Pataleshwar Cave Temples

Pataleshwar Cave Temples alias Panchaleshvara or Bamburde temple situated in the heart of the city, at Shivaji Nagar on Jangali Maharaj road is dedicated to Lord Pataleshwar (Lord Siva), God of the Underworld. “Patleshwar Cave Temple” derives its name because of a cave in its vicinity. Built in the 8th centuary (Rashtrakuta period) with basalt rock, it is a perfect example of rock-cut architecture. This huge rock-cut temple carved out of a single rock resembles the rock temple of Elephanta. 

Though the temple is an incomplete structure, it consists of huge pillars, a Shiva shrine and a Nandi bull. Main attraction of the temple is the circular Nandi mandapa at its entrance. The mandapa has an umbrella shaped canopy supported by huge square pillars. The entrance with its geometric arrangements is a sight worth seeing. Outside the basalt entryway one can found a big brass temple bell. The sanctum in the middle of the temple is a cube-shaped room about 3– 4 meters high on each side houses the Shiva linga and the idols of Lord Rama, Sita, Laxmana, Lord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi.

The temple also has seating areas and similar rooms for the visitors. The museum of the temple exhibits one rare work on a grain of rice, with an inscription of 5000 characters on it. This museum is enlisted in the Guinness Book of World Records. Jangali Maharaj Temple dedicated to a Hindu ascetic is the nearby attraction. The temple opens from 8am till 5:30pm in the evening.