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BHULESHWAR TEMPLE

Aniket Shrimant Lohar, PGDM I

The Bhuleshwar Temple is a Hindu temple of Shiva, situated around 45 kilometers from Pune
and 10 km from Pune Solapur highway from Yawat in Maharashtra, India. The temple is
situated on a hill and was built in the 8th century. The temple was reconstructed again in the
13th century.

As per Hindu mythology, The Bhuleshwar temple was constructed by the Panch Pandavas.
When The Pandavas left Hastinapur, on their pilgrim journey, one of the temples which they
constructed was the Bhuleshwar Temple. There is another temple dedicated to King Bharata
located in Bhartgaon, close to the Bhuleshwar temple. The Bhuleshwar temple underwent a
renovation, known as Jirnodhar, around 1230 AD during the reign of the Yadava rulers. The
temple is situated on the Daulat Mangal Fort, which is also called Mangalgad.

The temple was built using black basalt rock, known as AA type, which contrasts with the
surrounding brownish basalt that contains a higher percentage of calcium (lime or
Chuna). The fort itself was erected in 1629 by Murar Jagdev Pandit, a general
of the Adil Shahi dynasty. In 1630, Pandit looted Pune and constructed
the fort to oversee the city.
Unlike the usual rectangular or square shape of most Hindu temples,
the Bhuleshwar Temple stands out with its unique circular design.
This unusual architectural style not only makes the temple visually
striking but also attracts architecture enthusiasts from all over the world.
The Bhuleshwar Temple, situated in the hills of Maharashtra, is a captivating
example of ancient architectural mastery and deep historical significance. This
temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is renowned for its unique blend of Hindu
and Islamic architectural styles, which reflects the cultural fusion of
its time. The temple’s walls are adorned with intricate
carvings depicting various mythological
scenes, showcasing the remarkable skill of
ancient artisans. One of its most striking
features is the underground sanctum
sanctorum, which adds a layer of mystique to
the sacred space, setting it apart from most Shiva
temples.

Local legends further enhance
the temple’s allure. According
to tradition, the temple
was miraculously constructed
overnight by angels to protect it
from invaders, and another myth
speaks of a hidden treasure
lying beneath the temple,
guarded by divine forces.
These stories contribute to

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