Pavitra Pimpaleshwar Mahadev Temple Dombivali (East), Kalyan, Thane

The Pimpleshwar Mahadev Temple, located at Nandivali Pada (Sagao) in Dombivli East, is renowned as a spiritually awakened shrine that has been sanctified by the touch of many saints and mahants. Devotees hold a firm belief that Lord Shiva, who resides in this temple, grants their prayers. Consequently, thousands of devotees visit for darshan during the festival of Mahashivratri. Recognizing the significance of this temple and the large number of devotees who visit, the State Government has honored it by granting it ‘C’ grade pilgrimage site status.

Situated near the Kalyan-Shil Road in Sagao, this shrine is nestled amidst lush greenery, spanning an area of approximately seven acres. About one hundred and twenty-five years ago, a great soul named Swami Shivanand established the Shiva Linga here. Swami Shivanand, who performed penance here for some time, later attained Samadhi at the Khidkaleshwar Temple, located about five kilometers away. Previously, the Pimpleshwar Linga was housed in a small tiled temple with a tin shed under a Pipal tree. About twenty-five years ago, the temple trust decided to develop the site. Subsequently, in the new temple built in the premises, the Shiva Linga was re-consecrated on January 31, 2001, on the day of Ratha Saptami, by Balayogi Shri Sadanand Maharaj from Tungar-eshwar Mountain. In 2012, the State Government granted this shrine the status of a pilgrimage site.

Upon entering the temple, located in the Sagao area of MIDC Phase 2, there is a small Hanuman temple on the right side. Several benches have been placed in the temple courtyard for the convenience of devotees. The temple premises include a Shiva-Parvati Kuti, two Yajna Shalas, and a Goshala. Rituals and other religious programs are conducted in these Yajna Shalas. Materials for Homa-Havan are provided for a nominal fee. There is an old well on the temple premises, which previously supplied water to the people of the Sagao area. Numerous programs are held throughout the year on the platform built in front of the temple. This platform was inaugurated in 1999 by the then Chief Minister Manohar Joshi. In an adjacent pavilion, there are images of Saint Dnyaneshwar, Saint Tukaram, Saint Namdev, Saint Eknath, Swami Shivanand, H.B.P. Savalaram Maharaj, as well as Shri Ram and Sita. Weddings are also conducted in a hall within the premises. The vast temple grounds are home to many ancient trees, including Banyan, Pipal, Mango, Jackfruit, Jamun, and Coconut.

A garden has been developed on three sides of the attractively constructed temple. The temple structure consists of a Darshan Mandap, Sabha Mandap, and Garbhagriha. After climbing a few steps, one reaches the Darshan Mandap, where there is a statue of a tortoise in front of the Nandi. On the lintel of the Sabha Mandap entrance, there is an image of Lord Ganesha. On the walls of the Garbhagriha, there is a marble statue of Ganpati on the left and a statue of Shri Dattatreya on the right. Since the Garbhagriha is slightly lower than the Sabha Mandap, one must descend steps to enter it. The stone Shiva Linga in the Garbhagriha is encased in brass plating, and a hooded serpent forms a canopy over it. In a niche on the wall behind the Shiva Linga, there is an idol of Goddess Parvati. The temple’s shikhara is unique, appearing as if it is rising from a lotus flower.

Hundreds of devotees visit this temple daily for darshan. A grand festival is held here on Mahashivratri, attracting thousands of devotees. During the Mondays of the holy month of Shravan, the area takes on the atmosphere of a fair. Many married women offer ‘Shivmut’ (a handful of grains) to the Shiva Linga—rice on the first Monday, sesame seeds on the second, green gram on the third, and barley on the final Monday. As part of its social commitment, the Shri Pimpleshwar Mahadev Bhakta Mandal (Trust) carries out various activities throughout the year. For the past twenty-one years, the Trust has also been organizing an SSC lecture series for students from rural areas.

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