Sacred Pateshwar Temple / Varhadghar the cave, Degaon, Satara. Satara

Situated on a hill near Degav village, a short distance from Satara city, lies the ancient Pateshwar Mahadev Temple and a cluster of caves. Nestled in the lap of lush nature, this area houses the Varhadghar Caves alongside the Pateshwar Temple. These caves contain the Dharaling, Ekamukhiling, a Shiva Linga on the back of a Nandi, and rare Sahastralinga Shiva Pindis. Furthermore, a unique feature here is the Agnivrusha sculpture. This is a composite sculpture of a human and a Nandi. When viewed from the front, it appears as a bearded man, while from the side, it appears as a Nandi.

This sacred site of Pateshwar Mahadev is located 7 km from Degav, which is near Satara city. There is a paved road for 4 km, after which one must travel on foot along a mountain path. At the beginning of the steps, an image of Lord Ganesha is carved. After a journey of about half an hour, one reaches a large lake on the Pateshwar hilltop. This lake is known as Vishweshwar Lake and contains lotuses of various colors. Adjacent to the lake on the west is a cave containing a highly unique Shiva Linga. On the pedestal of this Linga, there is a Nandi sitting in place of the Linga with its head resting on the ground. Locals call it ‘Margal Mhaisa’. The name Pateshwar was derived from the Nandi-bearing Shiva Linga (Path-Ishwar), which later became known as Pateshwar.

Beyond Vishweshwar Lake, one can reach the Pateshwar temple premises by climbing about 100 steps on the right side. Along this stairway, there are small shrines built into the retaining walls on both sides, containing various sculptures. In front of the Pateshwar temple is the Nandi Mandapa, which houses a uniquely carved Nandi sculpture. There are lamp pillars (Deepmalas) on both sides of the temple. The temple’s assembly hall (Sabhamandapa) contains sculptures of Vainayaki (the female form of Ganesha), Saraswati, and Sheshashayi Vishnu. The Shiva Pindi in the sanctum sanctorum is monolithic and large. Besides the main temple, the premises include temples dedicated to Mahishasuramardini, Bhairava, and Chaturmukh Bhairava.

After visiting the Pateshwar temple, returning to Vishweshwar Lake reveals a path leading eastward. Following this path leads to a cave complex known as the Kotilinga Temple complex or Varhadghar Caves. Although there are not a crore of Lingas as the name suggests, thousands of Shiva Lingas can be seen here. There is a rare Sahastralinga Shiva Pindi here, upon which countless small Shiva Pindis are carved. Additionally, countless rows of Shiva Lingas are carved onto all three walls. There are numerous Shiva Pindis ranging from the size of a finger to those too large to be held in both hands. These include Sayoni Shiva Pindis (the type commonly seen) and Ayoni Shiva Pindis (simple cylindrical mounds). Some of these are installed, while others are carved directly into the stone. A Shiva Pindi is also carved onto the lintel of these caves.

A specialty here is the highly rare Agnivrusha sculpture. When viewed from the front, it shows a human face, while from the side, it shows a Nandi. Two grooves are carved into the beard to distinguish the two. This sculpture, featuring the body of a Nandi and the torso of a human, is unique. Furthermore, the caves contain a magnificent Shiva Pindi one meter in height and three and a half meters in circumference. There are also sculptures depicting the Dashavatara of Vishnu. Sculptures of the Navagrahas sitting in the Padmasana posture are carved onto two stone panels here. According to scholars, all these sculptures and Shiva Pindis date back to the 10th or 11th century.

The area also contains sculptures of Parvati, Saraswati, Mahishasuramardini, Sadashiva, Ganesha, Hanuman, Nagadeva, and the Saptamatrikas. There is also a temple of Chamunda Devi in this area. It is believed that the wedding of Shiva and Parvati took place here. Therefore, this temple is considered the ‘Varhadghar’ (wedding procession house) for the guests who arrived for the marriage, and all those wedding guests are present here in the form of Lingas.

Thousands of devotees visit the Pateshwar temple on the occasions of Mahashivratri and Shravani Mondays. It is said that Ahilyabai Holkar and Sardar Angal provided financial assistance for the renovation of this temple. Along with thousands of devotees, Shri Kshetra Pateshwar is an important and special place for nature lovers, trekkers, historians, and students of iconography.

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