri range. The 30 small waterfalls combine together to make it to one main two-tiered waterfalls called the Dhareshwar Waterfall. The sight during monsoon is one that can never be forgotten. The strong flow and the layered mist and the feel of wetness combined with the lush vegetation make it another wonder created by nature. This waterfall is on Bav River. Trees and verdant shrubs abound the area around the falls. This is a good place for bird watchers, nature photographers as well as devotees who wish to enjoy the peace and confines lit only with oil lamps.