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Pataleshwar Cave Temple

Pataleshwar Cave Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is located in Pune in the state of Maharashtra. This is a very ancient temple and can be traced back to as early as 8th century. The construction of this temple was done during the Rashtrakuta period. At the time of construction, this temple was located in the outskirts of Pune. However, once the city of Pune was expanded, this temple came within the vicinity of the main Jangli Maharaj temple. Currently, the Indian Government recognizes this temple as a protected monument.

About the Temple

The Pataleshwar Cave Temple is a rock cut temple and is made from basalt rock. However, the construction of this temple was stopped midway for reasons that are not clear even today. Some experts believe that a fault line was discovered right at the back of the main sanctum sanctorum, which made it impossible to carry out further construction. Other people believe that the change of various dynasties affected the completion of construction heavily, which is why this temple has been left midway.

This temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva has cubic-shaped sanctum sanctorum. The main Shivalinga and two small cells are found inside this cube. The sides of the cube are about 3 to 4m in height. As in the case of all Shiva temples, there is a Nandi statue right in front of this cave. The canopy of this statue is in the shape of an umbrella and there are lots of intricately carved pillars on this canopy. Though the construction is incomplete, pujas are being offered to the Linga even today with ghee and yoghurt. An attractive feature of this temple is the brass temple that hangs big and bold right at the entrance of the temple. There are shrines dedicated to Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi in this temple. This temple is open from 8 in the morning till 5.30 in the evening.

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