The structure is an 8th century masterpiece, believed to have been cut out of a single rock. Pataleshwar Cave temple is dedicated to Lord Pataleshwar, God of the Underworld. The architecture has massive pillars, cut out of solid black stone, adding to the grandeur of the temple. It is modelled on the rock temple of Elephanta. However, the construction never really got totally completed, and the resemblance is partial only. There is a cave in the vicinity of the temple, the reason behind the temple receiving its name, Pataleshwar Cave temple.
The shrines are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Nandi, the Bull. The temple has an exotic arrangement of circular stone at the entrance. The entrance is worth a watch, as it magnifies the meticulous sense of geometry of the architects. Pataleshwar Cave temple has a wide array of seating arrangements, carved out from rock, including smaller rooms for the visitors.
These date back to 700-800 AD. The Shiva lingam is situated in a cube-shaped room, located in the middle. There are also statues of Sita, Rama, Lakshman and Lakshmi for the worshippers, to be engrossed in their prayer of faith. The brass bell hanging outside the basalt entryway of the temple adds to its magnificence. Although the structural beautification in the main worship area is elaborate, the outside needs much attention, falling short in rock cut glory.
Besides the Pataleshwar Cave temple there is a museum, enlisted in the Guinness Book of World Records, as it exhibits a grain of rice that has around 5000 characters inscribed on it. A temple dedicated to a Hindu ascetic is also visible in the vicinity.
