The Bhuleshwar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located approximately 45 kilometres from Pune and 10 kilometres from the Pune-Solapur highway in Yawat, Maharashtra, India. The temple, built in the eighth century, sits on a hill. There are classical carvings on the walls. It has been declared a protected monument. The temple is also known for the folk tale about it. When a bowl of sweets (pedhas) is offered to the Shiva Ling, one or more sweets disappear.

The temple also houses a Ganesha idol dressed in female attire. It is known as Ganeshwari, Lambodari, or Ganeshyani. In addition to Ganesha, there are female versions of Shiv and Karthikeyan. In addition to Ganesha, there are female versions of Shiv and Karthikeyan. The temple is said to have been built in the 1200s by King Krishnadevaraya. The temple was badly attacked by the Mughal Invaders.

Legend/Story Related to Bhuleshwar Temple

According to Temple priests, when a bowl of sweets (pedhas) is presented to the Shivalinga, one or more sweets disappear. In his book Mystical, Magical Maharashtra, actor and travel writer Milind Gunaji describes what it was like to do this.

In addition, the Mandir houses a Ganesha idol dressed as a woman. It is known as Ganeshwari, Lambodari, or Ganeshyani. According to legends, the temple was first built by Pancha Pandava at their time. Another Mandir of King Bharata is being built in Bhartgaon, near the Bhuleshwar temple. King Krishnadevray is said to have built this temple in the 1200s.

History of Bhuleshwar Temple

It is said that the temple was built in the 12th century. The Bhuleshwar temple was renovated around 1230 AD during the reign of the Yadava rulers. The temple is situated on the Daulatmangal fort, also known as Mangalgad. This temple was built with black basalt rock, which differs from the surrounding brownish basalt with a high calcium content (lime – Chuna). Murar Jagdev Pandit, an Adilshahi general, constructed the fort in 1629 after looting Pune in 1630. He then built the fort to keep watch over the city.

Bhuleshwar Temple is one of the oldest temples in the region. This holy site is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees from all over Maharashtra come to seek his blessings. Bhuleshwar Shiva Temple is also known for its exotic architecture. It transports you back to a time you have not experienced.

The Architecture of Bhuleshwar Temple

Bhuleshwar Temple in Pune is known for its magnificent architecture and intricate carvings on the walls and ceilings. Its architecture is classified as Deccan style, which is similar to Indo-Aryan architecture. Black basalt rock was used in temple construction. It creates a calming atmosphere inside, even during the hot summer months. The temple walls feature sculptures of dancing apsaras and Hindu gods in meditative poses. They also have stories from the Hindu epics engraved on them.

The Shivalinga stands in the centre of the sanctum sanctorum, guarded by the majestic Nandi Bull. People believe that Goddess Parvati danced for Lord Shiva here. After that, they went to Mount Kailash and tied the sacred thread of marriage. The temple also has idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu.

The Bhuleshwar Temple also has a Ganesha idol dressed in female attire. It’s called Ganeshwari, Lambodari, or Ganeshyani. The temple grounds also have remnants of a protective wall surrounding it. These are from Fort Mangalgad, which was built in the 17th century by Murar Jagdev Pandit to keep watch over Pune.

Important Facts About Bhuleshwar Temple

• Bhuleshwar Temple is an ancient Hindu temple on a hill near Malshiras in the Pune district of Maharashtra, 52 kilometres from Pune
• It has been designated as a protected monument and is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.
• The Bhuleshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built in the 13th century by the Yadava rulers.
• The Bhuleshwar Temple is thought to have been destroyed by Muslim invaders and later rebuilt because the entrance is hidden, similar to the Gaimukhi Buruj construction of Shivaji’s time.
• The fort on which the temple is located is known as Daulat Mangalgad Fort.
• The architecture of the temple makes it unique. This temple was built with black basalt rock, which differs from the brownish basalt rock found nearby.
• The Bhuleshwar Temple sanctum houses five Shivlingas. These Shiva Lingams, which are hidden in a trench, can be seen in light.
• This Bhuleshwar Temple also houses the deities Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Mahadev. The temple also has a Ganesh idol dressed in female attire, known as Ganeshwari, Lambodari, or Ganeshyani.
• This Bhuleshwar Temple draws large crowds during Mahashivratri. According to local belief, when a bowl of sweets is presented to Lord Shiva, one or more of the sweets vanish.
• Narayanbet is approximately 15 kilometres from the Bhuleshwar Temple. The area is well-known for its migratory bird population and is popular among nature lovers and birdwatchers.
• Bhuleshwar Temple is easily accessible from Pune. It is located close to Malshiras Village, approximately 3 kilometres from the temple.

Best Time to Visit Bhuleshwar Temple

This place is very heavenly and spiritual, and you can visit it all year. However, the best time to visit this temple is during the monsoon and winter seasons. During the monsoon season, this location receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making it appear heavenly with its greenery and bringing freshness elsewhere.

Famous Festivals In Bhuleshwar Temple

• Shravana: For happiness and wealth, many fasts, offerings, and mantras are performed during the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, known as Shravana.
• Mahashivaratri is a fasting ritual in the last week of February – March Begining. It is reminiscent of Lord Shiva bringing Goddess Parvati with him. Priests and the temple committee arrange a Grand Celebration.

How to Reach Bhuleshwar Temple

By Air: The nearest airport to Bhuleshwar Temple is the Pune International Airport, approximately 55 km away.

By Rail: The nearest railway station to Bhuleshwar Mandir is Pune Junction, which is approximately 52 kilometres away. Pune Junction is a major railway station that connects several cities in India.

By Road: Bhuleshwar Temple is easily accessible by road because it is well connected by a network of roads and highways. If you travel from Pune, the Mandir is about 55 kilometres away and can be reached via the Pune-Solapur Highway. To get to the temple from Pune, one can take a local bus or hire a taxi.

Also Read – Trikuteshwara Temple