Pataleshwar Cave Temple

Panchaleshvara - Bamburde


Useful Information

Location: Jangli Maharaj Road, Pune
Open: All year daily 8-17:30.
[2010]
Fee: free.
[2010]
Classification: SubterraneaCave Church SubterraneaMonolithic Church
Light: n/a
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History

8th century temple caves carved.

Description

The Pataleshwar Cave Temple was carved in the 8th century in the Rashtrakuta period. The whole temple was cut into a layer of basaltic rock, the buildings are the remains of the rock, they were not erected. This is called a monolithic building. When it was built it was located outside the town, but the city limits expanded, and it is now in the middle of the city.

The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, actually Lord Pataleshwar, God of the Underworld, which is another name or aspect of Shiva. The center of the temple is the Gabhara (sanctum), a cube-shaped room about three to four meters wide two smaller side chambers. It houses a lingam, the symbol of Shiva. Much bigger is the sabha-mandap, a hall with 30 pillars in three rows.

This place is a temple and frequented by many Hindus. The locals very conservative, tourists are requested to wear decent clothes while visiting the temple. Alcohol is not allowed on the premises.