Holy Pilgrimage – Temples in Maharashtra State (Bhimashankar temple and other temples) -2 at 9:34 PM

Holy Pilgrimage – Temples in Maharashtra State

Alandi, Maharashtra

Alandi (Marathi: आळंदी) is a city and a municipal council in Pune district in the state of Maharashtra, India.

Geography

Alandi (18°40′37.42″N 73°53′47.76″E  is located on the banks of the Indrayani River, 25 km (16 mi) east of Pune, India. It has an average elevation of 577 metres (1,893 feet).

Pilgrimage center

1. Saint Dnyaneshwar samādhi  : Saint Dnyaneshwar, after translating the Bhagavad Gita into Marathi attained samādhi in front of LORD shri SIDDHESHWAR at Alandi. Alandi is thus a place of pilgrimage and is venerated by many Hindus. A temple complex has been built near the spot of Sant Dnyaneshwar's samadhi. It is visited by thousands of pilgrims, and in particular, those of the Varkari Sect. On every Kartika Ekadashi (eleventh day of the Hindu month of Kartik), a big festival is held at Alandi, when the Yatra (procession of pilgrims) reaches the town.The yatra is also known as Palkhi, which proceeds from Alandi to Pandharpur. The warkaris walk the distance of approx 150 km
2. Vitthala-Rakhumai Temple
3. Siddhabet
4. Jalaram Temple: Just like the one at Virpur Gujarat
5. Dnyaneshwar's Wall
6. Sant Tukaram Samadhi : The town of Dehu, where the samadhi of Sant Tukaram is located, lies not far from Alandi.
7. Sambhaji Raje Bhosle Samadhi: Tulapur village is also lacated near to Allandi (6 km) where samadhi of Sambhaji Raje Bhosle (Son of Shivaji Maharaj)is located.
8. Laxmi Narayan Mandir

Religious significance

Alandi has also the distinction of having a prehistoric collection of Shivling. In one of the Saint Dnyaneshwar's verses he speaks of it being called "Sidheshwar". The name of the reigning deity of the place as also one of the names of Shiva. He states then that a collection of eighty-four Sidhas meet or exist here. Under a dense green and flower laden canopy emitting a heavenly fragrance and birds singing celestal tunes. This stanza is to be found in Saint Dnyaneshwar's book about the power of chanting Hari's name. The book is called Haripath. Even till this day Haripath is recited by countless rich and poor in Maharashtra. They experience its beauty and believe in its powers as also in the person who created them.

Social significance

Alandi has become known as a place for mass-marriage ceremonies for impoverished eloped lovers and parents who would avoid expenses for a daughter's marriage. An "Alandi marriage" has therefore become a derogatory term in the urban area around Pune. There are near about 200 dharmashala's or karyalaya's for marriage ceremonies.

