Guru Nanak Eco-Village (GNEV) will be a multi-activity spiritual utopia nestled in the breath-taking hills of Pali, Raigad. It will offer a wide range of wellness offerings and a natural haven for its visitors to have much-needed respite from the modern way of life. It will be built using bamboo.
What is special about Raigad
When considering the most popular tourist attractions of India, most people automatically think of Taj Mahal, Red Fort and Gateway of India. But one of the lesser known destinations, which deserves to have the same high regard and heavy footfall as other areas, is Raigad. Steeped in vibrant history and fascinating culture, Raigad is one of the districts in the Konkan Division of Maharashtra; the Arabian Sea coast forms the western boundary of the district. The most hilly places of the district are in the Sahyadri mountain range. Previously known as Kolaba, it was rechristened as Raigad District.
Raigad is known for its scintillating historical places, pristine beaches, picturesque landscapes and diverse flora and fauna of the Western Ghats. Raigad is the house of very well known and popular heritage tourism including UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ajanta, Ellora and Elephanta Caves. It is also very well known for its ancient, socio-religious places. These are sole testimonies to the rich cultural past of the district. Culturally, it has been an ever-vibrant community with a population of different religions, dialects and ethnicities. Some of the famous historical shrines include:
- Varadvinayak Temple, Mahad: Varadvinayak Temple is one of the eight Ashtavinayak temples of the Hindu deity Ganesha. It is said that the temple was built (restored) by Peshwa General Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar in 1725 AD. This temple also has the idol of Navagraha Devatas, Mushaka and Shivalinga.
- Ballaleshwar Temple, Pali: Ballaleshwar temple is one of the eight Ashtavinayak temples of Lord Ganesha. It is located in the village of Pali which is at a distance of about 60 km from Karjat in the Raigad district. It is situated in the vicinity of fort Sarasgad and the river Amba. It is said that the temple was built by Moreshvar Vitthal Sindkar (Dighe) in 1640 AD. There is a bell in the temple that was brought back by Chimaji Appa after he defeated the Portuguese in Vasai and Sasti.
- Harihareshwar Temple, Shrivardhan: Harihareshwar is a town in Raigad district of Maharashtra. Harihareshwar Temple is said to be blessed by Lord Shiva. Harihareshwar is Kuladaivat of the family deity of the Peshwas and it is said that they renovated the Harihareshwar temple complex in 1723 AD. Harihareshwar along with Shrivardhan and Diveagar forms a popular sea-shore tourist attraction.
- Kanakeshwar Temple, Alibag: Kanakeshwar Temple is 10 kms away from Alibag. It is an old temple of Lord Shiva. The temple is situated on a small hill and the nearby village is ‘Mapgaon’ which is almost 12km from Alibag. The hill is almost 370m high and we have to climb 700+ steps to reach the temple, which gives it a cool climate. ‘Nagobacha Tappa’, ‘Devachi Payari’, ‘Pushkarni’,’Gaymukh’ and ‘Vyaghreshwar’ can be seen at nearby places.
- Suvarna Ganesh Temple, Diveagar: Suvarna Ganesh Temple, Diveagar, is around 75 km away from Alibag. History of Suvarna Ganesh is quite fascinating. A copper box was found beneath the earth, containing a golden Ganesh Idol (weighing over 1 kg made approximately 300 to 400 years ago) and some ornaments belonging to Lord Ganesha, in a coconut cultivation area near the temple.
Furthermore, Raigad has been bestowed with many magnificent forts. One of the biggest landmarks of the district is Raigad fort, which was the former capital of the Maratha ruler Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He made this as the Capital of Maratha Empire in 1674, and until 1689, it was with the Maratha Empire. Other tourist attractions include Lingana fort, Birwadi Fort, Harihareshwar, Korlai Fort, Sudhagad Fort Bhorai, Karnala Fort, Prabal Fort, Talgad Fort, Bhavani Fort, Avchitgad, Bhimgad, Janjira Fort, Sagargad and Rajmachi Fort.
Raigad houses mesmerising hill stations like Alibag, Hirakot, Birvadi Janjira and Unhera, making it a beloved destination of the local community. Its popular tourist attractions include Jari Jeevan Saheb Pond, Kalavantin Durg, Bhimla Pond, Badruddin Dargah, Walan Kund, Neral-Matheran Railway, One Tree Hill, Zenith Waterfall, Morzot Waterfall, Vardaini Waterfall, Weapon Museum, Shipyard Museum, Marine Park and Kokan Haat.
Raigad also boasts having the only Technological University in the State of Maharashtra, called Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University. From Industrial Complexes of national importance to the internationally renowned scientific institutions, Raigad is constantly taking strides to the forefronts of the 21st century.
Raigad deserves to become one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, on a par with the likes of Taj Mahal and Red Fort. This is why Guru Nanak Dwaar Foundation is preparing to build Guru Nanak National Sikh Museum (GNNSM) on this holy, blessed, historical land of beauty and mystery.
Sikh connectivity point for Central, Western and South india
The majority of Sikh communities reside in Northern parts of India. Therefore, there are a lot of Sikh Gurdwaras, museums and information centres in the North of India, especially in Punjab and Delhi, including The Golden Temple, Sri Anandpur Sahib, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib and Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib. However, there is very little information available in the South.
Guru Nanak Eco-Village will become a connectivity point in Central, Western and South India, where visitors from all walks of life will be welcomed with open arms and generous spirit by the Sikh community.
Interfaith harmony and religious tolerance are an integral part of the Indian values, ethos and constitution. Therefore, the museum will serve a very important purpose by becoming an information repository about the Sikh dharma, while lovingly serving all other faiths and communities. Both Sikhs and non-Sikhs in Central, Western and South India can enjoy learning about one of the key groups of India’s composite culture. At the same time, visitors will have an unforgettable experience at Guru Nanak Eco-Village through its four unique, wondrous areas: Gurdwara Guru Nanak Dwaar, Guru Nanak AYUSH Centre, Guru Nanak National Sikh Museum and Meharr School of Mathematics and Entrepreneurship.
