Shri Pimpleshwar Mahadev Temple Dombivali (East), Kalyan, Thane

The Pimpleshwar Mahadev Temple, located at Nandivali Pada (Sagao) in Dombivli East, which has been sanctified by the touch of the feet of many saints and mahants, is renowned as a Jagrut Devasthan (a spiritually awakened place of worship). Devotees hold a firm belief that Lord Shiva, who resides in this temple, grants the wishes of those who pray to Him. Consequently, thousands of devotees gather here for darshan during the festival held on Mahashivratri. Recognizing the significance of this temple and the large number of devotees who visit, the State Government has honored it by granting it the ‘C’ grade status of a pilgrimage site. 

This holy shrine is situated amidst lush green trees on a seven-acre plot at Sagao, near the Kalyan-Shil road. About one hundred and twenty-five years ago, a great soul named Swami Sivananda installed a Shiva Linga here. Swami Sivananda, who performed penance here for some time, later attained Samadhi at the Khidkaleshwar temple, located about five kilometers away. A tin shed under a Peepal tree Previously, there was a Pimpleshwar Shivalinga in a small tiled-roof temple. About 25 years ago, the Board of Trustees decided to develop this temple. Subsequently, on 31 January 2001, on the auspicious day of Ratha Saptami, the Shivalinga was re-consecrated in a newly constructed temple in the same premises at the hands of Balayogi Shri Sadanand Maharaj from Tungareshwar Mountain. In 2012, the State Government granted the status of a pilgrimage site to this temple.

Upon entering through the gateway of this temple, located in the Sagao area of MIDC Phase Two, there is a small temple of Lord Hanuman on the right side. Numerous benches have been placed in the temple courtyard for the convenience of devotees. The temple premises include a Shiva-Parvati Kuti, two Yajna Shalas, and a Goshala. Rituals and other religious programs are conducted in these Yajna Shalas. Materials for Homa-Havans are made available for a nominal fee. There is an ancient well within the temple premises. In the past, this well used to provide water to the people of the Sagao area. Many programs are held throughout the year on the platform erected in front of the temple. In the year 1999, the then Chief Minister Manohar This platform was inaugurated by Joshi. In an adjacent pavilion, there are images of Saint Dnyaneshwar, Saint Tukaram, Saint Namdev, Saint Eknath, Swami Sivananda, H.B.P. Savalaram Maharaj, as well as Shri Ram and Sita. Marriages are also conducted in a hall within the premises. The vast temple grounds feature many ancient trees such as banyan, peepal, mango, jackfruit, jamun, and coconut.

A garden has been developed on three sides of the attractively constructed temple. The temple’s structure consists of a Darshan Mandap, a Sabha Mandap, and a Garbhagriha. After climbing a few steps, one reaches the Darshan Mandap, where a statue of a tortoise is placed in front of Nandi. On the lintel of the Sabha Mandap’s doorway, there is an idol of Lord Ganesha. On the walls of the Garbhagriha, there is a marble idol of Lord Ganesha on the left and an idol of Shri Dattatreya on the right. Since the Garbhagriha is situated slightly deeper than the Sabha Mandap, one must descend steps to enter it. The stone Shivling inside the Garbhagriha is encased in brass plating. Above it, a hooded serpent forms a canopy. In a niche on the wall behind the Shivling, there is an idol of Goddess Parvati. The temple’s shikhara is unique and appears as if it is rising from a lotus motif. 

Hundreds of devotees visit this temple daily for darshan. A grand festival is celebrated here on Mahashivratri, during which thousands of devotees gather. On the Mondays of the holy month of Shravan, the temple premises take on the appearance of a fair. Many married women offer ‘Shivmut’ (a handful of grains) to the Shiva Linga here: rice on the first Monday, sesame seeds on the second, moong dal on the third, and barley on the final Monday. As part of its social commitment, the Shri Pimpleshwar Mahadev Bhakt Mandal (Trust) carries out various initiatives throughout the year. For the past 21 years, the Trust has also been organizing an SSC lecture series for students from rural areas.

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