Shri Virupaksha Mahadev Temple Panvel City, Panvel, Raigad

Situated in the heart of Panvel city, the Shri Virupaksha Mahadeva Temple stands as a significant witness to the city’s ancient culture and history. Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva under the name ‘Virupaksha’ are rare across the country, and after the one in Hampi, Karnataka, this temple in Panvel holds special importance. Having witnessed the historical transitions of the १८th and १९th centuries, this temple has played a vital role in the development of Panvel. Located in a bustling area on Shivaji Road, this sacred site remains a primary place of faith for devotees even today.

Panvel in Raigad district is a very ancient city, and its geographical location has always been significant. Situated between the two major cities of Mumbai and Pune, it has been known as a major center of trade since historical times. The direct route from Mumbai to the Deccan Plateau passed through this city. In १८०४, Lord Valentia described Panvel as a densely populated village situated on a riverbank in a low-lying area surrounded by hills. Later, in १८२५, Bishop Heber referred to this city as a small town with a temple.

The history of the Virupaksha Temple in Panvel is primarily linked to the wealthy Bapat family. The father of Govindrao Bapat, a member of this family who settled in Panvel during the later period of the Peshwa era, built the Virupaksha Temple. It is believed that this temple was constructed around the year १८७५. Initially, the temple was made of brick and mud and was simple in nature, but its foundation was made of dressed stone. Adjacent to the temple, there was a massive Peepal tree, and a stone platform was built around it. Due to the spread of this tree, it became difficult to enter the temple, and even if ten to fifteen people gathered, it would become very crowded. A servant named Nagu Bhopi was appointed to clean and light the lamps at the temple, and his descendants continue to serve Virupaksha to this day. The responsibility for the temple’s expenses and the Deepotsav (festival of lights) during Mahashivratri and Tripuri Purnima was passed to the Patki family, starting with Baba Patki, who was the maternal grandfather of Prabodhankar Thackeray.
To expand the temple and provide space for religious discourses and kirtans, a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall) was essential. However, the massive Peepal tree in front of the temple was a major obstacle. It was believed that a vigilant Munjoba resided in that Peepal tree, so no laborer was willing to cut it down. There was a belief at the time that whoever cut down a Peepal tree would lose their lineage. Baba Patki was firm in his resolve that Virupaksha should have a Sabha Mandap, and Shrimant Vithoba Anna Gulve promised to bear the necessary expenses. This dilemma was finally resolved by Bhaubhat Joshi from Joshi Ali in Panvel. Both Bhaubhat and his father, Aba Joshi, were ardent devotees of Shiva. Bhaubhat’s readiness to strike the first blow on the Peepal tree gave momentum to this task.

As planned, one morning in the presence of Vithobashet Gulve, Govindrao Bapat, and many other dignitaries of the village, Bhaubhat performed the Mahapuja of Virupaksha and, after worshipping the axe, struck the first blow on the Peepal tree. Due to Bhaubhat’s courage, other laborers also began the work, and within a few days, the space for the Sabha Mandap was cleared. Shrimant Vithoba Anna Gulve renovated the temple and built an excellent Sabha Mandap there. During this same period, Baba Patki erected a Deepmal (lamp tower) next to the temple in memory of his mother and aunt. All this renovation work was completed on १८ September १८८४ (Shaka १८०६, Ashwin Shuddha Dashami). A marble plaque mentioning this is still visible on the temple door today.

Located in a densely populated area on the road leading from Shivaji Road to the old Tehsil office, there is a well in front of this temple and a water fountain on the left side. There is a Deepmal nearby. One enters the spacious Sabha Mandap of the temple, which is situated on a high platform reached by climbing about five steps. The structure of the temple consists of a Sabha Mandap, Antarala (vestibule), and Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). There are seats in the Sabha Mandap for devotees to sit. Ahead of the Sabha Mandap is the slightly elevated Antarala. At the entrance of the Antarala, there are stone Naga sculptures representing the Dwarapalas (gatekeepers). In the Antarala, there is a black stone idol of Ganapati on the right and Hanuman on the left. Between these two idols, on a platform, is an idol of Nandi, and in front of it is a tortoise sculpture. In the center of the Antarala, leaving space for circumambulation, there is a square sunken area. Here, in the center, is the Linga of Virupaksha Mahadeva. This Linga is covered with a decorative brass sheet. In the niche on the wall behind the Linga is an idol of Mother Parvati. On the circumambulation path, there is an idol of Shri Rama, a brass Linga of Mahadeva, and a portrait of Swami Samarth. Since women are not allowed to enter the inner sanctum, a second Linga has been installed in the Sabha Mandap for their worship.

Many religious festivals are celebrated throughout the year at the Shri Virupaksha Temple. Among them, the programs during the month of Shravan hold special importance. Every Monday in the month of Shravan, a large number of devotees gather here, and special Abhishekas are performed to Lord Shiva. During this time, Bhajans and religious discourses are organized in the temple premises. On Bhadrapada Shuddha Pratipada, a grand palanquin procession of the deity is taken out. This tradition has been ongoing since the १८th century. On this day, the idol of Shri Virupaksha is placed in a palanquin and taken in a procession through the entire city via Shivaji Road. On this route, local traders and residents offer prayers and perform Aarti at various places. The entire city resonates with traditional instruments, Lezim troupes, and the chants of devotees, and this palanquin is taken to the ancient Shri Ballaleshwar Temple in the city.

On the day of Mahashivratri, rituals begin in the temple from early morning. On this day, an all-night vigil and Laghurudra Abhishek are performed. Due to the belief that having Darshan of Virupaksha resolves all troubles, long queues of devotees form for Darshan on Mahashivratri. Along with religious programs, health camps, various social activities, and food distribution for needy devotees are organized here. On Tripuri Purnima, a Deepotsav and special lighting are arranged in the temple. Apart from this, other small and large festivals are celebrated throughout the year. Devotees can have Darshan here daily from ५:३० AM to १:३० PM and from ५:३० PM to ९:०० PM.

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