Mahabaleshwar Temple

Mahabaleshwar Temple (History, Timings, Entry Fee, Images, Aarti)

The Satara district of Maharashtra is home to the highly respected Shiva temple known as Mahabaleshwar Temple. It has greater religious importance than the twelve Jyotirlingas. The shrine was built in the Hemadant architectural style and belongs to the 16th century.

Its antique style is distinguished by a pyramidal tower positioned on an unadorned façade with carvings on either side of the inside. Numerous statues and idols of Nandi and Kalabhairava can be found. The Sahyadri peaks provide a magnificent backdrop that accentuates the temple’s simplicity.

Being the only temple in the world to have a Linga in the shape of Rudraksha, the temple holds great religious significance. Known as the Mahalingam, the six-foot-long “Swayambhu” (self-originated) Shiva Linga is thousands of years old. Other portions of the temple were built later, but the sanctum sanctorum, which contains the Linga, is more than 500 years old.

Lord Shiva’s possessions are also kept at the temple complex, and it is thought that he still utilises them during his nightly visits. The primary tourist destination within the temple complex is a square platform. Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji performed “Tuladaan” there to give gold to those in need.

The temple has a calm and peaceful environment. The lush surroundings and beautiful scenery at the temple will make your visit more enjoyable. The temple grounds are immaculate and well-kept, giving it a wonderful spot to contemplate in the middle of a religious setting.

It draws tourists from all over the nation because it is one of Mahabaleshwar’s main tourist destinations. Visitors come to the shrine to see the one-of-a-kind Shiva Linga and the magnificent architecture.

All year round, Shiva devotees come to the temple. Along with other Hindu holidays, Navaratri and Maha Shivaratri are celebrated with great pomp. Near the temple are a number of well-known Mahabaleshwar tourist destinations that are open on the same day.

History of Mahabaleshwar Temple

Mahabaleshwar’s history was first documented in 1215 CE. The temple that is currently known as the Panchganga Temple was constructed during a visit by the Yadava King Singham of Devagiri. He constructed a shrine around a tiny tank at the Krishna River’s source, which is today a component of the Mahabaleshwar shrine.

The Swayambhu Shiva Linga, which is in charge of the interior complex, is thousands of years old, while the Mahabaleshwar Temple is approximately 800 years old. The first and second chapters of the Skanda Purana’s Sahyadri Section contain references to the mythological tale that underlies the Shiva Linga’s arrival.

The story takes place during the Padma Kalp, when Lord Brahma was meditating in the Sahyadri forests in preparation for the birth of humans. The sages and other creatures in the area were being harassed by two demon brothers, Atibal and Mahabal. It is thought that they emerged from a Shiva Linga that Ravana attempted to bring to Lanka.

Lord Vishnu had to battle them to save the local creatures because their transgressions had reached their worst. However, Mahabal was fortunate enough that no one could kill him without his consent, thus he was only able to kill Atibal.

To dwell with him, Lord Shiva manifested as a Shiva Linga in the form of a Rudraksha, and the area was given the name “Mahabaleshwar” in remembrance of Mahabal. For this reason, the Mahabaleshwar temple has a bed, Trishul, Damru, and Rudraksha. Since the bed is discovered crumpled every morning, it is said that Lord Shiva visits the temple every night.

Chanda Rao of the More dynasty constructed Mahabaleshwar Temple considerably later in the 16th century. Compared to the rest of the temple complex, the inner section, where the Swayambhu Linga sits, is said to be significantly older.

The first European to visit the area was General P. Lodwick, who wrote on its splendour for the “Bombay Courier,” a well-known newspaper at the time. Colonel Briggs and Reverend Gordon Hall visited the area on his recommendation. In 1829, it was chosen to serve as the summer capital of the Bombay Presidency.

Architecture of the Mahabaleshwar Temple

The Hemadanta architectural style, which is well-liked in South India, is reflected in the building of the Mahabaleshwar temple. A five-foot-tall wall encircles the historic temple. It is separated by a central hall and the sanctum sanctorum.

There is a black stone lingam in the sanctum sanctorum that is thought to be 500 years old. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva, and images of his bodyguard, Kaal Bhairava, and the sacred bull Nandi, Shiva’s mount, are carved into the walls.

The temple also has an elevated platform in the shape of a square. It is thought to be the location where Maratha king Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji performed his mother Jijabai’s “Suverna Tula” (Golden Balance). According to legend, the occasion took place on January 6, 1665, and Shivaji gave gold that weighed as much as his mother.

Things to do at Mahabaleshwar Temple

The Sahyadri Hills provide a picturesque backdrop for the highly regarded Hindu temple known as Mahabaleshwar Temple. At the historic Mahabaleshwar Temple, you can ask for blessings while taking in the breathtaking natural surroundings.

Other activities at Mahabaleshwar Temple include:

1. Devotees drink the sacred water from Shri Panchganga Temple, which is thought to have healing qualities. Another well-known black stone temple perched atop a magnificent cliff is Krishnabai Temple.

2. Photographers and nature enthusiasts can spend the day taking in the area’s peace and quiet. From the area around the temple grounds, you may take in the sunrise and sunset.

3. You can also rest in the natural surroundings of the temple by visiting the several viewpoints surrounding it. Carnac Point, Elephant’s Head Point, Helen’s Point, Arthur’s Seat, Falkland Point, Sunset Point, Kate’s Point, and Wilson Point (Sunrise Point) are all well-liked locations.

4. Trekking, hiking, rock climbing, and camping are available in the vicinity for adventure seekers.

5. Venna Lake, Dhobi Waterfall, and Chinaman’s Falls are well-known picnic locations close to the temple. At these locations, you can spend a day unwinding in the middle of nature.

Entry Fee and Timings of Mahabaleshwar Temple

The temple does not charge admission. However, devotees can donate to the temple trust (Shri-Kshetra Mahabaleshwar Devasthan Trust) for development reasons, and in return, they will receive an authorised receipt. Although there is no camera fee, taking pictures of the interior of the temple and the Linga is prohibited.

The hours of the temple are 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. It’s open every day.

Interesting facts about Mahabaleshwar Temple

• The only Shiva Linga in the world with a Rudraksha shape is the Mahalingam.
• The Shiva Linga, which represents a “Trigunatmak Linga” with the spiritual importance of
• Mahabaleshwar, Atibaleshwar, and Koteshwar, spontaneously arose.
• Exhibits honouring Lord Shiva, including a Trident (Trishul), Rudraksha, and Damru, are located in the temple’s central hall. They’re about three hundred years old. Shiva is said to use them when he comes to the temple.
• The five rivers come together at the Panchganga temple.

How to reach Mahabaleshwar Temple

The Mahabaleshwar Temple is around 6 kilometres from the city centre and is situated in Old Mahabaleshwar. The city bus stop is about a 20-minute drive away, and it is easily accessible by road. Since there are no direct transport connections to the temple, you can reserve a taxi from one of the leading Mahabaleshwar car rental providers.

It also has easy access to Mahabaleshwar’s other well-known tourist destinations:

• It’s easy to walk up to the cliff from Krishnabai Temple, which is only 300 meters away.
• About seven kilometres separate Dhobi Falls.
• The distance to Elephant’s Head Point is only five kilometres.]
• Venna Lake is around five kilometres away.