Pavitra Someshvar Mahaadev Mandir Chaas, Khed, Pune

Situated on the banks of the Bhima River in Khed Taluka of Pune District, the Someshwar Mahadev Temple in Chas is considered a heritage of the glorious Maratha architectural style. The temple is renowned as a spiritually awakened site that alleviates physical ailments and domestic discord. Its main attraction is a stone lamp tower (Deepmal) capable of holding २५६ lamps. The festival of lights (Deepotsav) held here on Tripurari Purnima is especially famous. Kashibai, the wife of Peshwa Bajirao I, had deep devotion toward this Someshwar Mahadev. Historical records indicate that the temple was renovated under her inspiration. Considering the remnants of caves in the Chas (Chas Kaman) area, ancient inscriptions, and the geographical formations in the Bhima riverbed, it is evident that the history of this village dates back to ancient times. Based on the inscriptions and broken idols in the temple premises, it is believed that a grand temple existed here since long ago. During the medieval period, Mahadji Krishna Joshi, a resident of Talsure (Jalgaon) in Dapoli Taluka of Ratnagiri District, settled in Chas. He earned a great reputation through his valor and skills. Mahadji Joshi was a highly influential personality in the Maratha Empire. During the reign of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, he was entrusted with the important responsibility of being the Subhedar of Kalyan. Known as an extremely wealthy financier, this ‘Chaskar-Joshi’ family provided financial assistance to the Peshwas during their campaigns, which fostered a close family bond between the two houses. It was through this bond that Mahadji Joshi’s daughter, Ladubai, was married to Peshwa Bajirao I around the year १७२०. After her marriage, she was named Kashibai. Kashibai had unwavering faith in Someshwar Mahadev and frequently visited Chas for his darshan. According to historical records, after returning from a pilgrimage to Rameshwar in July १७४७, Kashibai requested her brother, Krishnarao Joshi, to construct a grand temple in Chas. Following her suggestion, the construction of the temple gained momentum, and the main structure was completed around १७४९. Some documents record the completion of this work on ६ August १७५१. Peshwa Bajirao I and Kashibai used to visit here for darshan during festivals. History also references that Raghunathrao Peshwa, the son of Peshwa Bajirao I, was born in the historical mansion at Chas. Even today, the historical mansion of the Chaskar Joshis stands in good condition in Chas village. The seven cannons, brass elephants, historical swords, and old documents preserved there bear witness to the history of this village. Many mythological legends are also associated with this place. According to them, Lord Mahadev killed the arrogant demon Tripurasura on Kartik Purnima, as the demon had received a special boon from Lord Brahma. As a symbol of this victory, this day is celebrated with great enthusiasm as Tripurari Purnima. The tradition of lighting the temple’s lamp tower has been practiced for several centuries in memory of the form Lord Shiva assumed to destroy the demon and the subsequent victory. The Peshwa family believed that by bowing at the feet of Someshwar Mahadev, domestic disputes and physical illnesses would be completely cured. For this reason, the Peshwas used to come here to pray during times of crisis. Devotion to Mahadev during the month of Shravan holds special significance here. During this period, Abhisheks are performed to reduce the wrath of nature and seek prosperity. The village of Chas is located on the banks of the Bhima River, reached via the Wada road from Rajgurunagar on the Pune-Nashik Highway. The temple is surrounded by the vast expanse of the Bhima River. In the riverbed, one can see magnificent natural potholes formed by the erosion of stones. Near the temple is the Chas Kaman Dam built on the Bhima River. This dam has transformed the entire region. The main temple is surrounded on all four sides by high and sturdy stone fortifications. Due to these walls, the temple resembles a fort. The main entrance of the temple is called the ‘Dindi Darwaza’. One enters the temple courtyard through this grand gate. Along with the Someshwar temple, the courtyard houses small temples of Hanuman and Dattatreya, as well as the samadhis of the ancestors of the Chaskar Joshi family. There is an ancient stepwell (Barav) in the temple premises. Its water is considered extremely holy, and devotees consume it as Tirtha. On the riverbank, there is a stone ghat built during the time of Bajirao Peshwa. The architectural style of the Someshwar temple is an excellent example of Maratha architecture. The entire temple is constructed of black stone. In front of the temple stands a graceful and grand seven-meter-high stone lamp tower. This lamp tower is considered the specialty of this temple. The tower has a total of fifteen tiers with small brackets to hold २५६ lamps. The construction of the lamp tower features beautiful carvings of Ganesha, serpents, animals, birds, and vines. There is a separate Nandi Mandapa in front of the main temple. In this pavilion, there is an idol of Nandi on a pedestal. The jewelry and carvings on this idol are distinctive.

The main temple’s assembly hall (Sabhamandapa) is spacious. There is a beautiful idol of Siddhivinayak on the door frame of the assembly hall. The niches in the walls of the assembly hall contain idols of various deities. The carving of all these idols is extremely intricate and artistic. Beyond the assembly hall is the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha). The sanctum is at a slightly lower level than the ground. The large Shiva Linga here is believed to be self-manifested (Swayambhu). The temple spire (Shikhara) is of the characteristic Maratha style, adorned with sculptures of many deities. At the top of this spire is a gold-plated finial (Kalash). The structure of the spire reflects a blend of Southern and North Indian styles.

Among the festivals and celebrations throughout the year, Tripurari Purnima holds unique significance here. The Deepotsav, which takes place after 9 o’clock on the night of Kartik Purnima, is the greatest cultural event of Chas village. On this day, the Deepmal of 256 lamps in the temple is illuminated. The most remarkable feature of this Deepotsav is that all electric lights in the entire village are switched off while the Deepmal is being lit. At this time, the entire temple premises shine brightly solely with the light of oil lamps. Thousands of devotees and tourists from various parts of the state, including Pune district, gather here to witness this ceremony. A fair is held here on Mahashivratri, which falls in the month of Magh. On this day, continuous chanting of the Lord’s name and Rudrabhishek are performed in the temple. Mahaprasad is distributed to the devotees who arrive on this occasion. Special religious rituals are organized in the temple every Monday during the month of Shravan. On every Monday of Shravan, Mahaprasad of Sabudana Khichdi is provided to the visiting devotees. The Chaskar family, descendants of Kashibai, still participate with honor in all these festive celebrations. Devotees can have darshan at this temple daily from 6 in the morning until 7 in the evening.

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