Although now lost and forgotten, the ancient town of Wai in Maharashtra still remains a significant spiritual destination. Wai is also known as ‘the Dakshin Kashi of Maharashtra’ as it is home to more than 100 ancient temples. Nestled at the foot of the Sahyadri mountain ranges in western India, this charming little town often goes unnoticed by tourists. Its neighboring towns, Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar are far more popular and attract all the crowds.
The town of Wai has a rich historical heritage, greatly influenced by the Satvahana dynasty and the Marathas. In ancient times, it was known as Viratnagari. Not far away from Wai, the village of Menawali, was once home to Nana Phadnavis – the finance minister of Maratha Empire. During this time ie. in the 17th century, the Marathas ruled over almost the entire Bharat – from Peshawar and Attock in the north to Thanjavur in the south. And their entire financial operations were conducted from this Menawali village.
One of the most impressive features of Wai are the 7 ancient ghats built on the banks of the Krishna River. They are – Ganpati Ghat, Gangapuri, Madhi Aali, Dharmapuri, Brahmanshahi, Ramdoh Aali, and Bhimkund Aali. They are the finest and perhaps the last examples of the grand Maratha architecture.
Ganpati Ghat and its temples in Wai, Maharashtra
As soon as you reach the town of Wai, you will spot a small group of temples on the banks of the holy Krishna river. The centuries-old Ganpati ghat still exists here even today. The river Krishna originates in the mountains of Mahabaleshwar flows down to Wai and then gently makes her way forward to the towns of Satara, Karad, and Kolhapur, before entering the state of Karnataka.
The sounds of the river water, combined with the ringing bells of the temples nearby, create a beautiful positive atmosphere. If you sit down for a moment on the steps of the Ganpati ghat, you will notice that there is some magic in this place.
Dholya Ganpati Mandir or Mahaganpati temple of Wai
The Dholya Ganpati mandir or Mahaganpati temple is the first temple you will come across when you reach Wai. Its Shikhara (pinnacle) is striking and instantly grabs your attention. The Ganesha idol inside this temple is the largest in Maharashtra. It is a giant 10-foot tall and 8-foot wide statue carved out of a single black stone.
The word Dholya in Marathi translates to fat. So Dholya Ganpati quite literally means ‘the fat Ganesha.’
According to the local legends, this idol of God Ganesha increases in height every year. The old locals of Wai recall the idol to be smaller in size when they were younger. I don’t know if this is really true. But when I visited the temple, I noticed a lot of empty space above and around this Ganesha idol. Was it perhaps room for more growth in the coming years? Only time will tell us.
Location Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cV3DR6gLETpAvTNf6
Kashi Vishweshwar temple
If Wai is known as the ‘Dakshin Kashi of Maharashtra,’ surely there must be a significant Shiva temple here – and indeed, there is! Just beside the Dholya Ganpati mandir, you will find the charming Kashi Vishweshwar temple. This temple is believed to be a replica of the original Kashi Vishwanath temple of Varanasi. It is a common belief among the locals that the people who cannot travel to the real Kashi / Varanasi can visit here.
Inside the temple, the natural reverberations are heavy and the experience is like walking into a cave. Loudly chanting ‘Om Namah Shivay’ here creates dense sound vibrations. The door frame leading into Garbhagriha (inner sanctum) is exquisitely carved with intricate designs. The Shiva Linga in this temple is worshipped with great devotion by locals and visitors. There is also a beautiful idol of Mata Parvati inside the temple.
This temple has many intricate carvings that depict scenes from Hindu mythology. Moreover, the windows of the temple feature a unique snake mandala puzzle. And the shikhara (pinnacle) of the temple is also a beautiful masterpiece. Several sculptures carved in it are in good condition even today. The Dasha Avatara panel carved on the uppermost level of the shikhara (pinnacle) captures your attention instantly.
