Bhuleshwar temple is a protected monument in Malshiras, Pune, Maharastra, known for its intricate architecture, rich history, and scenic views. The Lord Shiva temple is 50 km from Pune and sits atop a hill. Even though the temple is popular all year round, it is majestically decorated during Shivratri and Shravan. It is adorned with lights and flowers, making the temple look even more stunning. The Mahabharata, Puranas, Ramayana, and other Hindu scriptures inspire the temple carvings.
History of the Bhuleshwar temple
The history of the Bhuleshwar temple is shrouded in mystery because there is still no consensus on who built it. Some say that the Bhuleshwar temple was the idea of King Bharata, who built it and dedicated it to Lord Vishnu. However, during the 16th century, the temple’s focus shifted, and it was dedicated to Lord Shiva by King Krishnadevaraya, who was from the Vijayanagara Empire. Soon after, wars were waged in the 17th and 18th centuries, but Bhuleshwar temple stood its ground.
In the 17th century, the Mughals attacked the temple, intending to destroy it. But they remained unsuccessful, as Shivaji Maharaj’s army ensured no harm came in the temple’s way. Next, in the 18th century, Adilshahi forces tried to destroy the temple, but Peshwa Bajirao’s army stopped them from damaging it. This has given true significance to the power of the temple in its place.
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Why people find the temple intriguing
Bhuleshwar temple is also believed to be where Parvati meditated and underwent penance to win Lord Shiva’s heart. He eventually gave in and appeared before her, after which they married. The temple is also relevant because it is believed that the Paanch Pandavas stayed in exile. They are also believed to be responsible for building the five temples around the Lord Shiva temple.
The temple was initially called the Daulatmangal fort or the Mangalgadh fort. Another smaller fort was built around 1629 by Murar Jagdev whose aim was to watch over Pune. However, in 1630, he was responsible for looting Pune. Some remains of this second fort are visible even today, although most are gone.
1. Visiting Bhuleshwar temple – Timings and tickets
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The temple is open every day from 6:00 a.m. to around 8:00 p.m. If you are interested in Bhuleshwar temple darshan, remember the timings are different. The darshan starts from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and then again from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. You do not need to purchase Bhuleshwar temple tickets, as entry is free for everyone. However, you need to pay the parking fee, which can vary if you plan on taking your vehicle.
The best time to visit the temple is winter, as the cool breeze makes the experience more delightful. However, if you choose to visit during the summer months, visit it in the early or late evenings for a pleasant experience. A priest is usually available there, so it is possible to do a darshan. He is also a guide and is happy to answer questions regarding the temple.
Temple timings: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
Darshan timings: 6:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Entry fee: Free
Parking fee: Rs. 10 onwards
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2. Bhuleshwar temple architecture – A grand spectacle
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Bhuleshwar temple history is also signified according to the architecture. People are intrigued by how different it looks from the outside to the inside. Black basalt was used to build the temple in Hemadpanthi style, which was a way of building named after Hemadpant (the PM of Yadava rulers). This has a calming effect even during the hottest months. Among the temple’s most interesting aspects is Lord Ganesha’s female idol.
3. Temple structure
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The temple has four sections; the Nandi Mandapa, Sabha Mandapa, Antarala, and Garbhagriha. Nandi Mandapa is where the statue of Nandi is placed. Sabha Mandapa is the main region of the temple. Antarala connects the shrine to the main region of the temple. Garbhagriha is the shrine. Even in the compact space of the temple, so much intricacy lies that one cannot stop thinking about the artistry that took place and how it came to be.
Internal magic of the temple
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The temple looks like it took a leaf from Islamic architecture on the outside due to the dome structure on top of it. Some say this was purposely done to protect it from invaders. The inside of the temple is a treasure trove of sorts because of the beauty that lies within it. The Nandi is at the temple’s entrance; thankfully, it was not damaged during the wars. The way light enters and illuminates this portion of the temple is nothing short of genius.
Beautiful carvings and sculptures
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On one side, you have the scriptures on the walls; on the other, you have the Devkulikas. You can see that great thought was put into the various positioning of the carvings because there is structure and consistency that cannot be achieved otherwise. The sculptures are built so that you cannot get enough because of the level of detail. You will surely find something new when you look for the second, or third time, and so on.
The walls of the Bhuleshwar temple are filled with sculptures that mesmerise you, so everywhere you turn, you have something to admire. You can find dancing poses, flowers, animals, patterns, and Hindu Gods carved beautifully on the walls. You can also find meaningful depictions of primary Hindu scriptures on the wall. All this is accomplished with such perfection that you wonder how long it took to make it all. Each sculpture tells a story of what was and the damage shows the extent of destruction that came upon it.
Further Read: Places to visit in Maharashtra
Bhuleshwar temple is among the best attractions to visit, especially if you are a Lord Shiva devotee. You can now plan a trip to Maharastra with your loved ones. Whether you want to go on an adventure, visit other impressive temples, or go on a spiritual sojourn, Maharashtra offers it all. Add it to your travel agenda today, and enjoy your holidays with the people who matter the most. It will be an experience of a lifetime!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bhuleshwar Temple
What makes Bhuleshwar temple famous?
The Bhuleshwar temple is popular because it offers insights into the city's history. The architecture offers a glimpse of how detailed temple construction used to be when limited tools were available. The temple is known for its exquisite carvings that give way to light, so it hits the right spots and illuminates them. The temple's mystery makes it famous.
Who is Bhuleshwar?
Bhuleshwar is another name for Lord Shiva. It comes from the word Bhola, which is associated with Lord Shiva. Others believe the name comes from Bhulesh, which means the Lord of the Earth. Since Lord Shiva is considered one of the supreme deities in Hinduism, he is also known as Bhuleshwar or Lord Bhuleshwar.
How many steps do I need to climb to reach Bhuleshwar temple?
It depends on where you park your vehicle as you have the facility to park it near the temple. You can easily hike to soak in the gorgeous view from the temple. To do this, you must climb around 200 steps (which is easy to do) to reach the main Lord Shiva temple.
Who made Bhuleshwar temple?
Most people agree that King Krishnadevaraya constructed the temple of Lord Shiva which is still a favourite destination for many Lord Shiva devotees and tourists.
When to visit Bhuleshwar temple?
The temple can be visited at any time. Winter is the best time if you plan to spend the entire day exploring its architecture and beauty. It enables you to hike and enjoy the nearby scenery comfortably.
How to reach Bhuleshwar temple?
You can go by road and take the Pune-Solapur highway until Yawat. Then simply follow the signs to reach the temple. You can take a bus to Narayanbet or Yawat and hire an autorickshaw.
How many temples are in Bhuleshwar?
As Bhuleshwar is known to be a temple city, you can find more than 100 temples in the area. The most popular one is the Bhuleshwar temple of Lord Shiva. The others include Gold Deval temple, Mumba Devi temple, Shri Venkatesh temple, and Shri Swaminarayan temple.
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