Nature, devotion and spirituality converge at Kurneshwar temple

Nestled in the hilly region around Ajinkyatara and Sajjangad fort, Kurneshwar is famous for its namesake temple. It is believed to host the local deity of Satara.
The place also hosts an ancient Khinditla Ganpati (‘khind’ meaning ‘mountain pass’) temple. The place is surrounded by lush greenery and rich biodiversity. The shrine is located in a mountain pass.The weekend getaway can be used as an escape into nature and peaceful spirituality.
How to get there: Kurneshwar situated in Satara district is 130km away from Kolhapur city. It is only a two hours’ drive away. One has to travel to Satara city via the NH-04. From there one has to head towards Sajjangad fort. After crossing a small tunnel one has to take a left deviation and travel for a kilometre to reach Kurneshwar temple. Along with Kurneshwar, one can also visit Sajjangad fort and Ajinkyatara fort during the trip.
Legend has it: Khinditla Ganpati temple is believed to have its origins in Shivaji’s era. Sachin Dete, a localite and regular devotee at the temple said, “This temple is four hundred-years-old.”
Dete added, “It is said that when construction work of Ajinkyatara fort was in progress, a huge rock came tumbling down the mountain. It had the shape of Lord Ganesha carved on it. People started worshipping this place and a temple was created eventually. Now devotees from all age groups visit the temple in morning and evening to spend time amidst nature and show their devotion.”
Flora and Fauna: Kurneshwar and Khinditla Ganpati temple at Kurneshwar is blessed with an abundance of flora and fauna. It offers pleasant environs throughout the year for visitors.
Rohit Raut, an environmentalist said, “The area has different species of medicinal plants and herbs growing all around. Banyan, jamun, bamboo and wildflowers can be found in abundance on both sides of the path as one approaches the temple.
He added, “Butterflies, peacocks, ducks and other varieties of birds along with wild rabbitsare some of the fauna tourists need to look out for.”