The Ganpati Temple at Redi is located about 30 km from Vengurla, in the coastal district of Ratnagiri in the Konkan region. The deity of the temple is the sitting form of Lord Ganesha and approximately 15 meters in height. The most astounding part is that the idol was recovered from beneath the earth, after a local person dreamt of a buried idol of the Lord and started excavating the area.

Location

The Redi Ganpati Temple is situated at Redi in Vengurla district in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. Redi is a small town on the seaside and known for its Manganese mines.

History of Ganpati Temple, Redi

The most unique thing about this temple is the two handed idol of Lord Ganpati. The idol was excavated from eight feet beneath the earth after a resident of Redi and an ardent devotee, Sadanand Kambli indicated the presence of such an idol buried in the earth. Apparently, Kambli was told in his dreams by the Lord about the precise location of the idol. He started excavating the place with his friend Juwelkar and other villagers. The idol was brought out from the earth on 1st May, 1976.

The beautiful Ganpati idol is in a sitting position and carved out of Murju stone.  Unlike most other Ganesha idols which have four hands, this idol has only two. The idol is over six feet tall and four and a half feet wide. After seeking the blessings of the village deity, the villagers of Redi decided to build a temple at the very spot from where it was excavated. Forty days after the villagers brought out the Ganpati statue, they also found a statue of the Lord’s vehicle, a mouse from a mine. The mouse is kept in front of the idol.

It is village folklore now that the idol was carved when Pandavas ruled the place. It is common knowledge that the Pandavas built many temples during their secret exile in many places in India. The Ganpati temple is a highly revered religious destination in this part of the state and visited by thousands of devotees when they come to Konkan. The temple attracts large crowds on special occasions such as Sankashti Chaturthi and Ganesh Chaturthi.

Other Important Tourist Spots Nearby

Shri Mauli Temple

Mauli is the resident Goddess of Redi region. The temple is a huge one built many decades ago and houses a big idol of Goddess Mauli.

Redi Port

It is one of the major sea ports of this region. Redi is a famous mining area in the Konkan belt and known for its huge deposits of manganese. This is the last geographical point of the Maharashtra state border. From Terekhol situated a few meters away, the Goa state border starts.

Yeshwantgad Fort

It was a key fort of the Marathas during the reign Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj but lies in ruins and unattended now.

How to Reach Redi

By Road

Redi is about 22 km from Vengurla and can be reached by cab, private car, state transport bus or private bus.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is Sawantwadi on the Konkan Railway. It is 37 km from Vengurla.

By Air

The nearest airport is Dabolim in Goa.