Shri Baneshwar Temple

Talegaon Dabhade, Pune

History often peeks through the very names of villages. Talegaon in Maval taluka is one such place! This village was gifted as an Inam (grant) to the valiant Maratha Sardar Khanderao Dabhade by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. That is how the village came to be known as ‘Talegaon Dabhade’. Although this historic village is now rapidly moving towards urbanization, many structures here stand as witnesses to history. Among them, the Baneshwar Temple holds a prominent place. This site is located at a distance of 45 kilometers from Pune.

It is said that the original Baneshwar Temple dates back to the Yadava era. About 300 years ago, this structure was renovated by Sardar Khanderao Dabhade. Being a devotee of Lord Shiva, he built many Shiva temples, and this is one of them. Even though there is a settlement around the temple, one experiences profound peace within this structure. Before entering the temple, one notices some Samadhis (memorial shrines) in the courtyard. These include the memorial of Umabai Dabhade, the first female Commander-in-Chief of the Maratha Empire, along with several other members of the royal family.

In front of the temple is a stone Pushkarani (stepped tank) with stairs on all four sides for descent. Its construction is systematic. A structure for a Mota (traditional water-drawing mechanism) is found for drawing water from this tank. This suggests that the water from the tank was likely used for agriculture and drinking purposes in the past.

Beside the tank is the Nandi Mandapa. This pavilion, supported by four pillars carved from a single stone, is a beautiful piece of architecture. The Nandi here is also beautiful, and the golden color applied to follow its intricate carvings adds to its splendor. Directly in front of this pavilion stands the magnificent Baneshwar Temple, built in the Maratha architectural style.

An image of Lord Ganesha is carved on the entrance of the temple. The Sabha Mandapa (assembly hall) has 16 pillars. Although these pillars do not have intricate carvings, their design is eye-catching. The construction of the ceiling is also beautiful. There is a Nagara (drum) in the temple, and in the front, an idol of Shri Ganesha is installed on the left, while an idol of Hanuman is on the right. In this same area, there is an idol of the Goddess in a niche. Additionally, there is a Panchamukhi (five-faced) Ganesha idol in a niche above. There is exquisite carving on the entrance of the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The design of the sanctum is also captivating. Behind the Shiva Linga is a meditative idol of Lord Shiva. Furthermore, a large Trishula (trident) is placed right next to the Linga.

Outside the temple is the Gorakshanath Dhuni (sacred fire). Next to it is another Shiva Linga. Behind this Shiva Linga is Sheshnag. Here lies the Samadhi of the valiant Sardar Khanderao Dabhade, built in red stone. Scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and contemporary historical events are carved upon it. Due to the lush greenery, various birds roam freely in the area, and their chirping delights the mind.

There is a crowd of devotees every Monday for the darshan of Baneshwar. The number of devotees increases during the month of Shravan. Devotees also come in large numbers to seek the blessings of Mahadeva on Mahashivratri. For the past two decades, the Chandan-Uti ceremony has been held here on the day of Akshaya Tritiya. During this time, several kilograms of sandalwood paste are applied to Mahadeva. This is followed by the daily Aarti. The service provided by local Bhajan Mandals is another specialty of this ceremony. The floral decorations and lighting outside the temple are eye-catching. Thousands of devotees come every year to witness this ceremony.

Useful Information:
:

• 45 km from Pune; and 3.5 km from Talegaon Railway Station
• ST bus service available to Talegaon from many parts of the state
• PMPML bus service available from Pune to Talegaon
• Arrangement for private vehicles to reach directly up to the temple