Bhairavnath Mandir

Saswad, Purandar Taluka, Pune District

On the banks of the Karha River in Saswad stands the temple of Bhairavnath, approximately three hundred and fifty years old. This magnificent and divine temple, which is the gramadaivat (village deity) of Saswad, is situated right next to the historic wada (mansion) of Sardar Ambajipant Purandare. The temple was constructed during the time of the First Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath and Shrimant Bajirao Peshwe. Records indicate that Shrimant Subhedar Malharrao Holkar and Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar built a twenty-five-foot-high fortification around the temple.

To reach this south-facing temple, one must ascend ten to twelve steps of the rampart. Upon entering through the main doorway, a large bell from the Portuguese era is immediately visible. This is one of the two bells brought by the Marathas as a symbol of their victory in the campaign against the Portuguese, which they undertook in the years १७३८-३९ under the leadership of Chhatrapati Chimaji Appa. The other bell is at the Khandoba Temple in Jejuri.

At the temple’s entrance stand the divine forms of Jaya and Vijaya. Passing through the entrance into the temple courtyard, one sees the nagarkhana on the right side, housing ancient musical instruments that are played during festive occasions. In front of the temple, there are two stone deepmalas (lamp towers). The main temple has three entrances. The principal temple is a stone edifice, and the beautiful wooden carvings within it are particularly captivating. Many old-fashioned glass lamps have been installed there, a type rarely found elsewhere. The ceiling of the sabha mandapa (assembly hall) is intricately designed, and the walls bear images related to the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Shivcharitra, and other sacred narratives. Within the sanctum sanctorum, in a silver palanquin, are enshrined the beautiful murtis of Shri Kalbhairavnath, Shri Bhairavnath, and Jogeshwari Mata.

Within the temple precincts, there are many small shrines dedicated to various deities. Among them are idols of Gaṇapati, Śrī Datta, a Mahādeva liṅgam, Gorakhnāth Mahārāj, Tuljābhavānī, as well as Vitthal-Rukmiṇī, Sant Sāvtā Mahārāj, and Sant Tukārām Mahārāj.

A unique feature of this sacred shrine is that the Holi festival celebrated here holds the foremost honour. All villagers bring firewood and cow dung cakes to be offered into its flames. It is the custom here that no other Holi in the village is lit until this first and most revered Holi is kindled. Furthermore, on Phalguna Vadya Panchami, the Rangpanchami festival is celebrated on a grand scale by the temple trust.

At half past five in the morning, the Deities are awakened with the ringing of bells and the auspicious sounds of the shehnai and nagara. Following this, all the Deities in the temple receive Abhishekam. From half past eleven to half past twelve in the afternoon, the Madhyanha Puja is performed, and the Mahanaivedyam is offered. In the evening, between half past six and seven, the Pancharati takes place. Various festivals such as Navratrotsav and Kalbhairavnath Janmotsav are celebrated here with great devotion. There is a sacred tradition here of seeking divine counsel from the Lord regarding the devotees’ difficulties and concerns. This counsel is sought at six in the morning, twelve noon, and nine at night. Devotees can have Darshan of the Deities here from half past five in the morning until half past nine at night.

Helpful Information

• One kilometre from Saswad Bus Stand
• The temple on the banks of the Karha River
• Private vehicles may come directly up to the Mandir.
• There are many State Transport (ST) and PMPML bus facilities available here from various parts of the Pune area. Many options are available for accommodation and breakfast.