Sacred Purandareshwar Temple Purandar Fort, Purandar, Pune

Purandar Fort, located near Saswad in Pune district, holds a significant place in the military and cultural history of Maharashtra. The ancient temple of Purandareshwar Mahadev is situated on this fort. Standing at an altitude of ४४७२ feet above sea level, this historical site is mentioned in mythological literature as ‘Indranil Parvat’. The original construction of this temple was completed during the Yadava period between the eleventh and thirteenth centuries. Later, in the eighteenth century, Thorle Bajirao Peshwa renovated this structure. In the sanctum sanctorum, next to the Shiva Linga, there is a rare idol of Lord Indra.

According to historical records, the original construction of Purandar Fort took place during the Yadava regime. During the Yadava era, this fort was known as a major military center in southern Maharashtra. Later, in the fourteenth century, when this fort came under the control of the Bahmani Sultanate, some new structures were built here. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj diplomatically captured this fort in १६४६, which was under the control of the Adil Shahi of Bijapur. This victory proved to be a significant milestone in the task of establishing Swarajya, and the Maharaj immediately appointed Netaji Palkar as Sarnobat.

The importance of this fort in the history of Swarajya is unparalleled. Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was born on this very fort on १४ May १६५७. In the year १६६५, Mughal Sardar Mirza Raje Jai Singh and Diler Khan laid siege to Purandar. At this time, Killedar Murarbaji Deshpande fought a fierce battle against the Mughal army with only ७०० Mavlas. In this intense battle, Murarbaji attained martyrdom, and to prevent major damage to Swarajya, the ‘Treaty of Purandar’ was signed. According to this treaty, the Maharaj had to give २३ forts including Purandar and a region with an income of four lakh Hons to the Mughals. Later, in १६७०, the Marathas attacked again and liberated this fort from Mughal control.

During the Peshwa period, the political importance of Purandar Fort increased further, and Thorle Bajirao Peshwa renovated the Purandareshwar temple. On १८ April १७७४, Sawai Madhavrao was born on this fort, and this area became a safe residence for the Peshwas. After the fall of the Maratha Empire in १८१८, this fort went under British control. The British built military barracks and a church here. Currently, an official training center of the Indian Army is operational on this fort. Therefore, certain rules apply to tourism here.

The Purandareshwar temple on the fort is of Hemadpanti architectural style and is built of black stone. The spacious temple complex is situated in the Purandar Machi area, below the citadel. Beside the temple are the private Rameshwar temple of the Peshwa family and the ruins of an old mansion. One enters the spacious paved courtyard through the gateway in the perimeter wall surrounding the temple. In the center of the courtyard is a Deepastambha, and in front of it is a two-storied Nandi Mandap. In this pavilion, there is a stone idol of Nandi, the vehicle of Mahadev. Positioned between four pillars, the gaze of this Nandi is fixed directly on the main Shiva Linga in the sanctum. Beyond the Nandi Mandap is the main Sabha Mandap of the temple. The entrance to the Sabha Mandap is simple, and there is a sculpture of Ganpati on its lintel. In the center of the Sabha Mandap floor, there is a large tortoise idol.

Beyond the Sabha Mandap, there are vermilion-smeared Ganesh idols in the niches on the front wall of the Antarala. On the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum, there is a Kirtimukh at the bottom and a Ganpati sculpture on the lintel. Inside the sanctum is a Shiva Linga made of black stone. Next to this Shiva Linga, there is another small Shiva Linga and an idol of Lord Indra about one and a half feet tall. Having an idol of Indra in a Shiva temple is considered a rare occurrence. It is believed that when Hanuman was carrying the Dronagiri mountain, which contained medicinal herbs, through the air for Lakshman’s treatment, a part of it fell down. This idol might have been installed here due to the mythological reference that Indra performed penance on this very mountain. The temple has a stone Shikhara that rises in a stepped design. At the very top of the Shikhara is the Kalash. The exterior structure of the temple is simple and consistent with the nature of the fort.

Religious rituals and festivals at the Purandareshwar temple are still celebrated according to tradition. Every Monday, there is a crowd of Shiva devotees on the fort for darshan. During the month of Shravan, various special pujas are organized here. Mahashivratri is the biggest annual festival on this fort. On this day, palanquins arrive at the fort from Narayanpur and Saswad areas. At this time, devotees stand in long queues for darshan. On the occasion of this festival, Purandar Fort takes on the appearance of a fair. Due to the military control over the fort, devotees have to follow security checks and disciplined rules. As it is a military training center, it is mandatory for devotees to carry an Aadhar card or an official identity card while coming to the fort. Entry to the fort is permitted only between nine in the morning and five in the evening. Along with the Purandareshwar temple, this fort houses the Samadhi of Murarbaji, Padmavati Lake, and some historical structures built by the British.

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