Prasanna Shree Wagheshwar Mandir Pawna Maval, Pune

The Shiva temple of Vagheshwar, located in the Maval taluka of Pune, is a place where one can seek darshan for only four months of the year. This temple, a beautiful example of architecture, is situated within the water reservoir of the Pawna Dam.

While Vagheshwar Temple is a place of devotion for devotees, it is a site of historical reference for historians. Furthermore, this temple provides invaluable information to students of architecture. It remains submerged under water during the monsoon and the four months that follow. Many devotees come here to seek the blessings of Vagheshwar.

The legend associated with the temple states that a sage once lived in a cave near Ajivali. A cowherd from the area approached him and explained that one of his cows would frequently disappear for some time. When the sage and the cowherd followed the cow, they saw that milk was flowing automatically from her udders at a specific spot. Upon reaching that spot, the sage discovered a Shiva Linga. The present-day Vagheshwar Temple stands at that very location.

It is said that this temple likely dates back to the 11th or 12th century. Built in the Hemadpanti style, this temple was once situated in a vast, expansive area. There was a pond surrounding the temple. In those days, there was more than 5 acres of open land around the temple. A large fair used to be held on that open ground during Tripurari Purnima and Mahashivratri. The Pant Sachiv of the Bhor State used to bear the expenses of this fair.

The construction of the Pawna Dam was completed in 1965. After 1971, as the water level in the dam began to rise, the temple started to submerge. Since the temple is made entirely of stone, it has suffered some structural damage due to the water. Because it remains underwater constantly, the villagers come together to clean the temple when it emerges from the water in March. They remove the algae from the temple spire and the stone walls before worship and rituals commence.

It is also said that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had a connection with this temple. After successfully completing his campaign in Konkan-Sindhudurg, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj visited Vagheshwar Temple for darshan. The Maharaj would unfailingly visit this temple for darshan whenever he came to the Tikona and Kathingad (Tung) forts. Therefore, despite the structural decay, devotees and tourists continue to visit this temple to seek blessings and learn about its history.

One can imagine the beauty of the temple by looking at the exquisite Nandi in the mandapa. There is a Kirtimukha on the threshold of the entrance. Some pillars in the assembly hall are square, while others are circular. The niches in the assembly hall have been damaged by the constant impact of water. Here, one can see a demon figure with protruding tusks and large earrings. Inside, there are two idols of Ganesha. One can enter the main hall by descending two steps. The Shiva Linga in the sanctum sanctorum looks beautiful despite being underwater for most of the time. There is an idol of Parvati right in front of the Shiva Linga. There are 70 hero stones (virgals) around the temple, some of which are in good condition. Several memorial stones are also visible in the temple premises, embedded in the silt of the dam.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery