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.
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.
