People visiting Pune or Mumbai can plan a visit to the temple of Baneshwar. An ancient temple located about 36 Km away from Pune, Baneshwar is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located amidst thick jungles, the temple has calm and green surroundings. A small bird sanctuary has also been built close to the temple that serves as home to some rare birds. Baneshwar temple is located in the village of Nasarapur. Apart from pilgrims, the temple area also attracts trekkers and nature lovers because of its surroundings. There are numerous trails around the temple that can be explored. Trekkers and hikers especially enjoy visiting the area because of the different trails that vary in their difficulty.

The temple is best visiting between the months of August and February. Summer and monsoon months should be avoided. During the summer months, the temperatures are quite high and visiting the area can become a bit uncomfortable. During the monsoon months, the area receives a lot of rainfall and for trekkers and nature lovers it becomes difficult to access the different routes as they become muddy and slippery. The months between August and February are when the temperatures in the area are cool and pleasant. For those who wish to enjoy nature activities around the area make the most of this time.

Reaching Baneshwar temple is quite easy. Pilgrims can take buses from Pune, private as well as government operated buses are easily available. Regular bus service is available from the ST stand and the Swargate PMT. Taxis and car rentals can also be taken from Pune to reach Baneshwar temple. The temple is about 200 Km from Mumbai. The temple is quite famous and people from near and far come to visit the temple because of its historic importance and attractive surroundings.

Architecture and Surroundings of Baneshwar Temple

Baneshwar temple is known for its religious importance and scenic beauty. The temple is located in dense woods and hence the name Baneshwar, Ban means forest and ishwar means God. The temple is not very huge but still is quite beautiful and attractive. The temple is built in traditional medieval style of architecture. The dome of the temple is quite colourful.

The temple is believed to be 400 years old and as later re-built by Peshwa Nanasaheb in the year 1749. He was the descendant of Peshwa Bajirao. The temple has a bell which is of historic importance. The bell was captured by Chimaji Appa when he defeated the Portuguese in 1739 during the battle of Bassien. The bell has an inscription of a cross and the year 1683, which suggests that it belonged to a church. Similar bells are also seen in Bhimshankar temple.

The shiva linga in the temple is made of two parts. The main linga has five small lingas. On asking the priest, he can remove the topmost linga so that pilgrims can see and touch the other smaller ones. These small lingas are placed about 1 ft. deep. The temple also houses idols of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. The simplicity of the construction of the temple makes it look grand and beautiful. The temple premise has two clean water tanks, a lush garden, a well and Dharmashalas.

The garden surrounding the temple is beautiful and attracts the pilgrims. There are several walkways created around the temple. Behind the temple premises is a small yet beautiful waterfall. There is a trail that leads from the temple to the small stream where visitors can see the waterfall. The trail is about half a kilometer till the stream. The waterfall can be hiked easily and people can take bath in the cool and fresh waters.

People often visit the temple as a picnic spot because of its lush and beautiful surroundings. There is also a small restaurant and lodging arrangement close to the temple where visitors can find local specialties and a decent place to stay. There is a stall outside the temple that sells flowers. Visitors can buy flowers, incense sticks and other things at the stall for offering at the temple.

The surroundings of the temple have been developed by the government. Today the area has been developed into a bird sanctuary. The sanctuary serves as home to several species of birds including the crowned hornbills.