Location Link:https://maps.app.goo.gl/n5vfc4BqGGDwYXMK8
Ganga Rameshwar temple
Ganga Rameshwar temple is located behind the Dholya Ganpati mandir. The temple looks small from the outside, but the Shiva linga in this temple is large and perfectly round. Another idol of a goddess is also placed in the inner sanctum here. The Shikhara (pinnacle) of this temple had several beautiful sculptures. But most of them have fallen away, and only empty panels are visible now.
This temple was built by Gangadhar Raste in 1765. The family of Rastes was one of the most prominent noble families in the Deccan region at the time. They were instrumental in the development of the town of Wai into a center of culture, religion, and learning.
Location Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7BiMQML1Hr9P4WjU6
Siddheshwar temple
This mysterious and forgotten Shiva temple is located on a small hill towards the left of Dhloya Ganpati mandir on the other side of Krishna River. A small staircase takes you up the hill and inside the temple complex. The shikhara (pinnacle) is intricately carved with 7 steps / layers. Siddheshwar temple remains mostly closed, and it is not in a great condition right now. But you can get a beautiful view of the entire town of Wai, including Ganpati Ghat and its temples from this place.
Location Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wKZhoZG71cL44S629
Dhundi Vinayak Mandir
Dhundi Vinayak is the oldest temple in the town of Wai, Maharashtra. It is from the 12th century and was built in the Hemadpanthi style of architecture. It is named Dhundi Vinayak because of the small hill behind the temple. The word Dhundi in Marathi means ‘a rock.’
This temple’s shikhara (pinnacle) has uniquely carved panels and sculptures. A distinctive carving of Sheshashayi Vishnu (God Vishnu reclining on his serpent Sheesh Naag) is carved at the entrance of this temple. Several other notable sculptures and idols are found inside. Moreover, the Ganesha idol inside this temple is Swayambhu (self-manifested) and very sacred.
Location Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nk868NBUeH9ph9Xr8
Koteshwar temple
Koteshwar temple is located in the Brahmanshahi area of Wai. It is the most stunning yet neglected Shiva temple in Wai. The most beautiful aspect of this temple is the antique paintings. The walls of this temple are decorated with striking Maratha paintings (frescos). Very few such paintings still exist in Maharashtra. Some of them are preserved in the Nana Phadnavis Wada of Menawali. It is important to protect and conserve these artworks.
Location Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kr92vMNodjC2we429
Other Shiva temples in Wai, Maharashtra
Some Shiva temples in Wai that you can visit –
- Harihareshwar temple – An old Shiva temple on Dharmapuri Ghat
- Bhadareshwar temple – A beautiful Shiva temple on the banks of Krishna river
- Bhavaneshwar temple – A small Shiva temple near Ganpati Ghat
- Trilokeshwar temple – A small Shiva temple near Ganpati Ghat
- Shri Wakeshwar temple – A peaceful Shiva temple 2 km away from Wai
There are many ancient temples in the town of Wai in Maharashtra. Only a few of them are in perfect condition, as regular worship and Puja rituals are still done at these places. Others are lost, forgotten, and crying for help. Our Government authorities and the Archeological Survey of India must pay attention to our ancient heritage so that we can preserve it for the coming generations. If proper steps are taken, this town of Wai can be a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Krishna Mai Utsav – the biggest festival of Wai, Maharashtra
Each year the locals of Wai celebrate a special festival for the Krishna River Goddess. The story is that when Afzal Khan set out from Wai to defeat Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Shendye Shastri from Wai, prayed to the Krishna river at this place for the victory of our Maharaj. After the death of Afzal Khan, the locals of Wai started this celebration. Now, every year Krishna Mai Utsav is celebrated on all the Ghats in Wai. The locals of Wai regard the Krishna River as their mother.
Exploring temples near Wai, Maharashtra
- Siddheshwar Mandir and Laxmi Narasimha Mandir near Dhom dam
- Meneshwar Shiva temple and Vishnu temple in Menawali village
- Bhairavnath temple in Kikali village
- Lohare Palpeshwar Caves
