Loni Bhapkar Bhairavnath Temple – Maharashtra

Address

Loni Bhapkar Bhairavnath Temple – Maharashtra

 Loni Bhapkar,

Maharashtra 413110

Moolavar

Bhairavnath

Amman

Bhairav Yogeshwari

Introduction

• Bhairavnath Temple is located on the eastern edge of Loni Bhapkar, approximately 80 km south-east of Pune.
• The temple is the last stop of the village, situated at the edge.
• At first glance, the temple showcases a typical late Maratha style, featuring a sabhamandapa (hall) with a central dome and four finials (small turrets) at the corners.
• The temple courtyard features two large Deepstambhas (lamp towers), a characteristic feature found in Deccan temples for over 400 years.

Puranic Significance:

• The sabhamandapa and other architectural features follow the bhumija style of temple architecture, which was widely adopted by the Yadava dynasty in the late 13th century.
• The Mallikarjun Temple nearby has a tripartite front elevation, with columns and large buttress walls, common in Yadava temple architecture.
• The design uses diagonal beams and octagonal shapes to support the corbelled central dome over the sabhamandapa, all of which are signatures of Yadava architecture.
• The temple underwent a complete transformation under the Marathas, with the upper portion of the temple showcasing Maratha influences, such as minaret-like spires and a bulbous dome replacing the amalaka.
• The Yadava temple structure below the cornice remains, largely unchanged, marking the temple’s historical evolution.
• The Maratha modifications are visible on the upper levels, with vibrant color schemes and architectural details influenced by Sultanate architecture.
• Inside the temple, the Maratha influences fade, revealing a late Yadava interior, which includes carvings such as intertwined serpents, a hunting scene, and depictions of musicians.

Idols and Legends:

• The sanctum houses idols of Bhairav Bhairavi and Bhairav Yogeshwari, incarnations of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
• These idols were donated by Sardar Sonaji Bhapkar, a notable figure from the village. His father, Gorkhoji Bhapkar, served as the sardar of Chatrapati Shahu Maharaj (grandson of Shivaji Maharaj).
• Bhagirathibai, daughter of Gorkhoji Bhapkar, was married to Dattaji Scindia, a martyr from the Battle of Buradi Ghat in 1760, which was part of the Panipat war in 1761.

Temple Complex:

• Within the temple complex, there is a bell suspended between two pillars of the compound wall.
• The bell is believed to have been brought back as a trophy from Portuguese churches in the mid-18th century by the forces of the Peshwa.
• Bells of this type are found in several temples across the north-west Deccan.

Century/Period

13th century

Nearest Bus Station

Loni Bhapkar

Nearest Railway Station

Baramati

Nearest Airport

Pune

Location on Map

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