Mahabaleshwar Krishnabai Temple, Maharashtra

Address

Mahabaleshwar Krishnabai Temple, Old Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra 412806

Diety

Krishna

Introduction

‘Old Mahabaleshwar’, also known as “Kshetra Mahabaleshwar”, is a historical place and a village in Mahabaleshwar, of the Satara district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It’s a hill station located around the Western Ghats, 7 km from Mahabaleshwar. It is home to three temples: the Panchganga Temple, Mahabaleshwar Temple, and Krishna Temple. Krishna temple, which is 1 km away from Panchganga temple, was built in Hemadpanti style. In front of the Krishna temple is Krishna valley. The Krishnabai Temple in Old Mahabaleshwar which is just 3 hours (127 KMs) scenic drive from Pune. While Mahabaleshwar Temple and Panchganga Temple are quite popular in Mahabaleshwar, Krishna Temple is a hidden gem! The year of construction is unknown but some say it is 1000 years old while some opinion it to be 5000 years old.

Puranic Significance

Krishnabai temple is supposed to be the origin of the Krishna river. Very little is known about the origin of the Krishnabai temple with some locals saying that the temple was built by a ruler of Ratnagiri in 1888 and some others saying that it has been here since the time of the Pandavas. The local priest though firmly says that this temple is at least 5,000 years old. This temple is quite similar to the Panchaganga Temple where you see water passing through a stone spout carved as a cow collecting in the cistern below. The water flowing from the mouth of the cow (Gomukh) is supposed to be perennial and it flows into a pond which flows out as the mighty river Krishna. Like most temples in this region, Krishnabai temple is built in the Hemadpanti style of architecture (style incorporating black stone and lime without using any mortar using the technique of mortise and tenon joint). The temple has a Shiva linga and a beautiful statue of Goddess Krishna. The temple has stunning stone carved columns and ceiling. What history and stories this magnificent temple hides is known to none as it remains a silent witness to changing times.