Bhuleshwar Temple, Pune Overview

Rich in ancient history and peculiar architecture, Bhuleshwar temple is a holy site devoted to Lord Shiva and is one of the oldest temples in Maharashtra. Situated on a small hill in a small village of Maharashtra called ‘Yavat’, the temple is located around 54 kms from Pune city. The calm and cool ambience of the temple creates a peaceful experience for the devotees to offer their prayers. The classical stone carvings seen all over the temple walls give the temple an antique and a historical feel. Devotees from all around Maharashtra and the neighboring regions visit the temple. It is also visited by historic researchers and ancient-architectural enthusiasts.

There have been many instances of devotees at the temple that confirm the famous folk-tale about the 5 pedhas – when a bowl of 5 pedhas (sweet) is offered to the Shiv Linga, one peda disappears. The temple is a holy site to five Shivlingas. It also houses the idols of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Mahadeva. There is also a deity of Lord Ganapati in female garb which has several names such as Ganeshwari or Lambodari or Ganeshyani. It is advised that you pack some essentials before heading to the temple like water and some snacks as the surrounding of the temple isn’t commercialized. Around 15 kms from the temple is Narayanbet, a hill where birds migrate during the summer. The temple has mythological significance as it is said that this was the spot where Goddess Parvati used to dance for Lord Shiva before they left for Kailash to get married.

History of the Temple

There are different notions about the time period of the construction of this temple. Hindu mythology says that it was built by the Panch Pandavas. Historical records indicate that the Bhuleshwar temple was constructed by the Yadava rulers during the early 13th century who were the rulers of the Deccan plateau at the time. Whether the temple was restored during the Yadava rule or was originally built by the Yadava rulers still remains unclear. The temple stands on a fort called ‘Mangalgadh’. There are also indications of some parts of the temple being ruined by the Mughal rulers and then rebuilt by the Maratha Empire during the 17th century.

Architecture of the Temple

The temple is appreciated for its beautiful architecture and the intricate carvings on the walls and the ceilings. The architecture closely resembles the Indo – Aryan style of architecture which was seen predominantly during the Yadava rule. This style of architecture was so prevalent across the Deccan plateau that it was given a regional classification as the ‘Deccan style’. The original temple has 4 different sections – Nandi Mandapa, Sabha Mandapa, Antarala and the Garbhigriha. The architectural design of the temple creates a peculiar composition of lighting at the temple. It is quite amusing to be around such an interesting play of light. Black basalt rock which was used to construct the temple creates a cool atmosphere inside the temple even during hot summer days.

Festivals celebrated at the Temple

The temple is decorated during Mahashivratri and the celebrations are grand. There are poojas and rituals conducted and it is during this time the temple is most crowded. Even during Shravan, the temple attracts a lot of crowd as the festival of Hindola is celebrated.

Timings

The temple is open daily from 5 AM to 9 PM. During this time, rituals of Lord Shiva are performed. But the best time to visit is from 6 am – 12 pm and 4 pm – 8 pm. The month of May and September is when birds migrate to the nearby hill of Narayanbet. If visiting during these months, a day trip to Bhuleshwar temple would be complete by taking a detour to the nearby hill of Narayanbet for some bird-watching.

How To Reach Bhuleshwar Temple

Bhuleshwar temple is accessible by road through the Pune-Solapur highway, just 10 kms into a diversion at the village Yavat. Usually private cars and cabs are taken by tourists through the highway to get here. There are private buses from Pune, from the Swargate bus station that connect to Yavat. The temple is visible from a distance since it sits atop a hill.