 १) एकदा श्री ज्ञानेश्वर महाराज नाथांच्या स्वप्नात आले. त्यांनी सांगितले, ’माझ्या गळ्यास अजानवृक्षाच्या मुळीने वेढले आहे तु आळंदीस ये आणि मुळ्या काढ’. झोपेतुन जागे झाल्यावर नाथांनी आपल्या भक्‍तगणंसमवेत आळंदीस प्रस्थान केले. तेथे पोचल्यानंतर सर्वत्र काटेरी झुडपे वाढलेली त्यांना दिसली. नाथ एके ठिकाणी बसले, श्री ज्ञानेश्वरांचे ध्यान केल्यानंतर नंदीच्या खालुन आत येण्याचे द्वार आहे असा दृष्टांत त्यांना झाला. सर्व मंडळींनी मिळुन झुडपे तोडली. नाथ नंदीखालील द्वारातून आत प्रवेश करते झाले. समोर प्रत्यक्ष तेज:पुंज मदनाचा पुतळा श्री ज्ञानेश्वर महाराज बसले होते. त्यांनी नाथांना आलिंगन दिले. नाथांनी माऊलीस नमस्कार केला.
त्या दोघांचा दिव्य संवाद तीन दिवस चालला. नाथ बाहेर आले. त्यांनी समाधीचे दार बंद केले. श्री ज्ञानेश्वर महाराजांच्या समाधीवर चौथरा बांधला आणि समाधीचा जीर्णोद्धार केला. समवेत आलेल्या काही भाविकांना येथेच कायमस्वरुपी वास्तव्यास राहण्यास सांगितले. कार्तिक वद्य त्रयोदशीस आळंदीची यात्रा सुरु केली. ज्ञानेशांच्या आज्ञेप्रमाणे ज्ञानेश्वरीची शेकडो हस्तलिखिते जमा करुन संशोधन केले. त्यात अनेक अपपाठ घुसविले गेले होते, लोकांनी आपल्या मनाच्या ओव्या अनेक ठिकाणी घातल्या होत्या. त्या सर्व वगळून नाथांनी श्री ज्ञानेश्वरीची शुद्ध प्रत तयार केली. त्याच्या अनेक हस्तलिखित प्रती तयार करवून सर्वत्र पसरविल्या. याच कारणाने नाथ हेच सर्व मराठी सारस्वतांचे आद्य संपादक ठरतात. आज आपण जी ज्ञानेश्वरी वाचतो ती नाथांनी शुद्ध केली आहे.
अशाप्रकारे ज्ञानेश्वरांच्या आळंदी (दे.) येथिल संजीवन समाधीचा जीर्णोद्धार, आळंदीची कार्तिकी यात्रा सुरु करणे आणि ज्ञानेश्वरीचे शुद्धिकरण हे नाथांचे अतिशय महत्वाचे ऐतिहासिक कार्य होय.
२) पैठण येथील काही कुटाळ लोकांच्या सांगण्यावरुन एक यवन (मुसलमान) नाथांच्या अंगावर १०८ वेळा थुंकला तरीही नाथांना क्रोध आला नाही. उलट पान खाल्यानं तुझं तोंड भाजलं असेल घरी चल तुला मध चाखतो म्हणजे तुझ्या तोंडाचा दाह शांत होई असे सांगुन नाथांनी आपल्या आचरणाने शांतीचा संदेश आपणास दिला तसेच सत्याग्रह कसा असावा याचा वस्तुपाठही घालून दिला.
३) काशीहून रामेश्वरास वाहण्यात येणाऱ्या कावडीतील पाणी नाथांनी पाण्याविना तडफडत असलेल्या गाढवाच्या मुखात घातले व देव देवळात नसून तो चराचरात आहे हे सांगितले त्याचप्रमाणे प्राणीमात्रांवर दया करावी हेही त्यांनी आपल्या आचरणाने दाखवून दिले.
४) नाथ वाळवंटातून जात असता हरिजनाचे एक मूल तापलेल्या वाळूत रडत असल्याचे त्यानां दिसले. कोणताही स्पृश्य अस्पृश्यतेचा विचार न करता नाथांनी त्या बालकास कडेवर घेतले व त्याच्या घरी जावून त्याच्या आईकडे सुपुर्द केले. या घटनेतून नाथांनी आपल्याला समतेचा व बंधुत्वाचा संदेश दिला आहे.
५) सर्वसामान्यांपासून ते मुक्‍तांपर्यन्त सर्वांसाठी नाथांनी विपुल प्रमाणामध्ये ग्रंथरचना करुन मराठी ग्रंथ भांडारात खुप मोठी भर घातली. तसेच अंधश्रद्धेवर कोरडे ओढुन श्रद्धेला प्रोत्साहन दिलं. वारकरी संप्रदायाचा मोठयाप्रमाणात प्रचार-प्रसार केला

 

Bhimashankar Temple, Maharashtra

Bhimashankar Temple is a Jyotirlinga shrine located 50 km northwest of Khed, near Pune, in India. It is located 127 km from Shivaji Nagar (Pune) in the Ghat region of the Sahyadri hills. Bhimashankar is also the source of the river Bhima, which flows southeast and merges with the Krishna river near Raichur. The other Jyotirlinga shrines in Maharashtra are Trimbakeshwara near Nashik and Grishneshwar near Ellora around Aurangabad.

 Jyotirlinga

As per Shiv Mahapuran, once Brahma (the Hindu God of creation) and Vishnu (the Hindu God of saving) had an argument in terms of supremacy of creation. To test them, Shiva pierced the three worlds as a huge endless pillar of light, the jyotirlinga. Vishnu and Brahma split their ways to downwards and upwards respectively to find the end of the light in either directions. Brahma lied that he found out the end, while Vishnu conceded his defeat. Shiva appeared as a second pillar of light and cursed Brahma that he would have no place in ceremonies while Vishnu would be worshipped till the end of eternity. The jyotirlinga is the supreme partless reality, out of which Shiva partly appears. The jyothirlinga shrines, thus are places where Shiva appeared as a fiery column of light. Originally there were believed to be 64 jyothirlingas while 12 of them are considered to be very auspicious and holy.  Each of the twelve jyothirlinga sites take the name of the presiding deity - each considered different manifestation of Shiva.  At all these sites, the primary image is lingam representing the beginningless and endless Stambha pillar, symbolizing the infinite nature of Shiva.  The twelve jyothirlinga are Somnath in Gujarat, Mallikarjuna at Srisailam in Andra Pradesh, Mahakaleswar at Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh, Kedarnath in Himalayas, Bhimashankar in Maharastra, Viswanath at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Triambakeshwar in Maharastra, Vaidyanath at Deogarh in Jharkand, Nageswar at Dwarka in Gujarat, Rameshwar at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu and Grishneshwar at Aurangabad in Maharastra.

Architecture

The Bhimashankara temple is a composite of old and the new structures in the Nagara style of architecture. It shows the excellency of the skills achieved by ancient Vishwakarma sculptors. It is a modest yet graceful temple and it dates back to 13th century and the sabhamandap developed in 18th century by Nana Phadnavis. The shikhara was built by Nana Phadnavis. The great Maratha ruler Shivaji is said to have made endowments to this temple to facilitate worship services. As with other Shiva temples in this area, the sanctum is at a lower level.

 

Although the structure here is fairly new, the shrine Bhimashankaram (and the Bhimarathi river) have been referred to in literature dating back to the 13th century CE. Saint Jñāneshwar is said to have visited Tryambakeshwar and Bhimashankar. A unique bell (Roman style) can be seen in front of the temple which was presented by Chimaji Appa (Brother of Bajirao Peshwa I and uncle of Nanasaheb Peshwa). Chimaji Appa collected two large bells after he won in war against the Portuguese from Vasai Fort. He offered one here at Bhimashankar and the other at Menovali near Wai in front of a Shiva Temple on the banks of the Krishna river.

Surroundings

There are Buddha style carvings of Amba-Ambika, Bhootling and Bhimashankar in the hills of Manmaad near Bhimashankar at a height of 1034 metres. A big bell in Hemadpanthi structure built by Nana Phadanavis is a feature of Bhimashankar. Places that can be visited in are Hanuman Lake, Gupt Bhimashankar, Origin of River Bhima, Nag Phani, Bombay Point, Sakshi Vinayak and a lot more. Bhimashankar is a conserve red forest area and wildlife sanctuary where a variety of birds, animals, flowers, plants can be seen. A rare animal "Shekru" can be found in deep woods. Bhimashankar is worth visiting for jungle lovers and trekkers as well as for pilgrims. This temple is very famous in Pune and people from all around the world come to visit this temple.

Other temples and shrines

There is a shrine to Kamalaja near the Bhimashankara temple. Kamalaja is an incarnation of Parvati, who aided Shiva in his battle against Tripuraasura. Kamalaja was worshiped with offerings of lotus flowers by Brahma. Shaakini and Daakini the Shivaganas who helped Shiva in the battle against the demon are also honored and worshiped here.
The Mokshakund thirtha is behind the Bhimashankara temple, and it is associated with the rishi Kaushika. There are also the Sarvathirtha, the Kusharanya thirtha where the Bhima river begins to flow eastward, and the Jyanakund.

Worship

Bhimashankar is an ancient shrine, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva. Far away from the tumult of the urban life, peeping through the white fleecy clouds, Bhimashankar can be termed a pilgrim paradise. The dense forests surrounding the high ranges are an abode for rare species of flora and fauna. Situated at the extreme end of the Sahyadri Ranges, this place gives a wonderful view of the world around the rivers, and hill stations.
Bhimashankar is the source of the Bhima River, which flows southeast and merges with the Krishna River. With endless stretches of virgin forests, lofty peaks that seem to reach out to the heavens, and the whispering waters of the Bhima River, Bhimashankar is definitely one of God's choicest creations.
It seems as if Lord Shiva is keeping a silent vigil over the majestic ranges of the Sahyadris. The serenity interrupted only by the silent murmuring of the cool breeze and the occasional chirping of birds, Bhimashankar is a trekker's delight and a traveler's sojourn.

Transportation

Bhimashankar is approximately 127 km from Pune and 200 km from Mumbai. The route to Bhimashankar is via Manchar. The second route is from Rajgurunagar via Wada. One can go to this place, full of natural beauty and lovely scenery, and be back to Pune in one day. Bhimashankar is a good paradise for nature lovers, trekkers, jungle lovers and bird watchers. The best seasons to go are monsoon and winter.
Bhimashankar is 74 miles or 127 km from Pune by road. State buses go there from Pune daily, with more than five hours of bus journey. During the Mahashivaratri festival, when there is a great fair at the temple, buses ply to and fro daily. It is accessible from Karjat on the Pune — Mumbai section of the Central railway. There is no proper road from Karjat to Bhimashankar and only the devotees who wish to go to the temple on foot during festivals use this road.
If coming from Aurangabad or Ahmednagar, move towards Alephata which is 30 km from Nagar. Then go to Manchar which is 60 km from Alephata. Take right from Manchar and after 59 km to reach Bhimashankar (Aurangabad to Ahmednagar is 112 km).
Another root is via Sangamner, which lies on Nashik-Pune Road; from Sangamner go to Manchar and then follow the same route towards Bhimashankar, which is 59 km.
From Pune ST buses are available from Shivaji Nagar Pune to Bhimashankar at 5:30 in the morning to 2:00 pm and a ticket is approximately 91/-. From Pune -> Rajguru Nagar -> Chas Kaman Dam -> Wada -> Bhimashakar; from Pune -> Rajguru Nagar -> Manchar -> Ghodegoan -> Bhimashakar; from Mumbai ->Chakan [i.e., exterior part of Pune] -> Rajguru Nagar(Khed) -> Manchar -> Ghodegoan -> Bhimashakar.

From Mumbai

If coming from Mumbai, take Pune road. About 31.02 km from Deonar traffic junction lies the Mumbai Pune Expressway (NH-4) after crossing Navi Mumbai and Panvel. After 52 km from Panvel is Lonavala and 50 km from there is on NH-4 is Wadgaon. At Wadgaon, turn left on State Highway towards Chakan which is about 12 km. At Chakan, take NH 50 towards Manchar which is around 65 km to Bhimashankar. From Mumbai direct State Transport buses are available from Mumbai Central. The morning bus leaves Mumbai central around 6.00 am and the last bus is of 10.30 pm. Traveling from Mumbai to Bhimashankar takes 6 hours by private car and state transport vehicles takes 7 hours.

From Pune

If starting from Pune, drive along the Pune-Nasik highway and turn off at the road leading to Bhimashankar. The mountain road is quite a steep climb. The distance is about 160 km from Pune.
Government MSRTC buses (non luxury) run from Pune to Bhimashankar every 30 minutes from 5:30 am till 4:00 pm

Accommodation

Pilgrims usually stay here for three days. The local upajjhayas (priests) make arrangements for the lodging and boarding of pilgrims at a small cost. Visitors are accommodated in either temporary hutments or in dharamshalas near the village. A new dharamshala is under construction. There are several hotels near Bhimashankar. Places like Shinoli and Ghodegaon are good for staying near Bhimashankar. Accommodation at Bhimashankar mainly comprises two bungalows (with a capacity of 8 beds) and tents.

Visit times

The best time to visit is between August and February. Though any time of the year is good to visit Bhimashankar, it is better to avoid visiting during summer. Similarly during monsoon unless one likes trekking, it is better to avoid. That leaves the best period to seven months between August and February.

City details

The Khed/Rajgurunagar is the administrative taluka in Pune district, comprising the upper reaches of the Ghod and Bhima rivers. The most famous place in this division is Bhimashankar Temple, located in the village of Bhorgiri 50 km in the north west of Khed. It is located 127 km away from Pune in the Ghat region of the Sahyadri hills. It is also the location of the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, a popular weekend getaway from Mumbai and Pune. It is about 130 km from Pune by Road and 62 km away from Manchar. Bhimashankar comes under Pune District.

Story & History

Eons ago in the dense forests of Dakini, on the lofty ranges of the Sahaydris lived an evil Asura by the name Bhima with his mother Karkati. Compassion and kindness shivered in the presence of Bhima. The divine and the mortals were scared of him alike. But he was confronted by certain questions about his own existence which continuously tormented him.
When Bhima could no longer sustain his agony and curiosity, he asked his mother to unveil the mysteries of his life. He urged his mother to tell him who his father was and why he had abandoned them in the wilderness of the forest. After much hesitation and with a lingering fear, Karkati his mother, revealed to him that he was the son of the mighty Kumbhakarna, the younger brother of the Lankadheeswara — the mighty all powerful King Ravana of Lanka.
Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as Lord Rama annihilated Kumbhakarna. Karkati told Bhima, that his father was killed by Ram in the great war. This infuriated Bhima and he vowed to avenge Lord Vishnu. To achieve this he embarked on a severe penance to please Lord Brahma.
The compassionate creator was pleased by the dedicated devotee and granted him immense prowess. This was a terrible mistake. The evil tyrant caused havoc in the three worlds. He defeated King Indra and conquered the heavens. He also defeated a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva – Kamarupeshwar, and put him in the dungeons.
He started torturing Rishis and Sadhus. All this angered the Gods. They all along with Lord Brahma beseeched Lord Shiva to come to their rescue. Lord Shiva consoled the Gods and agreed to rescue them from the tyrant. On the other hand Bhima insisted and ordered Kamarupeshwar to worship him instead of Lord Shiva.
When Kamarupeshwar denied, the tyrant Bhima raised his sword to strike the Shiva Linga, to which Kamarupeshwar was doing abhishekam and pooja. As soon as Bhima managed to raise his sword, Lord Shiva appeared before him in all his magnificence.
Then the terrible war began. The holy sage Narada appeared and requested Lord Shiva to put an end to this war. It was then that Lord Shiva reduced the evil demon to ashes and thus concluded the saga of tyranny. All the Gods and the holy sages present there requested Lord Shiva to make this place his abode. Lord Shiva thus manifested himself in the form of the Bhimashankar Jyotirlingam.
It is believed that the sweat that poured forth from Lord Shiva's body after the battle formed the Bhimarathi River.

Temple

 Although the present structure of the temple appears to be of comparatively recent origins, the shrine Bhimashankaram (and the Bhimarathi river) have been referred to in literature dating back to the 13th century. Built in the Nagara style of architecture, this temple is a modest yet graceful temple and dates back to the 18th century. One can also find borrowed influences from the Indo Aryan style of architecture.
It is believed that the ancient shrine was erected over a Swayambhu Lingam (that is the self emanated Shiva Lingam). It can be seen in the temple that the Lingam is exactly at the centre of the floor of the Garbagriham (the Sanctum Sanctorum). Intricate carvings of divinities interspersed with human figurines adorn the pillars and the doorframes of the temple. Scenes from mythology find itself captured in these magnificent carvings.
Within the temple precincts there is also a small shrine dedicated to Lord Shani Mahatma (also called Shaneeswara). The image of Nandi Lord Shiva's vahanam is installed as is the case with all the Siva Temples, just at the entrance of the temple.
This temple is closely associated with the legend of Shiva slaying the demon Tripurasura associated with the invincible flying citadels Tripuras. Shiva is said to have taken abode in the 'Bhima Shankara' form, upon the request of the Gods, on the crest of the Sahyadri hills, and the sweat that poured forth from his body after the battle is said to have formed the Bhimarathi river.
The Gopura-shikharam of the temple was built by Nana Phadnavis. The great Maratha ruler Shivaji is also said to have made endowments to this temple to facilitate the carrying out, of worship services. As with other Shiva temples in this area, the sanctum is at a lower level. The 'Shani temple' is located inside the main complex of the temple of Bhimashankar.
Between the two pillars outside the 'Shani' temple, one comes across an ancient huge Portuguese bell. Behind the temple, there is a small pathway that leads us to the banks of a river. "Stepping out from the Temple one is awed with a bewitching view of the virgin wilderness occasionally interrupted by the glimpses of the majestic forts on the surrounding mountains greets us."
History unveils itself in the peaks of the Sahayadris. Bhimashankar – a place where spiritual splendor merges with nature's magnificence is definitely a pilgrim's paradise. There are other temples and shrines, near the main temple. There is a shrine to Kamalaja near the Bhimashankara temple. Kamalaja is an incarnation of Parvati, who aided Shiva in his battle against Tripuraasura. Kamalajaa was worshipped with offerings of lotus flowers by Bhrama.
There is a shrine for Siva Ganams, Shaakini and Daakini who assisted Shiva in the battle against the demon. Kaushika Maha Muni is said to have done 'Tapas' (penance) there. The place where he bathed is called Mokshakund thirtham, which is located behind the Bhimashankara temple. There are also the Sarvathirtha, the Kusharanya thirtha where the Bhima river begins to flow eastward, and the Jyanakund.

