Beauty of Bhuleshwar Temple

Bhuleshwar temple is an ancient temple located at around 65km from Pune, via Pune – Solapur highway. Lord Shiva is worshipped in this temple. This Temple is on top of a hill and is famous for its beautiful architecture and carvings. A small village called Yavat leads to this beautiful location.

Temple towers seen from parking space.

Bhuleshwar temple has been acknowledged as protected monument. This temple dates back to 13th century and is constructed during Yadava rulers.It was mainly built to keep a watch over the city.

Bhuleshwar has historical, mythological and religious significance.
According to the Hindu mythology the temple was built by Panch Pandava (Five sons of Pandu are called Five Pandava in Mahabharata). Jirnodhar(Restoration/Renovation) of the Bhuleshwar temple is done during Yadava Rulers.

Way to the temple

It is build from black basalt rock which was brought for the construction. Therefore the color differs from the color of the stone of this hill which was once a fort called “Mangalgadh”. According to legends, Parvati danced for Lord Shiva here and then they left for Kailash and got married. Mahashivratri is celebrated with grandeur over here and is crowded during the festival. This is the only structure that is remaining. All other nearby fort is in ruins.

Nearby fort ruins

Islamic architecture of temple towers

The temple is unique as its architecture is Islamic from outside and appears more as a mosque than a temple due to its resemblance of circular tomb and minarets. The reason for this unique design is said to be done to protect the temple from being destroyed by invaders.

Stone steps from bus parking to temple hill

Small vehicles like bikes and cars can drive upto the temple hill. There is ample parking space. Buses cannot go upto the hilltop as the road is very curvy and narrow. But there are stone steps upto the temple hill from the bus parking.

On entering the sanctum, there is a huge Nandi statue. The Prime deity is Lord Shiva. Photography is prohibited in the inner sanctum of Lord Shiva.

Nandi statue

Trishul

The entire scene of the temple looks quite mystic yet attractive and impressive.
There are several carvings of deities and mythological characters on the walls. There are stone carvings right from the entrance of the temple. The temple also houses a Ganesha idol in female attire known as Lambodari, Ganeshwari or Ganeshyani. Several sculptures are broken, but that does not diminish its beauty.

Sculptures and carvings on the temple wall

Ganesha idol

Every sculpture here tells a story.There are some carvings of scenes of Mahabharata, Ramayana and other Indian Vedas. Even the broken carvings tell us the story of battle between Mughals and Marathas.

View when you look up from the sanctum

This place is being commercialized just like any other, but Bhuleshwar temple stands out due to its beautiful sculptures and architecture.

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