Shree Nageshwar Temple, Ambavade, Bhor, Pune

Situated in the nature-abundant village of Ambavade in Bhor taluka, which has been renowned since before the Shivkal era, is the ancient and beautiful Nageshwar Temple. Located on the banks of the Dhavalganga stream, this temple is situated in a somewhat depressed basin. One has to descend via a flight of stairs to reach it. Surrounded by lush flora and foliage, this temple is the ancestral deity (Kuldaivat) of Sardar Kanhoji Jedhe.

Generally, temples dedicated to Lord Shiva face east. However, the Nageshwar Temple faces west. It is said that the temple might have been built by the Naga tribe about २००० years ago. Records indicate that Shrimant Sadashiv Chimanaji Pantsachiv renovated this temple in १७६७, while Shankarrao Chimanaji did so in १८८९.

The temple is enclosed by a fortification wall. Additionally, it features a large assembly hall (Sabhamandap), water cisterns (Kunds), and verandahs (Ovryas). There is also a dharmashala for devotees to stay. This dharmashala was repaired during the tenure of Shankarrao Chimanaji in १८८९. Built from finely dressed stones, the temple stands on a high stone plinth. On the exterior of the stone walls, figures of animals and birds, as well as carved lotuses, can be seen.

Near the entrance stands a magnificent Nandi. The temple comprises an assembly hall and a sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha). Images of serpents are carved on the six large stone pillars in the assembly hall. Inside the sanctum is the Shiva Linga, and in a niche on the wall is an idol of Lord Suryanarayana. Besides these, there are also two idols of Adi Maya (the primordial mother goddess) here.

Adjacent to the temple is the holy pilgrimage spot of Panchganga. Five water streams originating from the mountains behind the temple are brought together and discharged through a stone cow’s mouth (Goumukh) into the local cistern (Kund). An elephant is carved on the stone pillar right in the middle of this cistern. A unique feature of this place is that this water stream never dries up throughout the year, nor does its flow ever increase or decrease. This water is also known as ‘Panchmukhi Pani’. Behind the temple stands a stone lamp tower (Deepmal). In addition to this, the surrounding area features several neatly sculpted idols of ancient deities.

A few lines about the temple are found inscribed in this region:
Satya shodhishi Rameshwar, Satya shodhishi Nageshwara.
Rayreshvarachya pyathyashi aahe, amcha gaav Nagnathache Ambavade..

A grand festival is celebrated at the Nageshwar Temple on Mahashivratri. On this occasion, numerous devotees from the taluka visit for Darshan. Additionally, there is a large gathering of devotees on Shravani Mondays. Weddings and other religious ceremonies are also performed within the temple premises.

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