- Shiva
Pataleshwar Cave Temple
- Shivajinagar,Maharashtra
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Overview
The deity of God Shiva is worshipped at the Pataleshwar Cave temple that is located in Shivajinagar at Pune, Maharashtra. This temple is also known as Panchaleshvara or Bamburde Temple. It was constructed in the 8th century during the Rashhtrakuta period and was carved out of a rock. It is situated on the downtown Jangli Maharaj Road. It is preserved by the Government of India.
About The Temple
The temple is built with basalt rock about 1300 years ago and consists of a cube shaped sanctum with shrines for linga. The temple is almost 8 feet high, 200 feet long and 25 feet deep with shrines devoted to God Mahadev and Ramachandra. Mandapa is an essential part of the structures of Pataleshwar and a circular Mandapa is built at the entrance of the cave which is supported by four strong square pillars. There are three sanctums in the temple and a skillfully carved circular Nandi shrine. The Shivalinga is enshrined in the central sanctum and the main cave consists of a pillared porch. The temple is although not constructed completely due to the faults in the rock but the walls depict stories of God Shiva in the form of sculptures from Indian mythology. Water from a spring drips via a solid rock placed about the Mahadev cave. A part of the cave is transformed into a garden and the office of Archaeological Survey of India is constructed nearby this temple.
The internal temple columns of Pataleshwar caves are left incomplete due to the unsafe conditions. The deterioration of the caves has led to it and it is feared that the renovation may result in loss of patronage. The Linga is offered yogurt and ghee while a brass bell is hung outside the cave.
Legend and Stories
As per the legend, a member of the Ptankar family put little wood ornamentation around the solid rock above the Mahadev cave about 250 years ago, due to which water of the spring still drips.
Accessibility
The temple is easily accessible as the Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport is only 120kms away while the Pune Junction Railway Station is only 2kms away from the temple. The devotees can reach the temple using the road transport as it is a 15minutes ride from the Deccan. Frequent bus service is also available to reach the temple.
Temple Address
Pataleshwar Cave Temple
Jangali Maharaj Road,
Revenue Colony,
Shivajinagar, Pune,
Maharashtra 411005
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Salvation
- Wealth
- Relief from diseases
- Purchase of vehicles
- Gain Knowledge
Shlokas
Kailaasarana Shiva Chandramouli Phaneendra Maathaa Mukutee Zalaalee Kaarunya Sindhu Bhava Dukha Haaree Thujaveena Shambho Maja Kona Taaree
Meaning -Oh Lord Shiva who is seated on Mount Kailash, where the moon decorates his forehead and the king of serpents crown his head, who is merciful and removes delusion, You alone can protect me. I surrender to thee.
Aum Trayambakam Yajaamahey Sugandhim Pusti Vardhanam Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaath Mrutyor Muksheeya Maamritaat
Meaning -We worship the fragrant Lord Shiva, who has 3 eyes and who cultivates all beings. May He free me from death, for immortality, as even a cucumber is separated from its bond with the vine.
Timings
The temple is open on all days of the week from 8:30 in the morning till 5:30 in the evening. Most of the devotees offer ghee and yogurt to the linga.