Bhuleshwar Temple is situated at a distance of about 50 kilometers from Pune, Maharashtra, which was built in the 13th century. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple was initially built to serve purposes of a fort, called Mangalgadh. It is said that goddess Parvati danced for Shiva here and from there they went to Kailash and got married. According to Hindu mythology, Bhuleshwar temple was built by the Pandavas of Mahabharata. The temple is filled up with devotees in the month of Shrawan, especially at the time of Mahashivratri.
Specialty of Bhulehswar Temple
There is a popular folk-tale regarding the temple; when a bowl of sweet is offered to Shiva Linga, then one or more of the sweets disappear. Actor-travel writer Milind Gunaji has written about his experience with this story in his book "Mystical, Magical Maharashtra". There is an idol of Ganesha in female attire, which is popular as Ganeshwari or Lambodari or Ganeshyani.
Structure of Bhuleshwar Temple
The temples of Bhuleshwar are divided into four parts which are Nandi Mandapa- a shrine for the statue of Nandi, Sabha Mandapa- the prime pavilion, Antarala- an antechamber connecting the shrine to the main pavilion and the Garbhagriha- the main shrine.
Architecture of Bhuleshwar Temple
Bhuleshwar Temple is extremely rich in terms of having architectural grandeur. The walls of Bhuleshwar temple are laced with intricate carvings, starting from its entrance. The temple architecture is characterized mainly by a profuse decoration of figure sculptures with abundance of ornaments on them. The carvings of the scenes from Mahabharata, Ramayana and other Indian epics anticipate the stories of them. Sculptures of Saptamatrika (seven mother goddesses) along with the female form of Lord Ganesha are the special attractions of this temple. Other eye catching sculptures of the temple are a lady with a mirror or a mridangam or an ornamental motif, the goddess Chamunda bearing a scorpion, God Bhairava, and a running hansa (swan).
Visiting Information to Bhuleshwar Temple
Pune Junction Railway Station and Pune International Airport are the nearest to the temple. Bhuleshwar temple can also be reached by road via National Highway 16 and 65.
