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Nilkantheshwar Temple, Pune
Nilkantheshwar Temple – imagine a single temple housing over 1,200 idols! Yes, you read it right. In Pune, there exists a unique temple adorned with more than 1,200 statues of various gods and goddesses, including Lord Krishna, Ashatavinayak, Lord Shiva, Lord Vitthoba, Goddess Kali, Goddess Laxmi, Saint Tukaram Maharaj, Lord Ram, Lord Hanuman, and many more. Just envision the sacred energy of such a place, situated atop a hill surrounded by lush greenery and dotted with tall and short trees. As I often mention in my blogs, Pune is a city filled with surprises, home to numerous hidden spots rich in history and cultural heritage. Nilkantheshwar Temple is one such gem, located 40 km from Pune city, nestled between Khadakwasla and Panshet dams. Despite its charm, this temple isn’t widely known among Pune locals. However, thanks to social media, this hidden treasure is gaining attention. If you’re searching for a serene, spiritually uplifting one-day getaway, Nilkantheshwar Temple is a must-visit destination.
The History of Nilkantheshwar Temple
The story of Nilkantheshwar Temple is as unique as the temple itself. It was built by a forest officer and a devoted follower of Lord Shiva named Sarje Mama, and its origin dates back to March 6, 1963. While resting in the Davje Forest, Sarje Mama reportedly dreamed that Lord Shiva asked him for water. Upon waking, he began digging the ground where he had slept and discovered a naturally formed Shivling and a Nandi idol. Inspired by this discovery, he decided to build a grand temple at that very spot. To bring his vision to life, he sold his gold and silver to fund the construction. He also set up a free de-addiction center, where thousands of people have since found help to overcome their addictions. With the support of nearby villagers, who contributed both funds and labor, the temple gradually expanded to house many more statues. Today, after decades of hard work and devotion, Nilkantheshwar Temple is a revered site, drawing visitors from far and wide who come to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Journey Towards Nilkantheshwar Temple
When you have a friend like Shailesh, who’s always excited to explore new places, planning adventures becomes effortless. I first met Shailesh during a trip to Raireshwar, and since then, whenever he plans a trip, he always asks me to join him. Recently, he invited me to join him and his office friends on a visit to Nilkantheshwar Temple. Having last visited ten years ago, I couldn’t resist the chance to revisit. We agreed to meet at Warje Bridge at 6 AM, and from there, we embarked on our journey via NDA Road.
The October morning greeted us with a chilly, foggy climate that only added to the adventure. As we drove past Khadakwasla’s backroads, a dense fog obscured the road, creating a surreal atmosphere—just 20 km from Pune, and it felt like a different world!
When the sun began to rise, its warm colors mingled with the fog, painting the sky in hues that were too stunning not to capture. Due to the winter season, it was cold while riding the bike, and one side of Shailesh’s face was covered with small water droplets, which was funny—it looked like we had come to a place like Antarctica! I captured his face in a picture and continued our journey. After an hour of riding, we reached the spacious parking area of Nilkantheshwar Temple
Trekking to the Temple
As we started our walk towards the Nilkantheshwar Temple, the first sight that greeted us was a large shrine dedicated to Sarje Mama, the person who built this beautiful hilltop temple. The trek from the parking lot is about a kilometer long, taking roughly 30-45 minutes on a stone path.
Just a few steps into the climb, I was completely mesmerized. The hills were wrapped in clouds, giving the whole place an almost heavenly feel. It was hard to believe this view was just 35 kilometers from Pune! We paused for a while, soaking in the beauty and snapping pictures. This was easily the most breathtaking view I’d seen in 2024.
Exploring the Idols and Sculptures
Continuing on the trail, tall trees lined our path, and the sounds of various birds echoed around us, making each step feel like a journey through nature’s own orchestra. Before long, we reached the entrance to the Nilkantheshwar Temple. Statues of two gods guarded the stairs, and the peaceful “Om Namah Shivaya” mantra filled the air, adding to the spiritual ambiance.
Near the entrance, we encountered an impressive 12-foot statue of Lord Hanuman lying in a restful posture. As we walked along, numerous statues of gods and scenes from ancient mythology appeared at every turn, each one depicting a significant tale from our culture.
One of the sculptures that captivated us was the scene of Lord Krishna protecting Draupadi during her “vastra haran” incident, a pivotal moment from the Mahabharata.