Pooja Details

Three worship services are offered every day. Mahashivratri is a season of great festivity here.
Timings:
Morning - 4:30 am
Aarti - 5:05 am
Normal Darshans - 5:15 am to 11:30 am.
No Abhishekam between - 11:30 am to 11:50 am.
Maha Puja - 12 pm.
Maha Nivedhyam - 12:30 pm.
Abhishekam and Normal Puja - 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm.
Shringar Puja - 2:45 pm to 3:15 pm.
Aarti - 3:15 pm to 3:30 pm
Shringar Darshan - 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm
(Except Pradosham on Monday or Amavasya or Grahan or Maha Shiv Ratri. Kartihik Month, Shravan Month — No Mukut and no Shringar Darshans).
Rudrasamhita sloka in its reference to Bhimashankar says, Daakine Bhimashankaram. There is also a Bhimashankar temple at Bhimapur hill near Guwahati in Assam where legend holds that a demon by name Bhima who inflicted havoc upon the beings in the area, was slain by Shiva, as he tried to kill a king enaged in Shiva worship.
This is not to be confused with the legend Mruthumjaya Lingam, where Shiva emerged from a Shivalingam to vanquish Yama the Lord of death. The Shiva Purana and the Koti Rudra Samhita refer to Bhimashankar temple in the Kamarupa country. However there is also a reference to Mount Sahya, where it is stated that Shiva — Bhimashankara appeared on the Sahayadris

Three worship services are offered each day. Mahashivratri is a season of great festivity here.

 

Allamprabhu Temple, Maharashtra

The Allamprabhu is a unique temple. Situated on a beautiful hill near a magnificent lake, the uniqueness of this temple is that "Both Hindus and Muslims pray in this Temple".
This place is located at 1.5 kilometers (0.93 mi) from Bhoom, a small town in Osmanabad district, Maharashtra.
Historically, Bhoom was under Nizam of Hydrabad. On September 17, 1948, the forces of Nizam of Hyderabad surrendered to the Indian forces. (Hydrabad MuktiSangram). This temple is a nice example of how "Hindu and Muslim population lived peacefully in India in the pre-British era"

Babulnath, Maharashtra

Babulnath (Hindi: बाबुलनाथ) is an ancient Shiva temple in Mumbai, India. Shiva in the form of the Lord of the Babul tree is the main deity in this temple. The faithful climb up to the temple and obtain Darshan of the shivling and obtain blessings of the Lord. It is also possible to take an elevator up to the temple.

Since Raja Bhimdev's Time

Babulnath Temple Shiva Linga and Idols were originally consecrated in the 12th century by the then Hindu king Raja Bhimdev of the region. Over a period of time the temple was buried and lost over a period of time. The idols were re discovered (unearthed) in 1700 to 1780 time frame. The first temple was built in the 1780 year.

When rediscovered, 5 original idols were dug out. That of the main Shiva Linga, Ganesh, Hanuman, Parvati and one more. Out of this the first four are in the temple. The fifth one was immersed in the sea because it was broken when it was dug out in 18th century. Hindus do not worship idols which are broken and it is a common practice to immerse them in rivers, ponds or sea.

History

When the first temple was built the land belonged to the Parsi community. There were 5 Dakhma's (Parsi final resting place) existing in the vicinity. There was a lot of resistance for the Parsi community at that time for building of the temple. This resistance continued till the late 1800 when the issue was settled by the courts in favour of the temple.

Old Temple

The Babulnath Temple was patronised when built for the first time by Hindu merchant of that time and mainly the Gujarati community. A bigger temple was built in 1890 by contributions from the Gujarati merchants and the likes of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaikwad of Baroda state. The current temple structure can be dated back to 1890. The temple height was considerable when built in 1890 but a lightning strike in the 1960s and damage to the spire lowered the height of the present temple considerably. Till the 1980s Babulnath Temple was one of the Tallest structure & location in the city of Mumbai.
There is limited reference to Babulnath Temple in the historical texts, because in the initial days the temple was frequented by yogis who used to stay there for Bhang and Ganja. However the temple famed in the 20th century. Currently the temple is thronged by people on Mondays and during Mahashivratri & Shravan months.

Kulapathi Munshiji was a Trustee

The Great men associated with the Temple include Baba Sundarnathji, a great yogi who stayed at the temple in the beginning of the 20th century. The late Shri Kanniyalal Maneklal Munshi was a trustee in the Temple for many years and did meritorious service to the temple. The temple was also frequented by celebrities, some of them on a consistent basis. Notable amongst them were Raj Kapoor, & Aruna Irani. A number of Bollywood movies were shot at the temple including award winning 1989 film Parinda.
Amongst all the temples in the city of Mumbai, Babulnath is one of the most beautiful temple structures.
Amazing as it may seem to see 1000 years of history in front of you at the temple in a mega city like Mumbai.

 

Balaji Mandir Ketkawla

Balaji Mandir Ketkawla, is copy of the real Tirumala Venkateswara Temple located 60 km from Pune, Maharashtra. It is on Pune-Bangalore highway.

Baneshwar, Maharashtra

Baneshwar is a temple of Shiva located in the village of Nasarapur about 40 KM southwest of Pune. It is a pleasant and calm place amidst a jungle. It was recently discovered and hence declared as a small bird sanctuary hosting a decent amount of rare birds with many Crowned Hornbills seen.

Legend

Baneshwar temple architecture is from the medieval period. The temple was constructed by Peshwa Nanasaheb, son of Peshwa bajirao I. The temple hosts an important bell which was captured by Chimaji Appa after defeating the Portuguese in the battle of Bassien

Bhadra Maruti Temple, Khuldabad, Maharashtra

Bhadra Maruti Temple, Khuldabad is a famous temple dedicated to Hanuman located at Khuldabad, near Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The temple is just four km from world famous Ellora caves.
The idol of Hanuman, here is in reclining or sleeping posture. ^] It is one of the only three places where you will find Hanuman in a sleeping posture, second known place being at Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh and the third is at Jam Sawali, Madhya Pradesh.
It is one of the known tourist attractions near Aurangabad and people gather in lakhs during auspicious occasions like Hanuman Jayanti and Ram Navami. Further, people come from Aurangabad and nearby places come walking for offering puja also on Saturdays in Marathi calendar month "Shravan"
The folk fare attached to this temple is that in ancient times the Khuldabad was known as Bhadravati. The ruler of the place was a noble king named Bhadrasena, who was an ardent devotee of Sri Rama and used to sing songs in His praise. One day Hanumanji descended in the place, listening to the devotional songs sung in praise of Rama. He was mesmerized and without his knowledge took a reclining posture – called ‘Bhava-samadhi’ (Bhava samadhi is a yogic posture). King Bhadrasen, when finished his song, was astonished to find Hanuman in Samadhi before him. He requested Hanuman to reside here forever and bless his and Lord Rama's devotees.

 

Bhavani, Maharashtra

Bhavani is a ferocious aspect of the Hindu goddess Parvati. Bhavani means "giver of life", the power of nature or the source of creative energy. In addition to her ferocious aspect, she is also known as Karunaswaroopini, "filled with mercy".
Bhavani was the tutelary deity of the Maratha leader Shivaji,in whose veneration, he dedicated his sword, Bhavani Talwar. A temple to Bhavani at Tuljapur in Maharashtra, dates back to the 12th century. The temple contains a metre-high granite icon of the goddess, with eight arms holding weapons. She also holds the head of the demon Mahishasura, whom she slew in the region which is the present day Mysore

Temples of Bhavani

The Tulja Bhavani and another temple in Tuljapur in Osmanabad district of Maharashtra is considered as one of the 51 Shakti Pithas. This temple was built in c. 12th century CE. A Tulja Bhavani temple was built between 1537-1540 CE in Chittorgarh It is located at coordinates 18.011386°N 76.125641°E.

History

Worship of the primeval energy, Shakti, in the form of the mother Goddess is seen in the four Shakti Peethas of Maharashtra - Bhavani with her seat at Tuljapur, Mahalakshmi at Kolhapur, Mahamaya Renuka at Mahur and Jagadamba at Saptashrungi, and also in Tamil Nadu (Periyapalayam)Sri Bhavani Amman. Other Shakti temples in the state are those at Ambejogai and Aundh. (also see Daksha Yagna).

