Divine paneshwar Mahadev Manchar, Ambegaon, Pune

The place where Lord Shiva performed penance for 12 years on the advice of Lord Ganpati to slay the mighty demon Bhimasura is known today as the Tapneshwar Mahadev Temple. Located one kilometer from Manchar on the route to Bhimashankar, this ancient and famous temple is situated in a region rich in natural beauty. There is also a reference that Lord Shri Krishna himself rushed to this place to assist the Pandavas.

The legend regarding this temple is that the area where the temple stands today was known in the Puranas as the city of Manipur. In ancient times, many sages and saints used to sit for penance in this prosperous land. Over time, a mighty demon named Bhimasura began to disrupt their penance and harass them. Finally, all the sages prayed to Lord Shiva to solve this problem. Accordingly, Lord Shiva came to this city of Manipur to slay Bhimasura. Upon learning this, the demon used his powers to stop Lord Shiva in his tracks. Seeing that Lord Shiva’s efforts against Bhimasura were not succeeding, the sages suggested that He seek advice from Lord Ganpati at nearby Vadgaon Kashimbeg. Following the advice given by this Ganpati, Lord Shiva performed penance in this land for 12 years, after which He slew Bhimasura and liberated the entire region from his terror. Because Lord Shiva performed penance in this land, it came to be known as Tapobhumi.

According to another legend, Lord Shri Krishna asked the Pandavas to perform the Ashwamedha Yajna to establish their empire. Accordingly, a horse was released from Hastinapur. The supreme archer Arjuna was the protector of this horse. Arjuna moved forward, bringing the regions where the horse wandered under his empire. Babruvahana, using his own strength, stopped the victorious horse that was conquering one region after another in this city of Manipur. He tried to convince Arjuna that he was his own son. However, Arjuna insulted him, mocking him as the son of a dancing girl. In the fierce battle that followed, the Ashwamedha horse was killed, and Babruvahana even severed Arjuna’s head. This news reached Hastinapur. Lord Shri Krishna, along with the other Pandavas, rushed to the city of Manipur and brought Arjuna back to life by joining his body and head. After blessing Babruvahana, Lord Shri Krishna had the darshan of Tapneshwar here. Therefore, it is said that even today, Lord Shri Krishna resides under the Peepal tree in the courtyard of Tapneshwar Mahadev.

This famous and ancient temple is located in Manchar, 65 kilometers from Pune on the Pune-Nashik highway. There is a large stone stepped well (Pushkarani) right in front of the temple. Many centuries-old trees in the vicinity prove the antiquity of this site. There are two grand lamp towers (Deepmala) beside the attractive arch at the entrance. From there, the main temple, built entirely of stone, comes into view.

The temple structure consists of an open assembly hall (Sabhamandap) and a sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha). A beautiful Nandi is installed in this assembly hall, which stands on 10 pillars. Outside the sanctum, on the left side, is an idol of Lord Ganesha. There is intricate stone carving on the entrance of the sanctum. The original stone Shiva Linga inside is covered with a brass casing, which further enhances its beauty. The spire (Kalash) of the temple is also carved and painted. Outside the temple, there are the burial shrines (Samadhi) of many saints and sages.

Another unique feature of this Tapneshwar temple is that the Dindi of the Nath sect, which participates in the Kumbh Mela held at Nashik-Trimbakeshwar, comes to the courtyard of Tapneshwar every 12 years via Shri Kshetra Parunde in Junnar Taluka. A saint from that Dindi is formally appointed as the Mahant of the temple seat for 12 years. It is said that Saint Tukaram Maharaj also wrote the book ‘Manchari’ in this very area. It is believed that the darshan of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is incomplete without the darshan of Tapneshwar.

A grand festival is held at the Shri Tapneshwar Mahadev Temple on Mahashivratri. Since this temple is on the Bhimashankar route, there is a large crowd of devotees here for darshan. The queue for darshan, which begins at dawn, continues until late at night. Mahaprasad is distributed here on Mahashivratri.

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

• One km from Manchar; 65 km from Pune
• ST bus service available from Pune, Junnar, and Ambegaon
• Arrangements for private vehicles to reach the temple directly
• Accommodation and breakfast facilities available in the area

Sacred Darshan Gallery