Pataleswar Temple: Where Nature Meets Divinity

Living in Pune and never been to this ancient temple is where the saying goes "living under a rock means". Just kidding ! but you should probably go check it out .

Never imagined a place like this existed Until I actually went there. Situated on the Jungli Maharaj Road downtown this temple is dedicated to lord Shiva. As you enter the premises there is a garden and at the end of the garden a staircase leading down to the cave temple. As the name suggest the temple is below the level of the road and carved on Basalt rock .

In front of the main temple is a stone mandap whose circular canopy is supported by huge rock pillars and shelters a sculpture of Nandi , the eternal worshiper of lord Shiva. While exploring the cave temple you will come across outlines of unfinished deities One of them is lord Vishnu (Matsya avatar) the great protector of worlds according to Hindu Mythology. The rectangular shape of the temple makes it spacious and also has pillar structures around the sanctum sanctorum(Garva Griha) with the Sivalinga in it. Around the Garva Griha you can also explore the cave to minute details and realize its unfinished structure . One of the reason could have been the fault in the stones. its Surrounding the Sanctum Sanctorum are Lord Ganesh and goddess Shakti.

As we spent most of our time inside the temple exploring. I was amazed because it must have been so difficult for the artists to carve out the whole temple with the limited resources available at that time.

However the archaeological survey department has done a great job maintaining this monument . As it is situated near the main market area visitors never cease to arrive.

Jungli Maharaj Temple- Another attraction of the temple is the the monastery of Saint Jungli Maharaj . Surrounded by lush green trees and ambience of a calm and positive energy this shrine brings peace to your body and mind.

In the evening we were able to participate in the Arti and then explored some food junction nearby and head back home. Its an experience of a life time.

If you want to have all these experience then please reach there by 4 "O" Clock, bask in the aura of the place and come back home much calmer .