Atibaleshwar Mandir — Attraction in Maharashtra

Mahabaleshwar is famous for its temples and viewpoints. There are five famous temples in Mahabaleshwar namely Mahabaleshwar temple, Atibaleshwar temple, Koteshwar temple, Panchaganga temple and Krishnabai temple.

First three temples have common story beyond this hence all three temples story is interconnected which goes like this, Once Ravana great devotee of Lord Shiva got a Atma ling from the Lord owing to his penance. While carrying the same to Lanka, two drops of water had fallen at this place known as Sahyadri mountain range. From these two drops, two demons sprang up, named Atibal and Mahabal. They troubled the people a lot and as a result of which, Lord Vishnu killed Atibal, however it was no one could kill Mahabal. That is when Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar Prayed Goddess Mahamaya for help. The Goddess lured Mahabal and brought him to the Gods. She asked Gods to request for boon from Mahabal. The Gods asked Mahabal for his death. Mahabal granted the boon but requested lord Vishnu to take the name of his brother Atibaleshwar, Lord Brahma to take the name of Koteshwar and lord Shiva to take the name as Mahabaleshwar and requested three of them to stay at Mahabaleshwar forever. The Gods granted to his wish.

Atibaleshwar temple is located close to the Mahabaleshwar temple. This temple is the same age as the Mahabaleshwar temple but relatively less maintained and which is often overlooked by most tourists who visits the temple complex at old Mahabaleshwar. There is narrow passageway between the wayside shops to reach this temple, which is not known to the most of the tourists hence they visit Panchaganga temple and Mahabaleshwar temple and leave the complex without knowing about this temple. so Please be aware of the same and try to visit all five temples which are famous and have...

This is a small Shiva temple which is often overlooked by most tourists who visit the temple complex at Old Mahabaleshwar. As we walk up to the Panchganga Temple, where the five rivers originate, the Atibaleshwar temple is on the left hand side, about 200 metres before reaching the Panchgaga mandir. There is a narrow passageway between the wayside shops and then there was a large Nandi bull at the entrance to this temple. The main Mahabaleshwar temple is on the right hand side. Both these temples were supposed to have been originally built 2500 years ago and the Atibaleshwar temple still has the original structure. According to the ancient legend there were two demons, Mahabal and Atibal, who were killed by Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu respectively. Both the demons requested that they be immortalised by building temples commemorating them and hence these two temples came into being. However, most of the devotees who visit the temple complex skip the Atibaleshwar temple with the beautiful Nandi bull. Hence one gets a feel of peace and calm on visiting this temple and can worship the deity at their own pace...

Atibaleshwar temple is located among the group of temples around Mahabaleshwar temple. It's a very old temple. There is a mythological story behind Mahabaleshwar as well as Atibaleshwar temple. It is said that there were two demons namely Mahabal and Atibal. They were very wicked and robustious. To get rid of them lord Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh was prayed and Vishnu killed Atibaleshwar and Shiv could not killed Mahabal as he was having the boon of will death i.e"ikschhamrityu". So Brahma called Mahamaya, who allure him of love and enticed him to death. He agreed but prayed that Gods should stay at that place by their names so that those two demons become immortal. He died and thus Shiv stayed there in the form of Mahabaleshwar, Vishnu as Atibaleshwar and Brahma as Koteshwar. Name of the city is also said to be derived from Mahabal. It's a small temple. The height of doors are low and there is full darkness inside the temple. You have to keep your torch on to see. Temple management should lit a bulb here for the convenience...