Shri Sangameshwar Temple, Saswad, Purandar, Pune

Situated at the confluence of the Karha and Chambli (Bhogavati) rivers in the historic town of Saswad, in the Purandar taluka of Pune district, the Sangameshwar Temple is one of the most famous and significant places of worship in the region. Dating back approximately to the seventh to tenth centuries, this temple is considered a highly awakened and sacred abode of Lord Shiva. The temple is associated with the mythological legends of the Pandavas and Lord Brahma. Its features include a carved assembly hall (sabhamandap) in the Hemadpanti style, a magnificent Nandi, and an attractive shikhara (spire) renovated during the Peshwa era. The scenic surroundings and the confluence of the two rivers grant this temple special spiritual and historical importance.

Scholars believe the Sangameshwar Temple is extremely ancient. According to historical records, the original construction of the temple likely took place between the seventh and tenth centuries, during the Rashtrakuta and Chalukya periods, as evidenced by the temple’s foundation and pillar architecture. During the medieval period, Saswad was a politically important center. The area gained exceptional significance during the Maratha Empire, particularly in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. This was an important stronghold of the first Peshwa, Balaji Vishwanath, and his samadhi (memorial) is located a short distance away within the temple premises. The current shikhara and some exterior sections of the temple were renovated around the year १७२० by Ambajipant Purandare. The Purandares were prominent sardars of Saswad and provided great royal patronage to the temple. Consequently, the influence of Maratha architectural style is visible over the original construction. The Saswad Bhuikot Fort and the Purandare Wada are located near the temple, standing as witnesses to the historical richness of the entire area. Legend has it that during their exile, the Pandavas resided at Pandeshwar near Jejuri. They needed water to perform the shraddha (ancestral rites) for their father, King Pandu. At this time, following Lord Krishna’s instructions, Bhima attempted to bring a kamandalu (water vessel) from Lord Brahma, who was performing penance on the Chaturmukh mountain to the west. That kamandalu contained the holy water of १०८ sacred rivers. When Bhima took the kamandalu, Lord Brahma began to chase him, and in the ensuing pursuit, a river was formed along the path where the water spilled from the vessel. The river was named ‘Karha’ after the ‘kara’ (kamandalu) in Brahma’s hand. The places where Lord Brahma established and worshipped sand Shiva lingas during this journey are considered sacred, with this Sangameshwar Temple in Saswad being one of the most important. Furthermore, as the Karha and Chambli rivers meet here, this site is considered extremely holy. The temple is a ten-minute walk from the Saswad bus stand. To enter the temple premises, one must cross an iron bridge (sakav) over the Chambli river. During the monsoon season, when the rivers are flowing to the brim, the beauty of the temple is further enhanced. The temple is built on a medium-sized, sturdy stone plinth. Protective fortifications have been built on all four sides of the temple. The temple premises are kept very clean and decorated with flowering plants. Due to the beautiful surroundings and the spacious stone ghats on the riverbanks, many films and television series are frequently shot here. On the southern side of the temple lies the bank of the Karha river. On this bank, there are temples dedicated to Khalkeshwar and the Satis.

One enters the temple courtyard through a large stone gateway. In the courtyard, in front of the temple, stand two tall and elegant stone lamp pillars (deepmalas). The temple structure consists of a Nandi mandap, sabhamandap, antarala (vestibule), and garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). A large Nandi carved from black stone is seated in the Nandi mandap. This Nandi, approximately six feet tall, features intricately carved ornaments, a bell necklace around its neck, and a decorative cloth (jhul) on its back. Although the temple faces east, this Nandi has turned its head toward the north. The temple’s sabhamandap has sixteen ornate stone pillars. Four of these, located in the center, are full-length and carved with attractive geometric and floral patterns. The roof of the sabhamandap is constructed entirely of stone, with stones interlocked with one another. A large tortoise is carved on the floor. Two steps lead down from the sabhamandap into the garbhagriha. The entrance to the sanctum features carvings of Ganesha and foliage. In the center of the sanctum is a large Shiva linga of Sangameshwar Mahadev. A constant stream of water falls onto the linga from an abhishek vessel above. It is said that every year during the month of Shravan, a pair of cobras comes to the temple to offer darshan to the Shiva linga.

The temple’s shikhara rises in a stepped fashion. It is adorned with various divine sculptures and fine carvings. The outer walls of the temple are carved with various floral motifs and images of deities. There is a Tulsi Vrindavan in the temple premises. It contains a Shiva linga in the center, and the structure is designed so that the water offered to the Tulsi falls directly onto the linga.

Mahashivratri is the biggest festival celebrated at this temple. On this day, devotees from Saswad and the entire district arrive in large numbers for darshan. Continuous programs of abhishek, bhajan, and kirtan are organized in the temple on this day. A grand festival of lights (deepotsav) is celebrated on the day of Tripurari Purnima. At that time, the entire temple complex and the two tall lamp pillars are illuminated by hundreds of lamps. The sight of lamps floating in the river and the illumination of the temple makes the scene truly mesmerizing. There is a special crowd here every Monday during the month of Shravan. As Saswad is the samadhi site of Saint Sopandev, many Warkaris make it a point to visit the Sangameshwar Temple for darshan when the Palkhi (procession) halts here during the Ashadhi and Kartiki Wari.

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