Alibag Series #4
The Datta Mandir on the hill is the highest point in Chaul. As a kid I have gone to the Datta Jayanti jatra in Chaul with my Aai. It is one of the largest in entire Alibag. Right from the foothills the jatra would be set up with mithai stalls, wooden and plastic toy shops and some bhajji and cha stalls. My most favourite would be Waman’s jilebi and Phaphe bandhu stalls. Waman never used color in his jilebi and he was a jilebiwala with a temper. People would like to irritate him on purpose and then enjoy his sweet Crisp almost while jilebi.
The murti in the temple is of Dattaguru or Dattareya. It is a stone idol and is said to be from the 18 th century. The idol is ever growing it is said. Unusual design too. It has the Trimurti of Brahma Vishnu Mahesh and has 6 arms. Dogs are easily attracted to Dattaguru and are not shooed away in this temple.
The temple is also a vantage point. One can see the entire Alibag from here. It had a great importance in the Chatrapati Shivaji’s time and administration.
A very good hike if you decide to climb the 1500 steps else take your vehicle up and climb the last 100 odd steps like I did.
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