Weekend Gateway - Bhuleshwar (An Ancient Place of Lord Shiva Temple)

As weekend was approaching, this time myself and Tushar decided to visit an ancient place near Pune, i.e Bhuleshwar, Famous for Lord Shiva Temple on hilltop. We started early morning by Alto. Weather was pleasant. On the way we took haut for breakfast at Urali Kanchan. This is the place famous for grapes. We purchased fresh grapes and started our journey onwards. There is a small ghat section on the way to Bhuleshwar Temple. The temple hilltop is huge and there is lot of parking space available for tourist vehicles. Bhuleshwar temple is built in 13th century and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was previously a fort called “Mangalgadh”. The devastated evidences show that this temple must have been ruined by invaders and reconstructed again. The entrance of temple is very interesting. It is called “Gaimukhi construction” which dates back to Shivaji Maharaj’s era. The walls of temple are decked with beautiful carvings right from entrance.
There is mythological story that after Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati had fight and angry Shiva came here to meditate. Devi Parvati, dressed as “Bhilla” woman danced to fascinate Shiva. Her beauty seduced him. They went to Kailas from here and got re-united. The place got its name from this story. “To sedate” means “bhul” in Marathi. As Shiva was seduced by Paravati, hence he is also called “Bhuleshwar”.
There was huge Nandi inside the temple along with Ganapati idol in woman form. It is believed to be only such idol of Ganesh. Also there is huge spectacular bell outside the temple. We climbed upstairs and the view was beautiful.
Bird watching is also popular in the mountains near Bhuleshwar. Tawny eagles and other migratory birds are often seen here during the winters. To reach the mountain valley for the bird watching site, one needs to drive on the Pune-Solapur road upto four kms ahead of Yavat where one must take a right turn and pass the Deccan Explosives factory to drive upto the mountain and see the valley on the left. This historic place in Maharashtra is also one of its most ignored. There are crowds here only during the month of Shravan or on the occasion of Mahashivaratri. However, Bhuleshwar is worth visiting any time of the year and a good place for a day’s trek. We had a wonderful time on hilltop and at around 4pm we started our back journey. It was truly a memorable outing.
To reach Bhuleshwar –

Take Pune – Solapur Highway and drive approx. 30-35 Kms.
2 Kms. before Yavat village, take right turn along eastern bank of canal.
You will see sign board “Bhuleshwar”.
Drive approx. 8-10 Kms to reach Bhuleshwar Temple. Regular buses are available from Swargate and Pune Station ST Stand to Yawat and PMT Buses from Pune Station, Poolgate and Swargate to Theur. As you begin, you will start getting view of Bhuleshwar temple located top on mountain. The road is in OK condition.
Caution: On this way, there is a ghat stretch on around 3-4 Kms. and the road is steep so make sure that vehicle break is in good condition. There is a very steep turn while climbing as you approach near the temple. You can see Jejuri on south and Purandar on south-west and Dhavaleshwar on West.