Pataleshwar Cave Temple
The Pataleshwar Cave Temple, also known as the Panchaleshvara or Bhamburde Temple, is an ancient rock-cut cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of Pune's oldest and most remarkable structures, carved out of a single massive basalt rock during the Rashtrakuta Dynasty in the 8th century AD. T he temple is a fine, unfinished example of rock-cut architecture, bearing a distinct resemblance to the famous cave temples of Ellora. The sanctum sanctorum houses a rock-cut Shiva Linga, with smaller shrines for Lord Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, and Parvati nearby. The main highlight is the large, circular Nandi Mandapa (pavilion for Lord Shiva's bull), which is entirely carved out of the same single rock, featuring a distinctive umbrella-shaped roof supported by square pillars. The construction was seemingly abandoned for unknown reasons, which is evident in the unfinished entrance tunnel and the incomplete carving of some of the pillars. The site also features a small exhibition on historical items, including a famous grain of rice inscribed with miniature text. It is a protected monument maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 to 2 Hours.Place Type:
Ancient Temple, Rock-Cut Cave, Archaeological SiteEntry Fees:
Entry Fee: Free for all visitors.
Notes on Fees: As an active place of worship and a protected heritage site, the entry is usually free. Donations for the temple's upkeep or rituals are accepted voluntarily. There are typically no separat...Entry Fee: Free for all visitors.
Notes on Fees: As an active place of worship and a protected heritage site, the entry is usually free. Donations for the temple's upkeep or rituals are accepted voluntarily. There are typically no separate ticketed attractions on the main site.Timing:
Regular Timings: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily.
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning (around 9:00 AM) is ideal to experience the peace and quiet before crowds and to avoid the midday heat, as the courtyard is open. The winter months (October to Marc...Regular Timings: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily.
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning (around 9:00 AM) is ideal to experience the peace and quiet before crowds and to avoid the midday heat, as the courtyard is open. The winter months (October to March) are the most comfortable time overall.
Closed Days: Open seven days a week.Special Events:
Maha Shivratri: This festival, celebrated in February or March in honor of Lord Shiva, is the temple's most important annual event. It involves special night-long prayers, fasting, and a large gathering of devotees offering prayers to the Shiva Linga.
Read MoreMaha Shivratri: This festival, celebrated in February or March in honor of Lord Shiva, is the temple's most important annual event. It involves special night-long prayers, fasting, and a large gathering of devotees offering prayers to the Shiva Linga.
Shravan Month: The holy Hindu month of Shravan (usually in July or August) sees increased rituals and attendance, with devotees offering water and milk to the Shiva Linga for blessings.
Daily Pujas: The temple maintains daily rituals and Pujas that are a consistent event, a peaceful alternative to the grand festivals.Best Photo Spots:
The Circular Nandi Mandapa: The best spot is a wide shot of the Nandi Mandapa in the open courtyard, capturing its unique circular design against the backdrop of the cave facade.
The Cave Entrance: Take a photo from the outside looking into...The Circular Nandi Mandapa: The best spot is a wide shot of the Nandi Mandapa in the open courtyard, capturing its unique circular design against the backdrop of the cave facade.
The Cave Entrance: Take a photo from the outside looking into the dimly lit, pillared hall, using the contrast between light and shadow.
Intricate Carvings: Focus on the detailed carvings of the Dwarpalas (door guardians) or the Nandi statue for close-up texture shots.
Low Angle of the Sanctum: A shot from the floor of the hall looking up at the roof structure and pillars, highlighting the monolithic nature.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Admire the Nandi Mandapa: Spend time studying the large, circular Nandi Mandapa and its rock-cut pillars, appreciating the effort required to carve it from a single stone.
Worship at the Shiva Linga: Enter the cave's inner sanctum to offer prayers and view the ancient Shiva Linga.
Explore the Pillars and Reliefs: Walk through the pillared hall and look closely at the remains and traces of mythological scenes and carved reliefs on the walls.
Sit in Quiet Contemplation: Utilize the cave temple's cool, peaceful atmosphere for a moment of quiet reflection, especially away from the main road.
Photography of the Facade: Capture the imposing rock-cut entrance and the unique structure of the covered hall from the courtyard.
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Information
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Why Famous:
Unique Monolithic Structure: It is famous for being carved out of a single, giant rock, making it a unique example of monolithic architecture in the urban setting of Pune.
Historical Antiquity: Dating back to the 8th century, it is arguably...Unique Monolithic Structure: It is famous for being carved out of a single, giant rock, making it a unique example of monolithic architecture in the urban setting of Pune.
Historical Antiquity: Dating back to the 8th century, it is arguably the oldest surviving monument in the main city of Pune, connecting the modern city to the ancient Rashtrakuta era.
The Circular Nandi Mandapa: This unusual circular pavilion dedicated to Nandi is a masterpiece of rock carving and a major point of interest for its rarity in Hindu temple design.
Unfinished Mystery: Its unfinished state contributes to its fame, prompting speculation about why the ambitious project was suddenly abandoned. -
Architecture:
Monolithic Rock-Cut Architecture: The entire complex—the courtyard, the Nandi Mandapa, the pillared hall (Mandapa), and the three sanctums—is meticulously carved out of a single large basalt rock face.
Dimensions and Structure: The cave...Monolithic Rock-Cut Architecture: The entire complex—the courtyard, the Nandi Mandapa, the pillared hall (Mandapa), and the three sanctums—is meticulously carved out of a single large basalt rock face.
Dimensions and Structure: The cave complex features a large open courtyard (approx. 90 feet by 95 feet), which leads into a covered hall. The facade has eight main pillars and two pilasters. The central shrine houses the Shiva Linga. The most unusual element is the circular Nandi Mandapa in the courtyard, originally supported by sixteen pillars, of which some are missing. The inner sanctums are about 39 feet long and 27. 5 feet deep.
Ellora Influence: The style of carving, with its robust, unadorned columns and the layout of the shrines, shows a strong influence from the famous rock-cut cave traditions of Ellora and Ajanta, belonging to the Rashtrakuta period. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Pune International Airport (PNQ) is about 13-15 KMS away. The area, Shivajinagar, is a major locality, so you can easily hire a pre-paid taxi or cab.
By Train: Pune Junction Railway Station (PUNE) is close, at about 3 KMS. The bes... -
Near Tourist Places:
Shaniwar Wada (2. 5 KMS)Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum (3 KMS)Jangli Maharaj Temple (Adjacent)Deccan Gymkhana (1 KMS)Fergusson College (1. 5 KMS)Chaturshringi Temple (4 KMS)Lal Mahal (3 KMS)Osho Ashram (4. 5 KMS)Sarasbaug Ganpati Temple (6 KMS)Aga Khan Palace (7 KMS)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: The rock surface inside the cave can be slippery, especially during monsoon or after rituals. Walk carefully.
Packing: Carry a light shawl or scarf, although strict dress codes are not always enforced. Comfortable shoes a...
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