Sacred Baleshwar Mandir, Javale, Sangamner, Nagar

After Kalsubai Peak (five thousand four hundred feet), Jawale Hill is recognized as the second highest mountain in Ahmednagar district. This mountain is also known as the ‘Golden Mountain’. At the summit of this mountain lies the ancient temple of Baleshwar Mahadev. Situated at an altitude of four thousand seventy-one feet above sea level, this holy site is famous among devotees and tourists. Baleshwar is also known as a hill station in Sangamner.

The legend of this temple is that when Shri Ram, Lakshman, and Sita were in exile, they stayed on this Jawale hill, which was a part of the Dandakaranya forest. At this time, they installed a Shivling and worshipped it. Therefore, there is a Rameshwar shrine in front of the Baleshwar temple. Where the Baleshwar temple stands today, Sage Agastya performed penance to Mahadev for twelve years. While his penance was ongoing, Mahadev came to visit him in the form of a child, which is why this pilgrimage site was named Baleshwar.

There is a route to Baleshwar temple from Varudi Plateau, which is on the Sangamner-Alephata road. This twelve kilometer road from Gunjalwadi has steep ascents and serpentine turns. One can travel to the temple by private vehicle along this route, soaking in the beauty of the dense forests on both sides of the road, the entire landscape blessed with nature’s bounty, and the mountains and valleys. There is also a stairway path to reach this temple. If one goes via the stairway path, one first reaches the Rameshwar shrine. Since this temple is located on the border of Akole, Sangamner, and Rahata talukas of Ahmednagar district, one can get a panoramic view of many villages from all three talukas from this area.

The installation of paver blocks in the open space surrounding the Baleshwar Temple makes the premises appear spacious and clean. In the area in front of the temple, there are two naturally formed stepwells (barav). It is said that Sage Agastya created these stepwells and used their water. In ancient times, the water in these stepwells never dried up.

There is a stone lamp pillar (deepmal) in front of the temple. Near the darshan path on the left side of the main temple, there is a shrine dedicated to Sage Agastya. The main temple stands on a four-foot-high plinth (jagati). One can reach the temple entrance by climbing seven to eight steps. There are elephant sculptures on both sides of the entrance. The temple structure consists of a assembly hall (sabhamandap) and a sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha). A Nandi is positioned in the assembly hall near the entrance. A unique feature here is that this Nandi’s face is turned towards the north, rather than towards the Shiva Linga.

In the niches beside the sanctum sanctorum, there is an idol of Lord Ganesha on the right and some sculptures on the left. Inside the sanctum, there is a stone Shiva Linga situated at a slightly lower level. On the path leading to the temple steps, there is a shrine of Rameshwar. There, under a tree, are a Shiva Linga and a Nandi. A half-wall has been constructed around it. Many Nandi idols offered by devotees after the fulfillment of their vows are placed here.

A special significance of this pilgrimage site, Baleshwar, is that it is believed to be the child form of Lord Mahadeva. Every Monday during the holy month of Shravan, thousands of devotees come here for darshan. Consequently, the entire temple premises become filled with shops selling prasad, garlands, and flowers, and bustling with devotees. Festivals like Mahashivratri and Guru Purnima are also celebrated here with great enthusiasm. The place also sees a rush of tourists who visit as a cool retreat in summer and for sightseeing during the monsoon.

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