Bhuleshwar Temple — Attraction in Maharashtra

Bhuleshwar Temple: A Hidden Gem Near Pune

Discover a Serene Sanctuary Amidst Nature

Nestled in the tranquil Purandar taluka of Pune district, Bhuleshwar Temple offers a captivating blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty. This ancient shrine, dating back to the 8th century, is a must-visit for those seeking a peaceful escape from the bustling city.

A Journey Through Time

The main temple's construction dates back to the 8th century, while the surrounding temple premises were added in the 12th century. The unique architectural features, such as the water tank on the circumambulation path and the contrasting stones of the main temple and courtyard wall, provide fascinating insights into the temple's history.

A Peshwa Connection

During the 18th century, the renowned Guru of the Peshwas and the Shah of Satar, Sri Bamendra Swami (Dhawadshikar), played a significant role in restoring and enhancing the temple. He constructed the impressive 3-shikhar temple in front of the main shrine and added a Nagarkhana (music hall) atop it.

A Fort's Watchful Eye

Fortified by the presence of Daulat Mangal Fort, Bhuleshwar Temple served as a strategic location during the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The ruins of this ancient fort can still be seen surrounding the temple, offering a glimpse into its historical significance.

Explore the Surrounding Beauty

Beyond the temple, the serene natural surroundings invite exploration. Take a leisurely stroll through the nearby forests, marvel at the breathtaking views, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the environment.

How to Reach Bhuleshwar Temple

Bhuleshwar Temple is located near Malshiras village, accessible from Pune via Solapur Road. The journey offers scenic views and a pleasant drive.

Best Time to Visit: The temple can be visited throughout the year, but the monsoon season (June-September) is particularly enchanting due to the lush greenery and pleasant weather.

What to Bring:Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water are essential for a comfortable visit.

Experience the Divine

Bhuleshwar Temple is more than just a place of worship; it's a serene sanctuary that offers a unique blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, a visit to Bhuleshwar Temple is sure to leave...

Bhuleshwar Temple, situated near Pune, stands as a testament to both the cultural resilience and architectural prowess of ancient India. Dating back to the 13th century, this temple has weathered the storms of time and history. While the specifics of its construction are not definitively documented, local legends and historical accounts suggest that the temple faced the brunt of invasions during the 15th and 16th centuries.

During this period, various Muslim invaders targeted temples as part of their military campaigns. Bhuleshwar, too, suffered the consequences of these invasions. The invaders, recognizing the strategic and symbolic importance of the temple, attempted to destroy it. However, the robustness of its construction proved to be a formidable challenge for those who sought its destruction.

The architecture of Bhuleshwar Temple is marked by its sturdy stone walls and intricately carved pillars, showcasing the craftsmanship of the artisans of that era. The temple's design, a fusion of Hindu and Islamic architectural elements, reflects the syncretic cultural ethos prevalent in medieval India.

Despite facing violent attempts at destruction, the temple's resilience prevailed. The enduring strength of its structure thwarted complete annihilation. The tales of this turbulent period echo through the temple's stones, bearing witness to a chapter in history where cultural and religious identities clashed.

The survival of Bhuleshwar Temple stands as a silent narrative of the ability of ancient Indian builders to create structures that could withstand the ravages of time and external aggression. It symbolizes not only the architectural marvels of its time but also the spirit of resilience embedded in the cultural fabric of the region. Visiting Bhuleshwar today allows one to touch, feel, and appreciate the history etched into its stones—a living testament to the endurance of...

Bhuleshwar Temple, located approximately 40 km from Pune in the village of Malshiras, is a historical and architectural treasure that will leave every history lover spellbound. Perched atop a hill, this 13th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva offers a stunning blend of mythology, intricate stonework, and strategic design.

The temple is renowned for its detailed stone carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, alongside unique feminine depictions of Lord Shiva, Ganpati and Kartikeya—an artistic rarity that reflects the rich cultural imagination of the time.

Contrary to common belief, the main Shivlinga remains intact and continues to be actively worshipped. However, a smaller Shivlinga near the Vishnu Mandir within the temple complex is partially broken. Scattered throughout the temple are numerous statues and idols that are visibly damaged—these serve as somber evidence of the Mughal invasions, during which the temple suffered significant desecration.

From a distance, the temple structure can be mistaken for a mosque, thanks to its dome and minaret-like features. This was a deliberate architectural tactic, believed to have been implemented during the time of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, to disguise the temple as a mosque and protect it from Mughal destruction. This ingenious design helped preserve much of the temple’s sanctity during turbulent times.

Originally built during the Yadava dynasty and later restored by the Marathas, Bhuleshwar Temple is constructed from black basalt stone and is adorned with ornate doorways, mystical carvings and a timeless aura that speaks of centuries gone by.

Visiting Bhuleshwar isn’t just a spiritual experience—it's a journey into India’s layered history. It's a place where devotion, resilience and storytelling in stone come alive. A must-visit for anyone interested in architecture, mythology or the unyielding spirit...