Bhuleshwar Temple, Pune - Timings, History, Architecture, Best Time to Visit

About Bhuleshwar Temple

At a distance of 11 Km from Yawat, and 52 Km from Pune, the Bhuleshwar Temple is an ancient Hindu shrine perched on a hill near the village of Malshiras in the Pune district of Maharashtra. This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is recognized as one of the oldest in the area and among the most popular places to visit near Pune. The temple holds considerable mythological and historical importance and is also known for its remarkable architecture. It has been designated as a protected monument and is preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India.

History of Bhuleshwar Temple

According to the Hindus, the temple was built by Panch Pandavas. The temple is said to have been built in the late 12th century or early 13th century AD during the reign of King Mahadeva or King Ramachandra of the Yadava dynasty. The exact period remains unknown. The temple is located on a fort known as Daulatmangal Fort, which is also sometimes called Mangalgad. This fort was built in 1629 by Murar Jagdev Pandit, a general of the Adilshahi dynasty, who looted Pune in 1630 and subsequently erected the fort to oversee the city. In the 17th century, the Mughals attempted to attack the temple with the intention of destroying it; however, their efforts were thwarted by the forces of Shivaji Maharaj, who ensured the temple remained unharmed. Later, in the 18th century, the Adilshahi troops made another attempt to demolish the temple, but they were repelled by the army of Peshwa Bajirao, further underscoring the temple's enduring significance in the region.

Mythology of Bhuleshwar Temple

The Bhuleshwar Temple holds both mythological and historical importance. It was initially a fort known as Daulatmangal Fort, or Mangalgad Fort, where it is believed that Parvati performed a dance for Shiva prior to their marriage at Kailash. Additionally, the temple is famous for a local legend: when a bowl of sweets (pedhas) is presented to Lord Shiva in this temple, one or more of the sweets mysteriously vanish.

Architecture of Bhuleshwar Temple

Perched atop a hill, the temple stands out due to its exterior, which showcases elements of Islamic architecture. Bhuleshwar Temple is made primarily from black basalt rock which was brought in especially to construct the temple. Bhuleshwar Temple features a traditional interior design complemented by stunning carvings adorning its walls. The temple is built in the Hemadpanthi architectural style using black basalt.

The Bhuleshwar temple complex is organized into several key sections, including the Nandi Mandapa, Sabha Mandapa, Antarala, and Garbhagriha. Visitors can admire intricate carvings depicting scenes from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and other significant Indian epics on the Mandapa walls, along with sculptures of Saptamatrika, the seven mother goddesses from ancient Hindu beliefs. Each sculpture within this beautifully adorned monument narrates a story, whether it features a woman with a mirror, a mridangam, decorative motifs, the goddess Chamunda with a scorpion, the god Bhairava, or a unique running hansa.

In the temple's sanctum, visitors can find Lord Shiva represented as a Shiva Linga, protected by the imposing figure of the Nandi Bull. The temple also includes idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu. Notably, there is a depiction of Ganesha in female form, referred to as Ganeshwari, Lambodari, or Ganeshyani. The interplay of light within this space presents a captivating phenomenon, particularly appealing to artists and photographers.

Festivals of Bhuleshwar Temple

Significant festivals observed at Bhuleshwar Temple encompass Maha Shivaratri and the celebrations of the month of Shravan, both honoring Lord Shiva. Maha Shivaratri in February/March attracts substantial crowds, featuring all-night prayers, traditional ceremonies, and cultural events that create a distinctive and spiritually fulfilling atmosphere. The month-long festivities of Shravan, which focus on joy and prosperity, are characterized by fasting, offerings, and chanting.

Bhuleshwar Temple Dress Code & Other Restrictions

Bhuleshwar Temple does not enforce a strict dress code; however, it is advisable to wear modest attire that covers the upper arms and legs as a mark of respect. Men are encouraged to don a dhoti or pajama along with an appropriate upper garment, or to wear formal trousers and shirts. Women may choose to wear a saree, half saree, or chudidhars. It is recommended to avoid modern clothing such as mini-skirts, shorts, and sleeveless tops while visiting the temple.

No, non-Hindus are generally not allowed inside the Bhuleshwar Temple in Pune. The temple's rules restrict entry to Hindus only.

Bhuleshwar Temple Timings

Monday: 5 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Tuesday: 5 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Wednesday: 5 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Thursday: 5 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Friday: 5 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Saturday: 5 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Sunday: 5 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM

Bhuleshwar Temple Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Bhuleshwar Temple

The ideal period to visit Bhuleshwar Temple is from October to February, when the weather is mild, facilitating a more enjoyable trek up the hill and exploration of the temple. For those wishing to partake in the celebrations, planning a visit during the Maha Shivratri festival, typically occurring in February or March, is highly recommended. This revered festival is marked by vibrant celebrations, attracting a large number of devotees. However, visitors should be aware that this is also the peak season, resulting in larger crowds. Alternatively, for a more peaceful experience, the months of September and October, following the monsoon, offer a beautiful, verdant landscape. It is best to avoid visiting during the summer months due to the extreme heat.

How to Reach Bhuleshwar Temple

Pune International Airport, situated approximately 55 kilometers from Bhuleshwar Temple, provides a wide range of flights to various international locations, including Dubai, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the USA, Europe, and Sri Lanka. It also offers domestic flights to major cities such as Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Jaipur, Kochi, Trivandrum, Kolkata, and Goa. Additionally, Pune Junction Railway Station, located about 52 kilometers from the temple, offers extensive train services that connect the city to all major towns and cities across India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. The city is also well-connected by bus routes to nearly all towns and cities in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana. Visitors can easily access Bhuleshwar Temple via direct buses from Pune Swargate to Malshiras, which is about 3 Km from Bhuleshwar Temple. Upon arrival in the village, private jeeps are available to transport visitors to the base of the hill, from where they can trek up to 200 steps to reach the temple.