Panchling Temple

Junnar, Taluka Junnar, District Pune

The Panchlingi Temple, dating back to the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and situated at the foothills of Shivneri Fort, is a revered place of faith for devotees in the taluka. It is said that Rajmata Jijau used to visit to seek the blessings of Panchling Mahadev. Old documents record that this structure was renovated in the year ۱۷۷۷. Known as a ‘Jagrut Devasthan’ (an awakened or spiritually vibrant shrine), this place is located ۹۵ kilometers from Pune.

The Junnar region is a treasure trove of magnificent historical and religious sites, including Shivneri Fort—the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj—as well as Ozar and Lenyadri, which are among the Ashtavinayak temples. Consequently, both devotees and history enthusiasts frequent this area. At the foothills of Shivneri Fort lies the Shivsrushti project, which narrates the saga of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s valor. The Panchling Temple is located right next to it. When viewed from the fort, the temple’s attractive spire, a beautiful manifestation of fine craftsmanship, captures one’s attention. The idol of Lord Ganesha carved upon it is truly exquisite.

The temple is enclosed by a stone fortification wall. Upon entering the temple premises, one encounters the Nandi Mandap. Beneath the Nandi Mandap lies an idol of Lord Ganesha carved into the stone. A beautiful image of Lord Shiva is depicted at the temple entrance. In the center of the doorway is an idol of Lord Ganesha, with a Kirtimukh at the base. Along with stone masonry, wood and, in some places, cement and bricks have been used in the assembly hall. Although there is a Shivalinga in the sanctum sanctorum, its center is hollowed out. Five smaller lingas are carved within this hollowed section, which is why the temple is known as ‘Panchling’. An idol of Goddess Parvati is also present here.

Outside the temple, one can see a beautifully constructed water tank (Kund). The water supply to this tank is skillfully managed from the Ganga-Yamuna tanks located on Shivneri Fort. This water flows into the tank through a Gomukh (cow-faced spout). The water from this tank is used for the worship of the deity. Proper arrangements are also in place for the outflow of this water. This gives us an idea of the water management systems of the past.

During the holy month of Shravan and on the day of Mahashivratri, there is a large influx of devotees here for darshan. On the first and last Mondays of the month of Shravan, five lingas made of rice are prepared here. These lingas are crafted using dry rice, supported only by a lemon.

Devotees believe that the wishes of those who visit the Panchlingi temple for sixteen consecutive Mondays, starting from the first Monday of Shravan, are fulfilled. Consequently, hundreds of devotees who observe this vow come here. A fair is held here every Monday of Shravan. Large-scale food donations (Annadan) take place during the fair. The distribution of Prasad, consisting of Khichdi and bananas, continues throughout the day.

Useful Information:

• One kilometer from Junnar bus stand; ۹۵ kilometers from Pune
• ST bus services available to Junnar from various parts of the state
• The shrine is located at the very foothills of Shivneri Fort
• Arrangements available for private vehicles to reach the temple directly