Here is again my yet another blog on Pune! Pune, known as the cultural city of Maharashtra, has so much to explore. Pune never fails to amaze with its myriad of historical treasures. Someshwar Temple Pune, also known as Someshwar Wadi, is one such place. It is a 900 years old temple and also one of the oldest Shiva temples in Pune. Nestled in the serene surroundings of Pashan, we were amazed to see such a quiet, calm temple situated in the buzzing city of Pune.
Someshwar Temple Pune History.
Legend has it that the origins of this temple trace back to a mystical event where a cow, while grazing, was seen sprinkling milk over a small snake hole. Upon witnessing this phenomenon, a cowherd experienced a divine vision of Lord Shankar. Inspired by the vision, the cowherd excavated the spot, revealing a sacred Shiva Linga.
Beyond its legendary beginnings, the temple has left its mark on the at different stages in history. Dating back to 950 AD, during the Yadava period, and later in 1935, under the reign of King Aditya Varman, it has witnessed the ebb and flow of dynasties.
This sacred temple was frequently visited by Rajmata Jijamata during the years 1640 to 1650. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as a child, accompanied his mother, to this temple to sought blessings and peace here, earning the village the name “Peth Jijapur.” Notably, a memorial to Hanumante, a trusted minister in Shivaji’s court, stands as a testament to the temple’s enduring significance.
During the Peshwa era, the temple underwent significant renovations, thanks to the generosity of Shivram Bhat Chitrav Swami, who donated a cache of gold coins for its restoration. Nanasaheb Peshwa played a pivotal role in overseeing these renovations, ensuring the preservation of this sacred heritage.
Also read:
- Baneshwar Cave Temple: Unveiling The Mystery Of 5,000 Years
- Unveiling The Majestic Kasba Ganpati Mandir: A Journey Through 384 Years Of Resilience And Devotion
About Someshwar Temple Pune
As we entered the temple, the first thing we saw was a 40 feet tall Deepmala. The deepmala is surrounded by temples of Ganesha, Hanuman and Bhairav Nath at its bottom. The temple is built in black stones in Hemadpanthi style. As we enter the temple we get to see a huge nadi. The Shivlinga is located in the inner sanctum and is believed to be Swayambhu.
This oldest Shiva temple in Pune is spread over 3.5 acres of land and has three entrances; the main is from Someshwar wadi, other opens towards Ram Nadi, and one is on the west side of the temple. To the south of the temple near the bank of the Ram Nadi is the temple of Padmativi, the goddess of fulfillment. One also gets to see the replicas of the 12 Jyotirlinga’s inside the temple premises which was quite fascinating.
Over the centuries, the temple has weathered the sands of time, witnessing periods of neglect and revival. Nestled along the banks of the Ram Nadi, this striking black temple stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Hemadpanti architecture. With its rich history intertwined with folklore and devotion, Someshwar Temple continues to inspire reverence and awe for over 900 years.
