Shree Mukhari Ganpati Temple Chaul, Alibaug, Raigad

Chaul-Champavati, glorified as the Land of Gods, is mentioned among the most ancient villages in the state. Situated amidst groves of coconut and areca nut trees, the Mukhari (Main) Ganpati Temple in this historic village is a place of deep faith for thousands of devotees in the district. Devotees believe that the idol of Lord Ganesha in this 300-year-old temple is Swayambhu (self-manifested) and grants the wishes of those who pray with sincerity. During the Maghi Ganeshotsav, thousands of devotees visit to seek blessings and fulfill their vows. This festival tradition has been observed since 1967.

According to historical and ancient information, the present-day Chaul area was once filled with many Champak, or frangipani, trees. Hence, this region was popularly known as Champavati Nagari. In the book ‘Notes on the History and Antiquities of Chaul and Bassein’, published in the year 1876 by historian J. Gerson da Cunha, it is stated that the ancient name of Chaul, Champavati, was derived from the name of King Champa. This king laid the foundation of Champavati Nagari It is stated in this book that it was established here. This city was known as ancient Hindu Champavati, Greek Simylla, Arab Saimur, and by ancient Muslim chroniclers as Chiwel. Historians are of the opinion that Chaul is a corrupted form of the names Chaimul or Chaul. An inscription found at Kanheri near Mumbai mentions that in the second century A.D., two warriors established the village of ‘Chemula’. According to historical researchers, that is the present-day village of Chaul.

According to a mythological legend, in the Dvapara Yuga, King Pithor ruled over the city of Champavati. References to Chaul are also found in the books of historians like Ptolemy and Arrian from the period between 80 and 150 AD. It was an important port on the west coast of India. It was active from 300 BC to 1700 AD. Due to its prosperous surroundings and strategic port, traders from many countries would frequent this place. Records indicate that ten Egyptian merchant ships arrived here in 1508. Here, the Shilaharas, Rashtrakutas, The region was ruled at various times by the Maurya, Chalukya, Kadamba, Yadava, and Siddi dynasties, as well as the British. On 8 September 1524, Vasco da Gama’s ship docked at the port of Chaul. However, there is also a historical record stating that he did not set foot on the land of Chaul. 

Between the years 1734 and 1758, this region was under the administration of the Angres. During that period, many temples were built in this area, and older temples were renovated. Records indicate that Lakshmibai Angre had renovated this temple during that same time. Back then, it was a small, house-like temple with a tiled roof. A record concerning this temple is found in old documents dated 13 September 1758. The current temple was built in the year 1997. Within it, the inner sanctum remains a stone structure. 

The legend of this temple is that about 300 years ago, this idol of Lord Ganesha was discovered underground in the fields of the Raut family in the village. The idol was consecrated at the very spot where it was found. Once, Chaul A Koli boy from the village named Mukhari had gone into the deep sea for fishing. When he did not return even after two days, his parents became worried. They made a vow to this Ganpati that if their son returned, they would build a temple for Him at this spot. After a few days, Mukhari returned safely to the shore, and his father built this Ganpati temple to fulfill their vow. Since then, this place has come to be known as ‘Mukhari Ganpati’. 

Situated along the Alibaug-Revdanda road, this temple is nestled amidst lush coconut and areca nut groves. From the road, one enters the paved courtyard of the temple. In this courtyard, there stands an ancient Deepastambha (lamp pillar) on a raised platform, featuring lamp niches at every level. Right next to this lamp pillar is a massive stone-built stepwell (Barav). There are stone steps to descend into this stepwell. It is said that this stepwell contains water throughout all twelve months of the year; it never dries up. Purified by this water It is customary to visit the temple after this. Furthermore, there is a unique Tulsi Vrindavan in the courtyard. In the niches of that circular Vrindavan, there are idols of Shri Dattaguru, Sai Baba, Swami Samarth, Gajanan Maharaj, and Durga Mata. 

A shed has been erected next to the temple for the convenience of devotees. In the open space in front of the temple, there is seating for devotees on both sides. The structure of the temple consists of a Mukhamandapa (entrance hall), a Sabhamandapa (main assembly hall), and a Pradakshina Patha (circumambulatory path) surrounding the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The four pillars in this open-style Mukhamandapa are connected to each other by arched gateways. One enters the Sabhamandapa of the temple from the Mukhamandapa. It appears that this Sabhamandapa was built in front of the temple at a later period. Inside the Garbhagriha, there is a two and a half feet tall Swayambhu (self-manifested) idol of Lord Ganapati on the ground. This idol, smeared with vermilion, is adorned with a silver crown and a decorative silver Makhar (shrine backdrop) behind it. The unique feature of this temple is that the idol of Lord Ganapati here is not placed on any pedestal or Vajrapitha. 

The Maghi Ganeshotsav, which begins every year from Magh Shuddha Chaturthi, is the primary festival here. According to scriptural information, Lord Ganesha was born on Magh Shuddha Chaturthi. On this tithi, the principle of Ganesha is one thousand times more active than usual. It is said that the Maghi Ganeshotsav was celebrated every year at Nandgaon near Murud, a short distance from Chaul. Nandgaon was the maternal home of Gangabai Chintaman Patil, who lived in front of the Mukhari Ganpati temple. Even after coming to her marital home, she would go to her maternal home every year for the Maghi Ganeshotsav. For three consecutive years—૧९६४-६५-६६—she could not go to her maternal home for the Maghi festival. Consequently, the thought occurred to her that instead of going to her maternal home, she should start the festival for the Ganpati situated right in front of her house. 

They sought permission for the festival from the Pakhadyas (village council) responsible for the temple. The villagers not only granted permission but also participated in the festival with great enthusiasm. The festival, which began in the year 1967, continues to be celebrated with great fervor to this day. During the Ganesh Janma (birth of Lord Ganesha), a devotional ceremony unfolds, featuring the arrival of the idol amidst the resounding beats of drums and cymbals, the Pranapratishtha (consecration), the Sahastra Durvankur Puja (worship with a thousand blades of Durva grass), and the Kirtan of Ganesh Janma. Along with this annual festival, a large number of devotees visit for Darshan on every Sankashti Chaturthi and Tuesday. Devotees offer Naivedya to Mukhari Ganpati consisting of 21, 108, or 121 Modaks, prepared with a filling of jaggery and coconut encased in a rice flour shell.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery