The Sangameshwar Temple is Lord Shiva’s temple where the Karha and Chambali (Bhogwati) rivers meet in the Saswad District of  Maharashtra, India. Sangameshwar temple is located at a river confluence. This temple is built in an old, fine architectural style and features two “Deepmal” in the courtyard.

This temple was built in the Yadava dynasty and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the “Sabha mandap” of this temple, we can also see an enormous “Nandi” carved in black stone. A few historic structures have been built in the temple’s backyard, possibly in memory of Maratha Sardars or women who sacrificed their lives in “Sati”.

Legend/Story Related to Sangameshwar Temple Saswad

This ancient Sangameshwar temple is thought to have originated during the Pandavas’ reign. Historical and religious evidence strongly suggests that the Pandavas lived in this location during their exile. During their stay, they discovered that the region was experiencing a severe water crisis. Lord Krishna, who had accompanied the Pandavas, noticed Lord Brahma sitting nearby, deep in meditation, with a kamandalu full of water.

Lord Krishna quickly asked Bheema to bring that kamandalu and suggested that a river be formed from the water that flowed out of it. Bheema enthusiastically approached Lord Brahma and asked him to part with the water in the kamandalu, but Lord Brahma was blissfully unaware of his surroundings.

In an attempt to get his attention, Bheema poured cold water over his head. Lord Brahma, enraged by Bheema’s impertinence, pursued him, and it was during this flight that the Shiva Lingas were created in five locations to appease Lord Brahma and seek Lord Shiva’s blessings, as well as the birth of the river Karha, named after Lord Brahma’s kamandalu, Kara.

History of Sangameshwar Temple Saswad

The temple seen today was most likely built between the 10th and 13th centuries in the typical Hemadpanti architectural style (which incorporates black stone and lime without the use of mortar and employs mortise and tenon joints). As one climbs the stone steps, one’s attention is drawn to the stunning architecture, the temple’s shikhara, which contains hundreds of intricate sculptures, and the majestic Nandi.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity, and is thought to have been built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the legendary Maratha warrior king.

The Architecture of Sangameshwar Temple Saswad

The architecture of the Sangameshwar Temple is an ideal blend of Maratha and Hemadpanthi styles. Its stone carvings, intricately carved pillars, and beautifully sculpted idols demonstrate the craftsmanship of the past. The temple complex includes a magnificent entrance gate, a large courtyard, and a main shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple’s imposing Shikhara (spire) stands tall, inspiring awe and reverence.

The entrance mandapam features beautifully weathered stone pillars with two deepamalas (rows of lamps) on either side, a colourfully painted Nandi, and a detailed carving of a tortoise with a lotus on its back on the floor. Tulasi Vrindavan also has an interesting design with a Shiva Linga in the centre and a solid base below, so that when water falls on the sacred Tulasi, it falls on the Linga’s pindi or Shakti peetham.

The entrance mandapam leads to the maha mandapam, where Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman, and other deities are worshipped in niches cut into the thick walls. The garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum) exudes tranquillity, serenity, and peace. There is a lone old lamp over the Shiva Linga, and in the dim light, you can see Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha in the background, along with a picture of Saint Sopandev painted on the sidewall.

Important Facts About Sangameshwar Temple Saswad

• The Sangameshwar Temple, located in the serene town of Saswad near Pune, Maharashtra, stands as a testimony to ancient Indian architectural marvels and spiritual devotion.
• The Sangameshwar Temple dates back several centuries, beginning with the Yadava dynasty in the 12th century.
• The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity, and is thought to have been built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the legendary Maratha warrior king.
• The temple is located at the confluence of two rivers, Karhe and Chambli, hence the name “Sangameshwar,” which means “Lord of the Confluence.”
• The temple complex includes a magnificent entrance gate, a large courtyard, and a main shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• For devotees, the Sangameshwar Temple is of immense spiritual significance. It is believed that the waters at the confluence of the Karhe and Chambli rivers have healing properties and can save those who dip in them.
• The temple attracts devotees all year, but the enthusiasm is at its peak during the auspicious occasions of Mahashivaratri and Shravan month when devotees travel far and wide to seek blessings and pray to Lord Shiva.
• Surrounded by lush greenery, rolling hills, and the gentle flow of rivers, the temple offers a serene and peaceful setting for introspection and spiritual contemplation.
• Its tranquillity and natural beauty make it an ideal destination for those seeking solace and a respite from the chaos of everyday life.

Best Time to Visit Sangameshwar Temple Saswad

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 Sangameshwar Temple Saswad

• 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 Sangameshwar Temple Saswad

By Air: The nearest airport to Sangameshwar Temple is the Pune International Airport, approximately 34 km away.

By Rail: The nearest railway station to Sangameshwar Temple is Pune Junction, which is approximately 31 kilometres away. Pune Junction is a major railway station that connects several cities in India.

By Road: Sangameshwar Temple is easily accessible and well connected by a network of roads and highways. If you travel from Pune, the temple is about 31 kilometres away and can be reached via the Hadapsar – Saswad – Jejuri Rd/Saswad Rd. You can take a taxi or bus to reach this temple.

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