Mahabaleshwar is a popular hill station in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, known for its natural beauty, pleasant climate, and strawberry farms. But did you know that Mahabaleshwar is also home to one of the most revered Hindu shrines in the state? The Mahabaleshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the spiritual and cultural heritage of Maharashtra.
The Mahabaleshwar Temple is not only a place of worship, but also a marvel of architecture and history. The temple dates back to the 16th century and has witnessed many dynasties and events over the centuries. The temple is also associated with many legends and myths that add to its charm and mystery.
If you are planning to visit Mahabaleshwar, you should not miss the opportunity to visit the Mahabaleshwar Temple and explore its surroundings. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Mahabaleshwar Temple, including its history, architecture, significance, and nearby attractions.
Here is an Ultimate Travel Guide for Mahabaleshwar Temple
History and Legend of the Mahabaleshwar Temple
The Mahabaleshwar Temple is believed to have been built by the Chanda Rao More dynasty in the 16th century. The temple was later renovated and expanded by Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, who was a devout follower of Lord Shiva.
The temple is named after Lord Mahabali, another name for Lord Shiva, who is considered to be the supreme god in Hinduism. The temple houses a self-originated lingam, or a symbol of Lord Shiva, which is called Swayambhu. The lingam is said to be one of the 12 jyotirlingas, or manifestations of Lord Shiva, in India.
According to legend, the lingam was discovered by a cowherd who noticed that one of his cows would stop at a particular spot every day and offer her milk. He dug up the spot and found the lingam. He then informed the king, who built a temple around it.
Another legend says that Lord Shiva once came to Mahabaleshwar for meditation. He was disturbed by a demon named Kamaleshwar, who wanted to test his powers. Lord Shiva got angry and pierced him with his trident. The blood that spilt from the demon formed a lake near the temple, which is now known as Kamaleshwar Lake.
Architecture and Features of the Mahabaleshwar Temple
The Mahabaleshwar Temple is built in the Hemadant style of architecture, which is characterized by simple and elegant designs. The temple is made of black stone and has a shikhara, or a spire, that rises above the sanctum sanctorum. The shikhara has carvings of various gods and goddesses on it.
The sanctum sanctorum houses the Swayambhu lingam, which is about 500 feet long and 300 feet wide. The lingam is covered by a silver mask that depicts the face of Lord Shiva. The mask can be removed only on Mondays and during festivals such as Maha Shivaratri and Shravan.
The sanctum sanctorum is surrounded by a central hall, which has six pillars and two porches. The hall has paintings of scenes from Hindu mythology on its walls. The hall also has an idol of Nandi, or the bull mount of Lord Shiva, facing the lingam.
The temple complex also has a square platform, which is used for performing rituals and ceremonies. The platform has an image of a snake carved on it. The platform is believed to be the spot where Lord Brahma performed a yajna, or a fire sacrifice, to appease Lord Shiva.
Read about Ashish's Road Trip to Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani
How to Reach the Mahabaleshwar Temple
The Mahabaleshwar Temple is located in Old Mahabaleshwar, which is about 6 km from the main town of Mahabaleshwar. You can reach the temple by local transport such as buses, taxis, or auto-rickshaws. You can also hire a bicycle or a scooter to explore the area at your own pace.
If you are coming from Mumbai or Pune, you can take a train or a bus to Satara or Wathar, which are the nearest railway stations to Mahabaleshwar. From there, you can take another bus or taxi to reach Mahabaleshwar. Alternatively, you can drive to Mahabaleshwar by taking the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and then the NH 48.
The distance and time taken to reach Mahabaleshwar from different cities are as follows:
- Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar: 231 km, 5 hours
- Pune to Mahabaleshwar: 120 km, 3 hours
- Satara to Mahabaleshwar: 54 km, 1.5 hours
- Wathar to Mahabaleshwar: 64 km, 2 hours
Best Time to Visit the Mahabaleshwar Temple
The Mahabaleshwar Temple is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit it is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and cool. You can also visit the temple during the monsoon season, from June to September, when the area is lush green and misty. However, you may have to face heavy rainfall and landslides during this time.
The temple timings are from 5 am to 12 pm and from 4 pm to 9 pm. The entry fee is free for all visitors. However, you may have to pay a nominal amount for special darshan or puja.
The temple also hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, such as Maha Shivaratri, Shravan, Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, etc. These festivals attract thousands of devotees and tourists who come to witness the grand celebrations and rituals. If you want to experience the festive spirit of the temple, you can plan your visit accordingly.
Other Attractions Near the Mahabaleshwar Temple
Mahabaleshwar is not only famous for its temple, but also for its other attractions that offer a variety of experiences for visitors. Here are some of the other places that you can visit near the Mahabaleshwar Temple:
- Wilson Point: Wilson Point, also known as Sunrise Point, is the highest point in Mahabaleshwar at an altitude of 1439 meters. It offers a panoramic view of the sunrise and sunset over the hills and valleys. You can also see the Pratapgarh Fort and the Panchgani Plateau from here.
- Venna Lake: Venna Lake is a man-made lake that was built by Shri Appasaheb Maharaj in 1842. It is one of the most popular tourist spots in Mahabaleshwar, where you can enjoy boating, horse riding, fishing, or just relaxing by the lake. The lake is surrounded by greenery and has a small island in the middle.
- Pratapgarh Fort: Pratapgarh Fort is a historical fort that was built by Shivaji Maharaj in 1656. It was the site of the famous Battle of Pratapgarh, where Shivaji Maharaj defeated Afzal Khan, the general of the Adil Shahi dynasty. The fort has many monuments and structures, such as temples, chambers, watchtowers, etc., that showcase the Maratha architecture and culture.
- Mapro Garden: Mapro Garden is a garden park that is owned by Mapro, a food processing company that is famous for its jams, syrups, chocolates, etc. The garden has a strawberry farm, a chocolate factory, a restaurant, and a nursery. You can also buy fresh and organic products from here.
- Tapola: Tapola, also known as Mini Kashmir, is a village that is located at the confluence of the Koyna and Solshi rivers. It is a scenic spot that offers a view of the Shivsagar Lake, which is formed by the Koyna Dam. You can also enjoy water sports such as kayaking, swimming, etc., here.
Conclusion
Mahabaleshwar Temple is a sacred and scenic destination in Maharashtra that offers a unique blend of spirituality and nature.
Whether you are a devotee or a tourist, you will find something to suit your taste and interest here.
