Brahmadev Temple

Shree Kshetra Parunde, Junnar Taluka, Pune District

The revered Shri Bramhanath Mandir, renowned as Dakshin Kashi, is nestled in Parunde village, Junnar taluka, on the banks of the Kamandalu River. This sacred river is known as the Kamandalu because of its winding course, which resembles a kamandalu (water pot). The ancient Bramhanath Mandir is famous for its Kumbh Mela pilgrimage, which takes place here every बारा years.

The village of Parunde holds ancient, Pauranic significance. It was here that the Maharishi Parashara undertook his study of agriculture and composed the sacred text, ‘Krishi Parashara’. It is said that the village acquired the name Parunde due to his holy sojourn here. In due course, Parunde blossomed into a prominent centre for the Nath Sampradaya. It is recounted that this Shiva temple was erected after the Nathpanthi Siddha Purusha, Baba Brahmanath, attained samadhi here some आठ hundred years ago.

The Shilahara King Jhunj and his descendants have consecrated twelve Shiva temples near the sources of the rivers, from the Godavari to the Bhima. Among these, there is a mention that the temple of Brahmānātha was completed in the twelfth century during the Shilahara period. Adjacent to the temple is the samādhi of Shrī Brahmānātha Mahārāja. A stone rampart surrounds the temple. Above the main entrance, which is part of this rampart, there are three arched niches, each topped with a kalasha. Within the temple, one can witness a rare manifestation of yoga-related sculptures. Here, through the sculptures on six pillars, the yogic practices and history of the Nātha Sampradāya of that era have been traced. This is evident from the depictions of various āsanas, mudrās, kriyās, and dances. Images of numerous āsanas, including Ūrdhva Dhanurāsana, Nātharājāsana, Garuḍāsana, Naukāsana, Gomukhāsana, Anantāsana, and Sukhāsana, have been carved here. The various sculptures of dance mudrās are also exquisite.

Within the sanctum sanctorum resides a stone Shiva-lingam, accompanied by the pañca-dhātu mukhavaṭās of Baba Brahmnath and Baba Jwalanath. Access to this inner shrine is governed by certain regulations, permitting darshan only during specific festive occasions. While periodic renovations have brought about minor alterations to the temple, the fundamental structure of its original stone masonry remains unchanged.

Within the temple precincts stands an ancient stone *Deepmaala*. Here, one finds shrines dedicated to Śrī Rāma-Sītā and Hanumanta. The serene and picturesque surroundings of the temple naturally bestow a profound sense of spiritual peace upon all who visit.

Every Monday during the sacred month of Shravan, a pilgrimage fair is held in honour of Shri Brahmnath. On the third Shravani Monday, the divine palanquin of the Lord is carried in procession through the village. Another unique feature of this pilgrimage is the traditional practice of Gadabagad. In this ritual, wooden poles are fastened to a bullock cart in such a way that they rotate in a circular motion, much like a wheel. Devotees who have made vows hang from both ends of these poles. A large number of people gather to witness this auspicious ceremony. Along with the third Shravani Monday, other days such as Chaitra Purnima, Vijayadashami, Paush Purnima, and Magh Purnima are celebrated here with great fervour and enthusiasm. Aarti is performed in the temple at five o’clock in the morning and seven o’clock in the evening. Devotees can have Darshan of the Lord in the temple from five o’clock in the morning to twelve o’clock in the afternoon, and from four o’clock in the evening to half past nine at night.

Helpful Information:

• १० kilometres from Junnar; and ९० kilometres from Pune
• State Transport bus service is available to reach this sacred place from Junnar station.
• Arrangements for private vehicles to come directly up to the Mandir.
• Absence of accommodation and breakfast facilities in the vicinity