Historic Thapaling Khandoba, Nagapur, Ambegaon, Pune

The famous Thapling Temple in Nagapur, located in the Ambegaon taluka of Pune, is another significant abode of Khandoba, the beloved deity of Maharashtra. It is situated atop a small hill. The Devasthan Trust has constructed 157 steps to reach the temple. Due to the specific design of these steps, the path is easy to climb, allowing everyone, from children to the elderly, to reach the temple with ease.

While ascending the steps, there is a small temple of Sai Baba on the right side. After climbing the steps, one reaches the temple entrance. From there, one can see a stone lamp pillar (Deepmal) in the temple courtyard. This magnificent lamp pillar stands as a testament to the antiquity of this sacred site. The courtyard is enclosed by a stone protective wall on all four sides. Considering the large number of devotees during festivals, the Devasthan Trust has created a queue system using iron poles for darshan.

The construction of this temple, built entirely of black stone, is compact and elegant. In the assembly hall (Sabhamandap), Nandi and a statue of a horse, the vehicle of Khandoba, are installed. On the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum, images of Jaya and Vijaya are carved on both sides, while an image of Ganesha is carved in the upper section. The design of the black stone sanctum is exquisite, highlighting the importance of this place as a heritage site. Shri Thapling is installed in the sanctum. Beside him are black stone idols of Mhalsa, Banubai, and the maid. In front of them, one can also have the darshan of the Panchlinga. There are turtle idols both inside and outside the temple. Although the exact date of construction is not recorded, it is said that this structure is approximately 500 years old. Behind the temple, there is a grand arch similar to the main entrance. The spacious, clean, and well-maintained courtyard adds significantly to the beauty of the temple.

The main festival of Thapling takes place on the day of Paush Purnima. The fair held on this day is renowned as one of the largest in Pune district. It is a two-day celebration. On the first day, after the early morning worship of the deity, devotees gather in large numbers for darshan. This darshan festival continues until the night of the second day. During this period, many dignitaries, including political leaders from across the state, make it a point to visit the Thapling Temple. The fair features stalls selling sweets and other food items, but the market for agricultural tools is particularly special. Farmers prefer purchasing these tools at this fair, believing they are blessed by Khandoba.

Votive bullock carts and bullock cart races are another attraction of this fair. With the showering of Bhandara (turmeric powder), the bullock carts are raced through a specially constructed track. This spectacle is truly worth seeing. For some years, this track remained silent due to the lack of permission for bullock cart races, but with the permission granted over time, the enthusiasm of the Paush Purnima bullock cart races has returned to Khandoba’s feet with the chants of ‘Yelkot Yelkot Jai Malhar’.

The ceremony of dancing with the ceremonial staff (Kathi) is also noteworthy. This staff is beautifully decorated and brought from the village to the temple, where it is then erected near the lamp pillar. The fair concludes with the ‘Shilya Yatra’ in the foothills of Valtane village. Similar to the main festival, there is a tradition of performing ‘Tali Bharne’ on the day of Somvati Amavasya. (Tali Bharne involves placing the ‘Tak’ of the family Khandoba deity, betel leaves, betel nut, coconut, and Bhandara in a plate, performing a ritualistic worship amidst chants of ‘Yelkot Yelkot…’, and touching the plate to one’s forehead.) During this time, programs like Bharud and Gondhal are held next to the temple. Some devotees even choose to tie the knot in marriage within the temple premises under the witness of Thapling.

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.

Devotee Guide & Travel Information

• 17 km from Narayangaon; 74 km from Pune city
• ST bus service available from Narayangaon and Rajgurunagar
• 10-minute walk from the foothills
• Private vehicles can reach directly up to the temple
• Accommodation and breakfast facilities available in the vicinity

Sacred Darshan Gallery