Bhoreshwar Mandir

Bhor, Bhor Taluka, Pune District

Adjacent to the royal palace of Bhor, on the banks of the River Neera, stands the ancient and magnificent Bhoreshwar Temple. It is said that the city itself was named after this very temple. The architecture of this old-style temple is exceptionally exquisite.

The Bhoreśvara Mandira was constructed in the १७८३rd year during the tenure of Shrimant Sadāśiva Cimṇājī, the Pant Saciva of the Bhor Sansthān. A plaque affixed to the temple states that the cost incurred for this sacred endeavour was १७,००० rupees. This east-facing temple is fortified on all four sides. Above the main entrance, a nagārkhānā has been built for the playing of the śahnāī and caughaḍā.

Ascending a few steps from the entrance, one beholds the Nandi Mandapa directly ahead. This Nandi Mandapa, supported by four pillars, is exquisitely beautiful. The colossal murti of Nandi within it appears to have been carved from a single stone. The ornaments adorning Nandi’s neck also feature beautiful engravings. The colour scheme of the main temple and the Nandi Mandapa is harmonious. Within the temple precincts, there is also a shrine dedicated to Bhairavnatha. The idol of Shri Bhairavnath, carved from black stone, is particularly captivating. In front of the temple, there is a traditional lamp pillar (deepmaal). On the auspicious occasion of Tripurari Pournima, hundreds of lamps are lit in this area, illuminating it beautifully.

The main temple stands on a somewhat elevated stone plinth. The stones of this plinth are also adorned with beautiful floral carvings. Above the entrance to the temple is an image of Shri Ganesha, while below it is a Kirtimukha. Inside, there is a sabhamandapa and a garbhagriha. The temple’s roof is entirely constructed of stone, and beautiful carvings are visible upon it as well.

The temple’s assembly hall, or sabhāmaṇḍapa, is spacious, with a ceiling crafted from concentric stone circles that gradually diminish in size. This hall is entirely free of pillars. The sanctum sanctorum, or garbhagṛha, is somewhat recessed. Here, the Śivaliṅgam is adorned with beautiful floral decorations. The intricate carvings on the temple’s spire, or kalaśa, are particularly striking. It is said that bricks and lime mortar were likely used in its construction.

On the auspicious occasions of Mahashivaratri, Kartik Purnima, and Shravani Somvar, the temple witnesses a large congregation of devotees for Darshan. Additionally, the Bhorewshwar Mandir Trust grandly celebrates Gokulashtami and Ram Navami. The temple remains open for devotees throughout the day.

Helpful Information

• The distance from the Bhor bus stand is a ten-minute walk.
• The distance from Pune to Bhor is ५४ kilometres.
• State Transport bus facility to Bhor from Pune and Mumbai.
• Private vehicles may proceed directly up to the Mandir.

  Many options are available for accommodation and breakfast.