Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Fadnavis Highlights Marleshwar Temple’s Faith and Heritage
Marleshwar is an old temple for Lord Shiva in Maharashtra.
It is in a natural cave near the village of Maral.
The temple is surrounded by the Sahyadri hills, trees and waterfalls.
Visitors climb steps to reach the cave shrine.
Many people visit during Mahashivratri and other Hindu festivals.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called it the state’s “Shivdhara.”
He said the temple should be improved for visitors without harming its religious and historical character.
The place is special because it combines faith, culture and natural beauty.
Marleshwar Shiva Temple is located in Maral village near Devrukh, in Sangameshwar taluka of Ratnagiri district.
The shrine sits inside a natural cave in Maharashtra’s Sahyadri ranges and is reached by climbing steps through lush surroundings.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called Marleshwar Maharashtra’s “Shivdhara” in a social media post on Friday, August 21, 2026.
Fadnavis said visitor development should be balanced with protection of the temple’s religious and historical heritage.
The temple’s Shiva lingas, local traditions, Dhardhara waterfall and monsoon greenery attract pilgrims and visitors.
- Who
- Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted the Marleshwar Shiva Temple and its heritage.
- What
- He described the temple as Maharashtra’s “Shivdhara” and called for development alongside preservation of its religious and historical importance.
- When
- Friday, August 21, 2026.
- Where
- Marleshwar Shiva Temple, in Maral village near Devrukh, Sangameshwar taluka, Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra.
- Why
- To promote the site for visitors while preserving its spiritual, cultural and historical heritage.
- Location
- Maral village near Devrukh, Sangameshwar taluka, Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra
- Setting
- A natural cave in the Sahyadri ranges
- Deity
- Lord Shiva
- Access
- Visitors climb a series of steps through lush surroundings to reach the shrine
- Nearby attraction
- Dhardhara waterfall
- Religious importance
- The temple is especially popular during Mahashivratri and other important Hindu festivals
- Development message
- Devendra Fadnavis said tourism development should go hand in hand with heritage preservation