You won’t believe a place like this could be located on the downtown Jangli Maharaj Road (JM Road) in Pune. Yes I am talking about the famous Pataleshwar Cave Temple! It is also called the Panchaleshwar or the Bamburde Temple.
The Name Pataleshwar
Pataleshwar is one of the names of Lord Shiva. The word Pataleshwar literally means God of the Underworld. Entirely carved out in the hard rock, Pataleshwar really looks like a different world altogether. In the vicinity of this Shiva Temple you find a cave and hence it is known as the Pataleshwar Cave Temple.
Right in the Heart of City:
This beautiful piece of work was carved out in the Rashtrakuta period in the eighth century AD. The temple now quite in the heart of the city was originally situated in the outskirts of the town. By and by with the increasing urbanization the frontiers of the city expanded and thus today we have the Pataleshwar temple on the city center JM Road.
The Temple:
The temple carved out of basalt rock is the holy shrine of Lord Shiva. The sanctum is a cube shaped room which is indeed a sturdy construction. The beautiful Shiva Linga inside has been the source of moral and spiritual support for thousands of devotees for centuries together. On each side of the sanctum there are two smaller cells.
A circular Nandimandapa with its umbrella shaped canopy is another beautiful construction. The massive square pillars of the Mandapa catch the attention of the lovers of art.
The temple is modeled on the Elephanta rock temple. The construction however remained incomplete as a rift was detected at the back of the sanctum.
The daily pooja of the Shiva Linga is a treat to watch. The priests anoint the linga with ghee and yogurt. The fragrance of the incense sticks and the pleasant sight of the beautifully decorated Shiva Linga make you forget your daily din of life.
A big temple bell made of brass hangs outside the entryway and adds to the grandeur of the temple.
Timings:
The temple is open from 08.30 am to 5.30 pm every day.
How to get there:
As mentioned in the beginning, the temple lies on the JM Road and getting there is not at all difficult. Hiring an auto rickshaw is the best option. From Deccan, reaching Pataleshwar will be a 15 minute journey by bus.
So whenever you come to Pune, don’t miss a trip to the temple of Pataleshwar. May Lord Shiva bless you all!
If you have visited Pataleshwar Cave Temple in Pune, please tell us more about this ancient temple through comment.
Pataleshwar Caves on Pune Map
Pataleshwar Caves in Pune
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