Historic Raireshwar Temple, Raireshwar Plateau, Bhor, Pune

The historic site where, at the age of sixteen, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj took the oath of Hindavi Swarajya along with his twelve Mavalas after performing an abhishek with his own blood is the Rohareshwar, or Raireshwar Mahadev Temple. This ancient temple, which is deeply cherished by devotees of Shiva, historians, and pilgrims, is situated on the Raireshwar Plateau in the Bhor taluka of Pune district.

There is a mention of this temple in a letter dated the first day of the bright fortnight of Vaishakh, Shake ۱۵۶۷, written by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which states:
‘Shri Rohareshwar, the primordial family deity of your valley, is self-manifested (Swayambhu) on the mountain plateau near Shendri. He has granted us victory and will continue to fulfill all our desires by establishing Hindavi Swarajya. Through the mediation of Rajshri Dadapant, the pledge taken by the Bawa, you, and us before the Lord is as firm as a diamond. It is the Lord’s deep desire that this kingdom be established… what more is there to write.’

Located ۳۰ km from Bhor city, the Raireshwar Plateau stands at an altitude of ۱۴۳۳ meters above sea level. To reach it, there are steps from the base, and in some places, iron ladders are provided. After climbing these ladders to the plateau, a paved path leads to the temple. It takes ۳۰ minutes to reach the temple from the base.

This entire plateau is eleven and a half kilometers long and one and a quarter kilometers wide. The Raireshwar Plateau embraces all the forms of nature. During the monsoon, the entire plateau is covered with yellow flowers known locally as Kaula (Smithia). Hundreds of tourists visit this plateau, which is a generous gift of nature, during the rainy season.

As one ascends from near the Gomukhi lake on the plateau, the ancient temple of Raireshwar comes into view. This stone-built temple is surrounded by fortifications on all four sides. In front of the temple entrance stands a memorial to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Adjacent to this platform is a traditional stone oil mill (Chunyacha Ghana). Near the temple, there is a natural, clean, perennial spring. Local residents and tourists use this water for drinking.

The temple faces east and consists of a porch (Osari), a main hall (Sabhamandap), and a sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha). There are two Nandi statues in the porch. The sanctum is approximately two feet below ground level, where the Swayambhu Shivalinga of Raireshwar resides. On the wall facing the Shivalinga, there is a large photograph of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj taking the oath of Raireshwar with his companions. On the left wall, one can see a shield and two swords mounted. There are two inscriptions on the walls of the hall; one is eroded and its letters are illegible. The second inscription provides details regarding the renovation of the temple. It mentions that the Patil of Dapghar village renovated this ۲۰۰-year-old temple in Shake ۱۸۰۵ at a cost of ۷۰۰ rupees.

Every year, the Shivrajyabhishek Day ceremony is celebrated with great enthusiasm on the thirteenth day of the bright fortnight of Jyeshtha. Many devotees from the surrounding areas and admirers of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from across the state participate in this event. The Raireshwar Yatra is held on the fifth day after Gudi Padwa, and the Oath Day (Shapath Din) is celebrated on the seventh day. On this occasion, a procession of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is taken out, and a Rudrabhishek is performed. Additionally, many cultural programs are organized. There is a Dharamshala (pilgrim rest house) for devotees in the temple premises.

If informed in advance, arrangements for accommodation and breakfast can be made with the locals in the temple area. Some villagers on the plateau provide tent facilities or accommodation in their homes for devotees and tourists.

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