Mahabaleshwar Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located at Old Mahabaleshwar in Satara district of Maharashtra. Mahabaleshwar Temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva and is one of the important pilgrimage sites for Hindus. This temple is famous for its natural beauty and natural landscape, which is a famous tourist destination of Maharashtra.
History and Architecture of Mahabaleshwar Temple
The Mahabaleshwar Temple was built by Chandrarao More in the 16th century and is an example of the Hemdanta architectural style of South India. Mahabaleshwar Hills are named after Bhagwan Mahabali, whose name symbolizes power.
The temple is surrounded by a 5 feet wall and divided into two areas, the inner chamber and the outer chamber. In the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, there is a Shiva Linga made of black stone, which is a 500 year old Swayambhu Linga. This Swayambhu Lingam is in the shape of Rudraksha and is called Mahalingam.
Bhagwan Shiva's trisul, damru, rudraksh and a bed are preserved in this temple and they are about 300 years old. Legend has it that the bed would be uprooted in the morning, indicating Shiva's presence in the temple during the night. The temple also has a square shaped elevated platform. According to legend, Maratha ruler Shivaji weighed his mother Jijabai with gold on this very platform and then donated the gold. Atibaleshwar Temple is another old temple located next to Mahabaleshwar Temple.
Mahabaleshwar Temple Darshan Timings
Mahabaleshwar temple remains open throughout the week. The temple timings are open from 5:00 am to 12:00 noon and then from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Major festivals of Mahabaleshwar Temple
Mahashivratri is the main festival of Mahabaleshwar temple. Every year thousands of devotees come to the temple and have darshan of Shivalinga.
How to reach Mahabaleshwar Temple?
Mahabaleshwar Temple is located in Old Mahabaleshwar and is about 6 kilometers from the city centre. It is easily accessible by road and is about a 20-minute drive from the city bus stand. To reach the temple, you can book a cab in Mahabaleshwar as there is no direct bus service available here.
Nearest sightseeing places in Mahabaleshwar:
❀ Krishnabai Temple is just 300 meters away and you can easily hike up to the cliff.
❀ Dhobi falls is around 7 kilometers.
❀ Elephant’s Head Point is just 5 kilometers.
❀ Venna Lake is around 5 kilometers.
❀ Mapro Garden is around 12.5 kilometers.
❀ Pratapgarh Fort is around 26 kilometers.
5 AM - 9 PM
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