Ancient Merulinga Mahadev Merulinga, Ph.D. Javali, Satara

The temple of Mahadev at Meruling, situated on a mountain peak in Javli Taluka, is renowned. It is said that this temple dates back to the era of the Pandavas, who themselves brought large boulders to construct it. The local villagers refer to this Mahadev as ‘Merumba’. A unique feature of this temple is that the Shalunka (base of the Linga) is always filled with water due to the streams trickling from the Shivling. Furthermore, any sound made inside the sanctum sanctorum echoes four to five times.

According to historical records, Shri Brahmendra Swami resided in Chiplun, Ratnagiri district, in 1702. During the rule of the Habshi king, the local populace was being harassed. As his penance was frequently interrupted, the Swami moved to Meruling, located in the dense forests of Javli, to continue his spiritual practice. Next to the temple, there is a cave carved into a large rock where the Swami began to grant darshan to his devotees. In 1728, Shri Brahmendra Swami renovated the Meruling temple.

Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj of the Satara princely state also became a disciple of Brahmendra Swami. He often visited the Swami at Meruling for political consultations. In 1756, Chimaji Appa, while on his way to conquer the Vasai Fort, visited the temple with his army to seek the blessings of Meruling Mahadev and the counsel of Brahmendra Swami. After the successful expedition of Vasai, he brought offerings including 12 maunds of sesame seeds, ghee, rice, four tolas of saffron, and a bell weighing nine maunds to perform a Homa-Havan at the Meruling temple. At that time, he rang the bell inside the sanctum sanctorum. This bell remains in the temple to this day.

Meruling mountain peak can be reached by private vehicles via a winding, steep, and somewhat challenging mountain pass. The ancient temple is surrounded by an 18 to 20-foot-high fortification, giving it the appearance of a fort. There are bastions at all four corners of the fortification, and some niches contain sculptures and idols of various deities. Among these, the sculpture of Maruti carrying Shri Ganesha on his head is particularly unique. There are entrances to the fortification on the south and north sides. There are about 30 to 35 steps to reach the temple from the entrance. It is said that this temple belongs to the Yadava period. In front of the temple, there is a Deepmal (lamp pillar) and a Nandi Mandap. The temple attained its current form after a renovation carried out a few years ago. This artistically and uniquely constructed temple is built in three stages: the first hall, the second hall, and the sanctum sanctorum. In this order, there are three circular, dome-shaped spires on the temple, built in increasing order of height.

In front of the temple entrance, there is a Nandi idol made of black stone on a large platform. Near the entrance leading from the first hall to the second, there is an ancient Ganesha idol, and on both sides of the entrance are sculptures of Maruti and the Goddess. The large steel bell brought by Chimaji Appa is in the middle hall. In the center of the sanctum sanctorum is the Swayambhu Shivling. The Shalunka on this Shivling is rugged and has seven holes. Legend has it that during their exile, Bhima pierced the Shalunka with his fingers to quench the thirst of his brothers and Draupadi, drawing water from it. Even today, water continuously trickles through these holes. Behind the Shivling, on a platform, are idols of Shankar and Parvati adorned with brass masks.

The water from the stepwell (Bawdi) near the temple is used for drinking. Many devotees bathe in the water of this stepwell. There is a crowd of devotees here every Monday. On every Shravani Monday, Mahaprasad is distributed to the devotees who come for darshan. A fair is held at Meruling on Chaitra Shuddha Dashami. The next day, on Chaitra Shuddha Ekadashi, the wedding ceremony of Shankar and Parvati is celebrated with great pomp. As this place is situated on the highest mountain peak in the Mahabaleshwar and Wai region, it offers a panoramic view of distant mountains, valleys, and villages. It is said that the Meru mountain mentioned in the Puranas is this very Meruling mountain. Along with being a religious site, this area is now also famous as a tourist destination.

To the right of this temple, outside the fortification, is the ancient temple of Ramvardayini Devi. Outside this temple is a Nandi, and the sanctum sanctorum contains a Shivpindi and an idol of Mother Ramvardayini.

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