Nageshwar Temple, Pune : A Photo Feature

Nageshwar Temple dates almost to the 13^th century, during the times of Sant Dnyaneshwar. Its ‘jeernoddhar’ was however done in the 18^th century (1730).

This temple is located in Nagesh Peth then known as Nahal Peth, but later took the name of the temple dedicated to Lord Nageshwar (Lord Shiva).

The temple is constructed in typical Peshwai style with a rectangular 'Sabhamandap' (assembly hall). The interiors of the sabhamandap are made from teak while the gabhara is made in stone. The 'shikhara' is made in the 'nagara' style, from gypsum, lime and plaster.

There are devkoshtas (aedicules) on the temple walls with idols of deities placed inside.

The gabhara has a swayambhu Shivalinga.

There is also a Nandi idol in the precincts of the temple (as also in the sabhamandap) along with smaller Shivalingas.

There are also idols of other deities like Shani Maharaj ,Ganesha etc. 

The temple premises have minor temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu , Lord Hanumana and Lord Dattatreya.

There is also an old abandoned temple which used to house the Vishnu and Datta idols.

Next to it is an old deepamala (lamp tower) made in stone.There is also another deepamala in the main courtyard.

Also present was an kunda (water reservoir). Its water was said to cure leprosy. People before visiting the Ganges in Benares used to visit the Nageshwar temple, and after returning  used to deposit its holy water in the Kunda.

Today the temple lies hidden in the maze of buildings in old Pune, visited only by the locals and the faithful.

Text and Photographs : Abhijit Rajadhyaksha