Monday, October 29, 2012

Pataleshwara Cave, Pune

Pataleshwara Cave Temple is located on Jungli Maharaj Road in Pune. This 8th century, Rashtrakuta period temple carved out of hard basalt rock with a circular Nandimandapa in front of it. Both these structures are at a lower ground lever when compered to the surrounding area. 



The cave temple devoid of sculptures very different from other famous caves in India. Never the less carved out from the hard rock temple which is well supported by several sturdy square pillars. A big brass bell in front of the main sanctum adds a contrast to the rocky temple. The dark cave has its own charm.



There are several sanctums in the temple for Rama, Laksman, Sita, Ganesh. But main diety of the temple is Shiva known as Pataleshwar. The Nandi under the umbrella shaped canopy is beautifully carved.


In the above mosaic we can see both main sanctum and beautifully carved Nandi.

47 comments:

Sridharan said...

Interesting..!

BunnyKissd said...

What an interesting place! Thank you for sharing!

http://joshidaniel.com/ said...

very nice :)

Rakesh Vanamali said...

Excellent post, as always!

Ranjana's craft blog said...

Very interesting...you are really lucky to visit these places

Jeannie Marie said...

How nice to visit and see this lovely temple from the comfort of my armchair at home. Something I would have missed forever had I not stopped by from Blue Monday. I'm confused, they look like the same place but one with added items that look to heavy to move in and out. Yes, no?

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

The mosaic and the sanctum and the carvings are beautiful. The cave looks a little frightening.

travel ufo said...

badhiya

R Niranjan Das said...

Thanks for sharing this. Never heard about it before.

http://www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.com

eileeninmd said...

Rajesh, beautiful temple and carvings. Your photos are wonderful. have a great week!

Vineeta Yashsavi said...

informative post...

Fashion Momma said...

Great photos.

My Blue Monday.

Sylvia K said...

What a fascinating place!! Great captures as always, Rajesh! Have a good week!

Unknown said...

Another great tour!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Carver said...

That looks like an interesting cave to explore.

joy said...

Thanks for sharing this pictures. At least I have seen this place!

Martha Z said...

Through your lens I get a view of India that is unique.

carol l mckenna said...

Wow! Such history and fantastic photos ! (A Creative Harbor) ^_^

Fernando Santos (Chana) said...

Excelentes fotografias de valioso Património....
Cumprimentos

RNSANE said...

All India's temples fascinate me, from the simple to the elaborate. I just don't have enough years left to see them all. I'm afraid I'm running out of steam - and funds, Rajesh. Home to
San Francisco in two weeks.

My RT2 is at:
http://rnsane.blogspot.in/2012/10/ruby-tuesday-2-pause-that-refreshes.html

Leovi said...

Yes, it's really like these robust spectacular square columns.

Liz said...

Beautiful clicks!


My Ruby.

Anonymous said...

That is a lovely carving!

Jeevan said...

Interesting and nice photos!

HansHB said...

A great post for Ruby Tuesday!

Roger Owen Green said...

especially like the LONG shot
ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Alice said...

It looked huge and amazing.Your kids must have a great time there.

maria said...

Great pics! Happy RT2.

Mine's here.

Anonymous said...

beautiful.

Meoww said...

Never heard about this wonderful place. Cant imagine a temple without the carvings!!! Very unique place for sure.

Al said...

That is indeed different but no less historic - nice shots!

Chubskulit Rose said...

What an interesting cave.


Rose, ABC Wednesday Team

Annesphamily said...

A nice share! The photo is very interesting. Thanks for the share.

My Unfinished Life said...

I have heard of pataleshwar mahadev temple in another part of India too...this one seems to be very interesting!!

http://sushmita-smile.blogspot.in/

Hazel said...

It's good to see pillars that look 'asian.'

Joy said...

Quite austere compared to previous structures you have shown but it has its own charm.

Rajesh said...

Thank you all for appreciating this cave temple.

Barb said...

Hi Rajesh, I like the photo of the corridor showing the ruggedness of the stone. I'm wondering if this leads underground or if it is just the excavated part as seen?

Kusum said...

That is an interesting place! Will visit soon :)

Sudhir R said...

Reminds me of the Nandi temple at malleshwaram.

Mon.Esprit said...

Beautiful post and it is so nice to know about the place.

Bushra said...

Lovely captures! Interesting cave...

Anonymous said...

Such a Lovely Place it is... :D
loved the Architecture.. :D

K.A. Acharya said...

Beautiful clicks.

Mousumi said...

Such a valuable information to me. I didn't know it.
Thank you so very such for sharing. You should post such informative info..:-)

Mousumi said...

You have wonderful collection of such articles..

Murthy K v v s said...

Great pics really!