Weather: 15 - 27°C
Tags: Temple
Timings: Open daily, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Time Required: 1 to 2 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Nestled in the heart of Pune on Jangli Maharaj Road, the Pataleshwar Cave Temple is a captivating monolithic structure dedicated to Lord Shiva, in his form as Pataleshwar, the God of the Underworld. Carved from a single rock, this ancient temple features intricate carvings and statues of Hindu deities like Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshmi, and Ganesh. While it was inspired by the grandeur of the Elephanta Caves, construction remains unfinished, adding to its mysterious allure.
The temple’s design includes a majestic Shivalinga, a statue of Nandi, and beautifully crafted pillars. Inside, visitors can admire the Nandi Mandapa and smaller caves housing various deities. A unique feature of the temple is a small museum showcasing a grain of rice with 5,000 letters inscribed on it, a record-holder in the Guinness Book of Records.
The temple is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and is a must-visit for those seeking a glimpse into Pune's rich spiritual and architectural heritage.
