Kanakeshwar Temple

Getting there

• By air

  The nearest airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, about 110 km from Alibag.

• By train

  The nearest Konkan Railway stations in Raigad district are Pen, Roha and Veer.

• By road

  Regular buses run from Mumbai and from Alibag to Mapgaon.

On the way

• The main foot-way starts from Mapgaon village at the foot of the hill.
• The hill is almost 370 m high, and the climb is 700+ steps.

Why devotees come here

Kanakeshwar is an old Shiva temple on a small hill near Mapgaon village, about 12 km from Alibag in Raigad district. Its hill is known for a cool climate. Legend says the Devachi Payari step is named because the deity himself stepped there.

Kanakeshwar is an old temple of Shiva on a small hill above Mapgaon village. Legend says the Devachi Payari step is named because the deity himself stepped there after the temple and its steps were built. The hill is known for its cool climate.

The temple is built in the Hoysala style and has two parts. The sabhamandapa is the assembly hall, and the gabhara is the sanctum. A water tank called the Pushkarni has water almost all year round. The daily rituals are performed by the Gurav family from Zirad village.

The temple sits about 12 km from Alibag, a coastal city and municipal council in Raigad district. The nearest airport, Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, is about 110 km from Alibag.

Festivals

• All Shravan SomvarShravan Somvar and Kamalpoojan

  Mahaprasad, a meal, is served in the Pradosha Kaal.

• On Maha ShivaratriMaha Shivaratri yatra

  A yatra, a palakhi (palanquin) and deep-prajwalan, the lighting of lamps, are held.

• Kartik PurnimaKartik Purnima yatra

  A yatra on Kartik Purnima is followed by deep-prajwalan, the lighting of lamps.

Tips for your visit

• A water tank called the Pushkarni has water almost all year round.
• The daily rituals are performed by the Gurav family from Zirad village.
• Nearby places to see include the Shriram Siddhivinayak Mandir, Shri Kalbhairav Temple and Vishnu Mandir.

Questions people ask