Pandeshwar Temple

Pandeshwar Temple is located off Jejuri Morgaon road, around 50 kilometres from Pune. It is a medieval temple probably constructed around the 10 to 12th century, but later renovated in the 18th century as is apparent from the surrounding architecture. The road to the temple from the Jejuri Morgaon road is rather rough and passes through the green fields. There is also another road from Saswad. The temple is hidden amidst obscure villages located around the the river Karha. As per the folklore, river Karha was formed from the water of Lord Brahma's 'kamandalu' named 'Kar' (Kamandalu is a small vessel to store water, generally associated with the Gods and also in use by the ascetics). The river Karha takes its name from this 'Kar'. The folklore even features the Pandavas to the story. When the Pandavas were staying in this region, they had planned a Maha yagna (spiritual fire) for which they required the presence of Lord Bramha. Incidently, Lord Bramha was then meditating on the Sahyadri mountains. Bhima, the Pandava was entrusted with the task of inviting the Creator of Earth, for the yagna. The powerfully built Bhima scaled the Sahyadris with ease, but on reaching the pinnacle, to his dismay, he found Brahma tranced in deep meditation. Bhima waited in earnest hoping for the God to come out of his trance, but to no avail. Therefore sensing the urgency of the situation, Bhima poured the water from Brahma's kamandalu over Brahma's head (audacious as it may sound) in order to wake him up. The water that flowed down Brahma's Kar created the river Karha. The villagers even insist that the temple itself was built by the Pandavas in a night's time. One can consider this hearsay, as this particular folklore is associated with virtually every ancient temple in Maharashtra. But the fact of the matter is, the temple is known after the Pandavas hence called Pandeshwar. As one comes across the entrance, what catches one's immediate attention are two large stone dwarapals (celestial gatekeepers), Jai-Vijay, flanking the doorway .These are undoubtedly the most attractive features of this temple. They are beautifully ornamented and both have stone chhatris (umbrellas) carved over their heads. The wall is further decorated with fine motif work and carved pilasters. The wall has some protruding niched windows (aedicules) where idols of Godesses (presumably Parvati) are placed. There are also other figurines of Godesses Laxmi and Saraswati.