Moving ahead, we found the statues of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu, all with a clear view of the Torna and Rajgad Forts in the background, partially obscured by clouds but still magical. We paused again, taking in the view of Panshet Dam below, blanketed by clouds.
Inside the Main Temple
At the main temple, we saw the Lord Dattatraya idol, surrounded by small symbolic details that deepened the serene vibe of the place.
Above the entrance, a statue of Lord Hanuman with Lord Ram and Lakshman on his shoulders greeted visitors. Before entering, there was a place to leave shoes and wash feet, a ritual that added to the sacred feel of the temple. The temple itself has three entrances, the first leading into a large hall where devotees can queue, regardless of the crowd. In this hall, idols of various gods such as Lord Ganesh, Saptashringi Mata, Ardhanareshwar Mahadev, Shiv-Parvati, and Vithoba-Rukmini were intricately carved. Taking blessings, we moved to the second entrance, leading to the main shrine.
Here, a grand idol of Shiv-Parvati with Lord Ganesh sitting on Sheshnag caught our eye. After offering our prayers, we entered the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), where the self-manifested Shivling, a swayambhu form of Lord Shiva, sits at the center, with holy water continuously dripping from a “kalash” above. The priest’s chanting added a divine touch, making it an intense spiritual experience. We spent a few quiet moments in prayer.
Mythological Stories in Sculptures
Outside, we explored more sculptures that tell stories from Hindu mythology. One particularly interesting figure was a small road roller, reminding me of the movie Khatta Meetha and its famous line, “Abhi theek karke deta hu.” Further along, there were scenes from the Samudra Manthan, where gods and demons churn the ocean, and Lord Shiva drinks the poison, turning his neck blue, giving him the name “Nilkanth.” Another fascinating sculpture depicted the awakening of Kumbhakaran, the giant from the Ramayana known for his deep sleep.
In another area, large, colorful statues of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj, Lord Vitthal, and Sant Tukaram Maharaj stood, with their grand size and surrounding greenery creating a striking visual. Nearby, the Varkari statues enhanced the peaceful surroundings. We also found depictions of Bhima killing Bakasur, Bhishma lying on arrows, and little Rama killing a demon, highlighting the valor of these legendary figures. Additionally, there was a representation of Lord Parshuram following his father’s command to cut off his mother’s head, a mythological tale showcasing the strong bond between father and son.
The area also included the grand scene of Sita’s swayamvar, where princess Sita chose her husband among many suitors, adding to the many stories and legends in this holy place.
Final Thoughts on Nilkantheshwar Temple
After exploring every corner of the beautiful Nilkantheshwar Temple, we started our journey back. This place is more than just a temple—it’s like an open gallery where you can see stories of our gods and legends carved in colorful statues and sculptures. Each step brings something new to see, whether it’s the views of green hills, misty valleys, or the detailed sculptures of gods and heroes from Hindu mythology. The peaceful atmosphere and rich stories stayed with us as we walked down. If you’re near Pune, Nilkantheshwar Temple is a must-visit, where you can dive into history, enjoy breathtaking views, and experience the charm of our culture and spirituality, all just a short distance from the city.
How to Reach Nilkantheshwar Temple
To reach Nilkantheshwar Temple, you can start from Pune city, which is about 40 km away. The most common way is to drive or ride a bike via NDA Road, which takes around 1-1.5 hours, depending on traffic. Public transport options are also available, such as local buses that can take you to Khadakwasla, from where you can hire a rickshaw or take a local vehicle to the temple. Additionally, there is a tractor service available for reaching the main temple, which costs ₹100 per person. This tractor service operates only on Saturdays and Sundays, providing a convenient option for visitors.
Stay Options Near Nilkantheshwar Temple
For those visiting Nilkantheshwar Temple, there are a few stay options to consider. The temple itself offers a basic stay facility for pilgrims. For more comfortable accommodations, you can find hotels near Khadakwasla and Panshet Dam, both of which offer a variety of amenities. Additionally, the surrounding area has several resorts, providing scenic and relaxing lodging options ideal for families and groups.
Food Availability at Nilkantheshwar Temple
Near the parking area, there is a snack center for quick refreshments. At the hilltop entry point, a small snack center offers additional options, but it’s occasionally closed. For a smoother visit, it’s recommended to bring your own food and water, as this allows you to fully enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the temple and its surroundings.
Entry Fees at Nilkantheshwar Temple
There is no entry fee to visit Nilkantheshwar Temple. However, parking charges apply: ₹10 for two-wheelers and ₹20 for four-wheelers.
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