This Bhuleshwar Temple in Yawat Houses a Female Sculpture of A Ganpati!

Bhuleshwar Temple is a beautiful old temple of Lord Shiva, located on a peaceful hill near Pune. Built in the 8th century, it is known for its intricate carvings, interesting stories, and a rare idol of a Ganpati in a female form. The temple is a mix of history, art, and faith. Whether you are a history buff or a travel enthusiast who loves to explore new cultures or just wants to enjoy a quiet and scenic place, this temple is a spot worth exploring!

The History of the Temple

The Bhuleshwar Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, is located approximately 45 kilometres from Pune and 10 kilometres from the Pune-Solapur highway, near Yawat in Maharashtra, India. Built in the 8th century, this hilltop temple features classical carvings on its walls and has been designated as a protected monument. The temple is also known for a folk-tale that when a bowl of sweet (pedhas) is offered to the Shiva Ling, one or more of the sweets mysteriously disappear.

The Bhuleshwar temple holds significance as the believed location where Parvati performed penance and meditated to win Lord Shiva's affection. It is said that Lord Shiva ultimately appeared before her, leading to their marriage. Many are not aware of this, but the temple is thought to have provided refuge to the Paanch Pandavas during their exile. It is also believed that they constructed the five temples that surround the Lord Shiva temple. Originally referred to as the 'Daulatmangal fort' or the 'Mangalgadh fort, ' the temple's history includes the construction of a smaller fort around 1629 Murar Jagdev. He intended to oversee Pune, but he engaged in looting the city in 1630. While most remnants of this second fort have vanished, some traces can still be observed today.

The Architecture of the Temple

The Bhuleshwar temple's architecture, built with black basalt in the Hemadpanthi style (named after Hemadpant, the Prime Minister of the Yadava rulers), is a testament to its rich history. The temple has a contrasting exterior and interior that is fascinating. The temple is divided into four sections: the Nandi Mandapa, Sabha Mandapa, Antarala, and Garbhagriha. The Nandi Mandapa houses the statue of Nandi, while the Sabha Mandapa serves as the temple's main area. The Antarala acts as a connection between the main area and the shrine, which is housed in the Garbhagriha. 

The temple's exterior, with its dome structure, is said to be influenced by Islamic architecture. This design was believed to be done on purpose to safeguard the temple from invaders. The temple's interior is a breathtaking marvel. The Nandi, positioned at the temple's entrance, miraculously survived the wars. 

The Sculptural Beauty of Bhuleshwar Temple

The Bhuleshwar temple walls are adorned with captivating sculptures that are thoughtfully positioned in a certain manner. The intricate details of the carvings, including dancing poses, flowers, animals, patterns, and Hindu Gods, ensure that each viewing reveals something new. These sculptures, alongside meaningful depictions of primary Hindu scriptures, narrate tales of the past. The extent of the damage highlights the level of destruction the temple has faced, leaving one to marvel at the original artistry and the time it must have taken to create this wonderful architectural masterpiece.

The temple houses a unique idol of Ganpati in a female form, adorned with female attire. This idol is called by various names, such as 'Vinayaki,' 'Ganeshwari,' 'Lambodari,' or 'Ganeshyani.' However, the history behind this unique representation remains unknown, making it a one-of-a-kind sculpture in Maharashtra. Alongside this, the temple also features female representations of Shiv and Kartikeya. 

Other than religious purposes, the Bhuleshwar Temple and Narayanbet, fifteen kilometers away, are popular destinations for birdwatchers, especially during the summer when numerous bird species migrate to the area making it a beautiful sight. 

The temple is also surrounded by other tourist attractions, including the Chintamani Temple in Theur, the Ramdara Temple, and the Jejuri Temple.