Rameshwar Wadi
| Rameshwar Wadi रामेश्वर वाडी | |
|---|---|
| Town | |
 Rameshwar Wadi Landmark | |
  Rameshwar Wadi Location in Maharashtra, India | |
| Coordinates: 16°33′39″N 73°20′00″E / 16.5607°N 73.3334°ECoordinates: 16°33′39″N 73°20′00″E / 16.5607°N 73.3334°E | |
| Country |
 India |
| State | Maharashtra |
| District | Sindhudurg |
| Government | |
| • Body | Rameshwar Gram Panchayat |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 3,100 |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Marathi, Malvani |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| PIN | 406806 |
| Telephone code | 02364 |
| Vehicle registration | MH-07 |
| Website | www.shridevrameshwar.org |
| Contact Info: shridevrameshwar@gmail.com | |
Rameshwar also known as Rameshwar Wadi is a small town located on the coast of Sindhudurg District of Maharashtra on the west coast of India. A very old Shri Dev Rameshwar Temple is located in this town which is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Shiva.
Konkan Krishi Vidyapth has developed a Mango Research Institute over an area of about 100 acres, that has developed hybrids like Ratna, a cross between the Alphonso and Neelam variety, as well as the Kesar hybrid.[1] Rameshwar also has a large number of Coconut palms in addition to Kokum (Garcinia indica) to boot, and is the home of the famed Alphonso Mangoes.[2] Other fruits grown in the region are Jackfruit, Chiku and Guava.[2]
The region has three virgin beaches facing the Arabian Sea. Northernmost is the Vijaydurg beach, followed by Rameshwar Beach and on the southern boundary lies the Kotharwadi Beach.
Pujare of Rameshwar
The original inhabitants of the region are the Pujare clan of the Maratha society. The temple rituals of Shri Dev Rameshwar Temple are performed by the Pujare. They are responsible for performing all the temple rituals, including Puja and Aarti, as well as taking care of the shivling and murtis. The Pujare act as counselors during Shri Dev Rameshwar festivities and festivals. They have a reputation for being learned and conduct prayer services for Lord Shiva.
In Maratha society, Pujare traditionally belonged to the priestly class in the Kshatriya community.
Gram Panchayat Rameshwar
Rameshwar Gram Panchayat (Village Panchayat) was established on 17 January 1989.[3] The number of members is 9 and are elected from 3 divisions (prabhaags).[4]
Mahashivratri Fair
Every year, Mahashivratri is extensively celebrated in this village. A huge fair is held in and around the premises of Shri Dev Rameshwar Temple during this festive time. It is the night of worship of Lord Shiva and occurs on 13th night/14th day of the Krishna Paksha or Dark Half of the month Magha according to the Hindu calendar.[5] On this day, devotees observe fast and stay awake all night. Mahashivratri marks the night when Lord Shiva performed the 'Tandava'. It is also believed that on this day Lord Shiva was married to Parvati Ma. On this day Shiva devotees observe fast and offer fruits, flowers and Bael leaves on Shiva Linga.[6] The fair lasts for six days and many devotees from surrounding regions as well as from across the state visit Shri Dev Rameshwar Temple during this festival. Huge processions are held during the festive night as well as the following day.[7]
Maha Shivratri Observances
The following table shows some of the observances of Mahashivratri:[8]
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | March 5 | Wednesday |
| 2009 | February 23 | Monday |
| 2010 | February 12 | Friday |
| 2011 | March 3 | Thursday |
| 2012 | February 20 | Monday |
| 2013 | March 10 | Sunday |
| 2014 | February 27 | Thursday |
| 2015 | February 17 | Tuesday |
| 2016 | March 8 | Tuesday |
Transport
Rameshwar is located on MH SH 115 which connects with NH 17 50 km away from the town. It is well connected to neighbouring towns and cities. MSRTC buses are available from all major towns as well as local buses that ply at regular intervals.[9]
Driving Directions
From Mumbai: Distance - 413 km Time - 8 hours 35 minutes
From Pune: Distance - 372 km Time - 6 hours 27 minutes
From Kolhapur: Distance - 143 km Time - 2 hours 56 minutes
Local Transport
The local transport is motorised three-wheeler rickshaws. They are parked near the main bus stop and these are available without much bargaining.
Railways Stations
Nearest railways stations are:
- Rajapur Road Railway Station: 62 km, 1 hour 30 minutes
- Vaibhavwadi Road Railway Station: 63 km, 1 hour 20 minutes
- Nandgaon Road Railway Station: 63 km, 1 hour 20 minutes
- Kankavli Railway Station: 74 km, 1 hour 45 minutes
Local motorised three-wheeler rickshaws are available from all the above listed railway stations or one can hire private cars that are parked outside.
Places of Interest
- Shri Dev Rameshwar Temple
- Rameshwar Beach (Wafel Beach)
- Kalavshe Beach (Kolwadi)
- Rameshwar Port
- Hatti Mahal
- Sambhaji Angre Samadhi
- Shri Ganesh Mandir, Rameshwar Wadi
- Shri Aday Durgay Temple
- Green Earth Eco-Park, Rameshwar
- Vijaydurg Fort
- Vijaydurg Beach
- Vijaydurg Port
- Konkan Krishi Vidyapith's Mango Research Institute, Rameshwar
See also
- Shri Dev Rameshwar Temple
- Alphonso (mango)
- Pujare (clan)
References
- ↑ Mango Research Sub-Centre, Rameshwar
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 History and Culture of Sindhudurg
- ↑ Rameshwar - Village Panchayat Portal
- ↑ Sarpanch Elections - 2012-13
- ↑ Times of India - Mahashivratri coverage
- ↑ Society for the Comfluence of Festivals in India
- ↑ The Gazetteer of Ratnagiri - Places of Interest (Vijaydurg)
- ↑ Quick Facts: Mahashivratri
- ↑ MSRTC Services
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