Mahabaleshwar Temple – Maharashtra

Address

Mahabaleshwar Temple – Maharashtra

Radhanagari, Satara District,

Maharashtra 412806

Moolavar

Mahabaleshwar

Introduction

The Mahabaleshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a significant religious site located in the famous hill station of Mahabaleshwar in the Satara District of Maharashtra, India. The Mahabaleshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Location: The temple is situated in Old Mahabaleshwar, a part of the town known for its historical and religious significance.

Architectural Style: The temple is known for its architectural style, which is Hemadpanti. Hemadpanti is a traditional architectural style prevalent in Maharashtra and is characterized by the use of black stone and intricate carvings.

Name Origin: The town of Mahabaleshwar derived its name from the Mahabaleshwar Temple, which holds a central place in the religious and cultural life of the region.

Puranic Significance

The temple has an interesting legend associated with its origin. According to the legend, there were two demon brothers named Mahabal and Atibal who were causing immense trouble for common people, gods (devas), and sages (rishis). In their distress, the people and deities prayed to Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu for help in ridding them of these troublesome demons.Lord Vishnu successfully defeated Adibaleshwar, one of the demon brothers. However, Lord Shiva was unable to kill Mahabal because he had been granted a boon of invincibility. In response, Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma collectively prayed to Goddess Mahamaya for assistance.Goddess Mahamaya devised a plan to lure Mahabal and brought him before the gods. She instructed the gods to request a boon from Mahabal. The gods asked Mahabal for his death. Mahabal granted their request but also asked that Lord Vishnu take the name Adibaleshwar, Lord Brahma take the name Kotishwar, and Lord Shiva take the name Mahabaleshwar. He further requested that the three deities stay at Mahabaleshwar forever. The gods granted Mahabal’s wish, leading to the temple being dedicated to Lord Shiva as Mahabaleshwar.

Special Features

Architectural Style: The Mahabaleshwar Temple is built in the Hemadpanti architectural style, which is characterized by the use of black stone and intricate carvings. This style is commonly found in many historical temples in Maharashtra.

Temple Complex: The temple complex is enclosed by a 5-foot wall, providing a sense of security and sanctity to the temple premises.

Sanctum Sanctorum: This is the innermost part of the temple where the presiding deity, Mahabaleshwar, is enshrined. The deity is in the form of a Lingam, which is a symbol of Lord Shiva. The Lingam is described as Swayambhu Moorthy, meaning it is self-manifested, and it stands approximately 6 feet tall. It is also mentioned that the Lingam is in the shape of a Rudraksha, which is considered the tip of the Shiva Linga and is referred to as Mahalingam.

Central Hall: The central hall of the temple houses articles that have been dedicated to Lord Shiva for approximately 300 years. These articles include a Trishul (trident), Rudraksha (a seed sacred to Lord Shiva), Damru (a small drum associated with Lord Shiva), and a bed. It is believed that Lord Shiva still pays visits to the temple and uses these articles. An interesting detail mentioned is that the bedsheet in the central hall is found crumpled every morning, suggesting the presence of Lord Shiva at night within the temple.

Golden Platform: Within the temple, there is a square-shaped raised platform made of gold. This platform is believed to have been donated by the Maratha ruler, Shivaji. It is said that the weight of this square platform is equal to the weight of his mother, Jijabai. Such charitable donations and offerings are common in many temples, signifying the devotion and generosity of rulers and devotees.