Shree Pataleshwar Temple, Jangli Maharaj Road, Pune

 Just had the most enchanting visit to Shree Pataleshwar Temple today, 6 October 2023, right in the heart of Pune on Jangli Maharaj Road, near Shivaji Nagar in Pune. This most ancient Shiva temple is truly a hidden gem. Known also as the Bhamburde Pandav Cave Temple, it is believed to date back to the 8th Century during the Rashtrakuta period. What is truly fascinating, it is supposed, that it is carved out of a single Deccan Trap rock formation, making it a remarkable monolithic excavation. 

As I explored the temple, I was struck by the tremendous circular Nandi Mandapa, and the grand pillared sanctum. The temple has three cave-sanctums, all rock-cut excavations, with Lord Shiva residing in the central one, radiating an aura of divine serenity. The darshan was absolutely perfect and the energy from within was radiating, directly. It is like a time machine that transports you back in time while you stand in the heart of Pune and the river of traffic outside the temple. 

One is transported to a bygone era, where skilled artisans meticulously carved the temple out of a single rock. The detailed craftsmanship, from the ornate pillars to the exquisite Nandi, is a testament to the dedication of those who worked on it. There is a sense of subterranean architecture to the temple that adds an air of mystique to the pilgrimage. As I descended the stone steps from the level of the road and the urban metropolis outside the campus, I felt as if I had entered a world that is detached from the modern chaos above. There is an unmistakable aura inside the temple and even as one gazes upon the monolithic Nandi that stands guard outside the sanctum. This is a setting that is perfect for introspection and spiritual contemplation. 

First Draft - Bharat Bhushan, 6 October 2023

Shree Wagheshwar Temple, Wagholi, Pune

Was able to visit the Shree Wagheshwar Temple at Wagholi, on the Pune-Ahmednagar Highway. The temple is located within a beautiful campus, trees and gardens, other historical structures and a well-maintained pond. One can see the temple from the highway and the campus is easily accessible from the crossroads near the turn-off. 

The main temple has a splendid gopuram and detailed stone sculptures all around. The structure seems to be constructed entirely in black stone, and is thought to have been sourced from the nearby mines. The main temple sanctum has a most beautiful Nandi, in front of the entrance to the premises. Earlier photographs on the net show that it was painted all-white, and thankfully, that layer of oil paint has been removed and it is back to its glory. 

The sanctorum within and the calming Shiva lingam is a must-visit for the pilgrim, and I was fortunate that I was able to, today, in spite of having driven past on many occasions. Today, 5 October 2023, I was the only person at the Sanctorum and was able to be blessed with a peaceful view and yet, as one could feel the energy, at the point of darshan.  

The premises of the temple and the campus are properly maintained, and to top it all, surprisingly but fittingly, there was a woman bouncer (security personnel) in black uniform, keeping a strict watch on stragglers in the area around the temple sanctum. 

The temple is now within the Pune Municipal Corporation limits since the inclusion of Wagholi in 2021. The name, Wagheshwar, and Wagholi, of course, is thought to be derived from the word "Wagh", meaning "tiger". An ancient structure informs that this area was historically known to be with the Maratha Sardar, Pilajirao Changojirao Jadhavrao. 

First Draft - Bharat Bhushan, 5 October 2023

Shree Baneshwar Temple, Baner, Pune

 I was able to visit the Shree Baneshwar Temple at Baner, Pune, today on 4 October 2023. This ancient cave temple, with the Swayambhu Shiva Lingam is believed to have been visited by the Pandavas during their journey and travels away from Hastinapur. Local history suggests that the temple was rebuilt in the 8th Century by the Rashtrakuta dynasty from its earlier 1200 BC discovery (unconfirmed). 

The temple is within a natural cave and has an aquifer and well in a smaller cave alongside. Stone stairs on a steep slope on the hill leads to the cave temple that is now properly maintained and managed. The hill path and trail leads further to the Sri Tukai Devi temple on the hill-top. There are well preserved "hero stones" or "victory pillars", nicely placed and exhibited, within the premises. 

I will add further details and information later. 

First edit - Bharat Bhushan, 4 October 2023

Shree Mryutyunjayeshwar Temple, Kothrud, Pune

Was able to visit the Shri Mryutyunjayeshwar Temple at Kothrud, Pune on 3 October 2023. I think this is the temple usually referred to as the "Kothrud Shiva temple". Ancient, peaceful, pristine and with tremendous positive vibes. Will need to return for a longer visit and to offer prayers. 

The temple is believed to be from the Peshwa Era and was possibly owned by Sardar Haripant Ballal Phadke, a contemporary of Nana Phadanvis, during the time of Peshwa Sawai Madhavrao, which would be about the late 18th Century. This needs to be verified. I will check up on it and edit this portion later. 

It is said that the temple along with the nearer Shri Dashabhuja temple at Paud Phata was subsequently handed over to the Peshwa family as dowry, when the daughter of Dajiba Phadke, the son of Sardar Haripant Phadke, was wed to Peshwa Bajirao II, son of Raghunathrao Peshwa. 

Though, Punekars familiar with the temple, often refer to Mastani Bai, second wife of Peshwa Bajirao I (daughter of Raja Chhatrasal), of having been in the region and visited the temple. 

The temple is now managed by the Shri Devdeveshwar Temple Trust, with Prof. V. V. Peshwa (of whom I have had the fortune of interacting with, in his academic life) as the Principal Trustee. 

"It is a beautiful place. Very quiet and peaceful though surrounded by the busy Karve Road and Kothrud Area." - Dr. Jyotsna G. Padiyar. 

"Beautiful and peaceful temple. Built by the Peshwas, and received as dowry from the Phadke family. Later, renovated by the Peshwa family. Mastani Bai is believed to have visited here with Peshwa Bajirao I. Historically important temple. Should visit when visiting Pune. Har Har Mahadev." - Smt. Rajashri M. Chaudhari

First edit - Bharat Bhushan, 4 October 2023

Shree Someshwar Temple, Pashan, Pune

The temple is located on the banks of the Ram Nadi river at Someshwarwadi, Pashan, Pune. It is known to be over 900 years old and believed to have been constructed in the Hemadpanthi style of temple architecture under the leadership of Rajmata Jijamata herself. Near the river is located a Chakra Teerth, a perennial natural spring. The beautiful temple with its tremendously inspiring aura has the swayambhu Shiva as Someshwar. The temple of Goddess Shree Padmavati is nearby. The Shree Someshwar temple is located within an area of about 3+ acres and has 3 main entrances. There is a havan kund to the north. The Shiva temple is also accompanied by temples dedicated to Shree Hanuman, Shree Kal Bhairavnath and Shree Ganesha. The campus also has a 40+ feet tall deepmal. 

It is earlier known to have a mention in the Yadava period of local history, around 950 AD and was known to be an energised 'jagrut' location where Rajmata Jijamata would often visit for her prayers during 1640 to 1650, sometimes accompanied by the young Shivaji. 

Bharat Bhushan

1st Edit - 22 May 2022

The Shiva Lingam placed to allow devotees
to offer their prayers and abhishek near the sanctum