Chaphal is the place of Samarth Ramdas Swami - spiritual guru of Shivaji Maharaj. Chaphal is a small village in Satara district but very famous for ' Shri Ram Temple '. The temple was built by Ramdas Swami and one of the unique temples in the region. It is on the banks of river ' Maand '.
The temple is one of the beautiful temples in Maharashtra. The idol of Lord Ram is special one. It is originally the idol of ' Lord Surya ' , but Ramdas Swami worshiped the idol as ' Lord Ram '. And that is why , Lord Ram here is without bow. It has lotus in both hands. Ramdas Swami situated 11 Maruti temples in Maharashtra, 7 of them are near Chaphal e.g. Das Maruti , Veer Maruti and Khadicha Maruti etc.
Chaphal is historically important place as well. Shivaji Maharaj and Samarth Ramdas Swami used to meet here. The mantra of Swaraj was given by Ramdas Swami to Shivaji Maharaj here. Really, a place where the memories of the famous Saint of Maharashtra can be recollected.