Shri Mhasoba Temple Kharwade, Mulshi, Pune

The Mulshi taluka in Pune district is a region rich in natural beauty. This was the area of operation for Dayajirao Marne, one of the loyal commanders of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. In the village of Kharwade, surrounded by hills on all sides, stands the famous temple of Shri Mhasoba, a deity who fulfills the vows of devotees and is primarily revered by the local farming communities, as well as the Gawali and Bhosale clans. It is said that Baji Pasalkar, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Hindavi Swarajya, used to visit this temple regularly for darshan.

The legend of the temple states that a man named Buvaji Marne used to go into the forest every day to collect firewood. One day, while clearing away dry leaves under a tree, he noticed vermilion (shendur) on his hands. He verified this repeatedly and felt deeply unsettled. Even after returning home, these thoughts occupied his mind. Late that night, Mhasoba himself appeared in his dream and said, “I reside at the very spot where you found the vermilion.” Following this divine vision, the villagers excavated the site the next day and discovered an idol of Shri Mhasoba covered in vermilion. The idol of Shri Mhasoba currently in Kharwade village is that same original idol. This story dates back to approximately the thirteenth century, and this is considered a highly awakened (jagrut) place of worship.

This stone-constructed temple has become spacious and well-equipped with new additions following its renovation. Above the entrance of the temple, which features grand fortification walls, is a nagarkhana (drum house). Due to the dense greenery surrounding it, the atmosphere here feels calm and pleasant. The entire temple premises are clean and tidy. The beauty of the temple is further enhanced by the ornamental plants grown everywhere. The pinnacle (kalash) of this temple, built entirely of stone, is somewhat unique. The carving on this pinnacle is distinct, and when viewed from a distance, it appears as if there are steps leading from the bottom to the top.

In the temple courtyard, there is a large ancient bell and two stone lamp towers (deepmalas). Near the main temple are shrines dedicated to Shri Ganpati, Shri Dattatreya, and Maruti. Nearby, there is a Shiva Linga and a large stone statue of an elephant. At the back is the temple of Munjoba. The main temple consists of a grand assembly hall (sabhamandap) and the sanctum sanctorum (gabhara). Due to the constant crowd of devotees, steel barricades have been installed in the assembly hall to manage the flow and create a path for darshan. Inside the sanctum, in a silver-carved shrine, resides the beautiful and serene idol of Shri Mhasoba in the form of a stone (taandala). To the right of the deity is the idol of Valanjai Devi, and behind it stands a trident (trishul).

Aarti is performed for the deity four times every day. The schedule includes Mahapuja and Aarti from 5:00 to 6:00 in the morning, Aarti at 9:00, Naivedya and Aarti at 12:30 in the afternoon, and Aarti again at 6:00 in the evening. Homa-havan and Rudrabhishek are performed on every full moon (pournima). A grand fair is held on Chaitra Shuddha Pournima, which is the day of Hanuman Jayanti. The silver mask and padukas (footprints) of the deity are placed in a palanquin and taken in a procession through the entire village. This pilgrimage site has been recognized by the government as a ‘B’ class holy place. For the convenience of devotees, the temple committee has provided accommodation facilities (bhakta niwas).

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

• 25 km from Pune
• ST and PMPML bus services available
• Arrangements to take private vehicles directly to the temple
• Prasad and accommodation facilities available for devotees

Sacred Darshan Gallery