BHULESHWAR TEMPLE - RANJANGAON TEMPLE (FROM PUNE)

At a distance of 52 km from Pune and 11 km from Yavat, Bhuleshwar is an ancient Hindu temple situated on a hill near Malshiras in Pune district of Maharashtra. It has been declared as a protected monument and is maintained by Archeological Survey of India.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built in 13th century during Yadava Rulers. It is believed that the temple was ruined by Muslim invaders and reconstructed later because the entrance of the temple is hidden like Gaimukhi Buruj construction of Shivaji's time. The fort on which the temple is situated is called as Daulat Mangalgad Fort.

The temple is unique because of its architecture. Black basalt rock was brought to construct this temple which is different as compared to surrounding brownish color basalt rock. From outside it appears to more as a mosque than a temple due to its resemblance to Islamic architecture like circular domes and minarets. There are classical carvings on the walls.

The temple contains .....

At a distance of 50 km from Pune, Sri Maha Ganapati Temple is situated at Ranjangaon in Shirur Taluk of Pune district. This is one among the Ashtavinayak temples in Maharashtra and also one of the popular places to visit in Pune.

The stone pillars of the temple indicate that the temple was built during the 9th or 10th century during the rule of Peshwas. Madhavrao Peshwa made a room in the basement of the temple to keep the idol of Lord Ganesh. Later on Sardar Kibe of Indore renovated it. Nagarkhana is situated above the entrance gate. According to the legend, the village Ranjangaon is considered to be the place where Shiva himself sought the blessings of Ganesh and ultimately destroyed Tripurasur.

The temple faces east and has an imposing main gate which is guarded by two statues of Jaya and Vijay. The temple is designed in such a way that during Dakshinayan, the rays of the sun fall directly on the idol. The idol of Lord Ganesh is seated on a lotus with his consorts Siddhi .....