Bhavani was the tutelary deity of Shivaji, the valiant Maratha ruler and is held in great reverence throughout the state of Maharashtra. Bhavani is considered to be an embodiment of Ugra or ferocity, as well as a Karunaswaroopini - filled with mercy. A number of castes, sub-castes and families from Maharashtra consider her their family deity or Kuldevta.
The Bhavani temple in Tuljapur is located on a hill known as Yamunachala, on the slopes of the Sahayadri range in Maharashtra near Sholapur. The temple entrance is at an elevation and visitors need to ascend a flight of steps to reach the shrine. Historic records speak of the existence of this temple from as early as the 12th century CE.
Bhavani is worshipped in the form of a 3-foot-high (0.91 m) granite image, with eight arms holding weapons, bearing the head of the slain demon Mahishasura. Bhavani is also known as Tulaja, Turaja, Tvarita and Amba.
Legend has it that a demon by name Matanga wreaked havoc upon the devas and the humans who approached Bhrahma for help and upon his advice turned to the Mother Goddess Shakti, who took up the form of the destroyer, and powered by the other (Sapta) Maataas Varaahi, Bhrahmi, Vaishnavi, Kaumaari, Indraani and Saambhavi and vanquished him for peace to reign again.
Legend also has it that Bhavani vanquished another demon who had taken the form of a wild buffalo (Mahishasura), and took abode on the Yamunachala hill, which is now home to the temple.
Four worship services are offered each day here. The festivals of significance here are Gudi Padva in the month of Chaitra, Shriral Sashti, Lalita Panchami, Makara Sankranti and Rathasaptami. The deity is taken out in procession on Tuesdays. Navaratri is also celebrated with great fanfare, and it culminates in Vijaya Dasami.
Sri Bhavani Devi is Adhi Parashakthi herself, The name Bhavani denotes so many meanings
Bhavani- Bhava(Shiva)ni- Internal Power of Lord Shiva
Bhavani- Parvathi
According to Lalitha Sahasranamam Bhavani means, Detiy who always helps devotees, who gives Mukthi
Great Sage and Guru Aadhi Shankara says, A Person who recitates the name Bhavani with true devotion thrice every day
will not acquire Sorrow, Sin, Illness & Unexpected Death, People confuse Bhavani devi with Renuka devi
Bhavani devi story is different from Renuka devi
One of the Great Purana Devi Bhaghavatam says Bhavani Devi is the original form of Aadhi Parashakthi and Sister
Of Shri Krishna, Since Maha Vishnu did Penance to get Devi's help for his Krishna Avatar, Devi is born to Yashodha
As Maha Maaya devi (in Tamil Magamaaye), That is why Bhavani amman holds Sanghu (Conch)& Chakram (Wheel) which resembles
Vishnu, Her Appearance actually denotes She is the Sister of Vishnu

Idol of Tuljabhavani

The idol of Tuljabhavani is made up of black nonperishable stone.It is around 3 feet in height and 2 feet in width. The face of goddess is beautiful and smiling. The goddess has no clothes carved on her upper body. The goddess is asta-bhuja(with 8 hands) Mahishasur mardini Durga. As she is Parvati, she has a swayambhu (self manifested) shiv-lingam in her crown. She has an arrow holder on her back. Her long hair is coming out of the crown. The sun and the moon are present as witnesses of her victory over Mahishasur. Her lion stands near her. The idol is self manifested and movable. It is moved three times a year from its place to the bedroom of Maa Bhavani. Below the lion, sage Markandeya is chanting the durga-saptashati shlokas. The lady sage Anubhuti is on the left side of the goddess. She is in a hanging position and is meditating on the goddess. It is chala idol. It is moved thrice a year during the long sleeping periods of maa Bhavani. The face of Sati had fallen in Tuljapur because of which the goddess is decorated in such a way that only her face is visible after covering her with sarees and ornaments. Bhavani came here to save Anubhuti from the demon kukur. In a battle with the goddess, kukur took the form of a buffalo. Bhavani cut his head,then he sharted coming in his original form,at that time she penetrated her trident in his chest.hence she is in form of mahishasur mardini durga.

 

Bhoodsidhhanath, Maharashtra

Bhood is well known for Lord Siddhanath (Lord Bhoodsidhhnatha). Siddhanath is believed to be incarnation of Lord Shiva. Siddhanath is patron god of adjacent regions and one of among several regional protective (Kshetrapal) gods of Maharashtra.

 Location

Lord Bhoodsidhhanath Mandir is located in Bhood, Maharashtra, India.
Bhood (Marathi: भूड) is a village in Khanapur (Vita) tehsil of the Sangli district in Maharashtra, India. It is nearby the city of Vita.

Chaitra-Astami

Annual festival of Lord Bhoodsidhhanatha is held on Chaitra Krishna Ashtami known as Chaitra Ashtami. Chaitra Ashtami is a three day celebration of the Lord's wedding ceremony. On the first day bullock cart race is organised near the temple. Second day is the most important day and on this day Sasankathi(Holy long wooden or metallic bar) and Diva(Holy lamp) are the main attractions. On the third day Kusumba(Type of Bhang) is serveed as Prasadam to the Lord..

Transportation

Bhood is well connected by road with adjacent villages as well as the cities in Maharashtra State. By road, Bhood is 275 km south-west of Mumbai, 73 km north of Sangli and 18 km from Vita. The nearest villages and towns are Khanapur (10 km), Lengare (5 km), and Kharsundi (13 km). Also Bhood is well connected to National Highway 4 by domestic roads.

 

Bhuleshwar Temple, Maharashtra

Bhuleshwar is famous for the Hindu Temple of Lord Shiva, situated around 55 kilometres from Pune. The temple is situated on a hill and was built in the 13th century. There are classical carvings on the walls.
Bhuleshwar has a mythological & historical significance. Originally, it was a fort which was called as 'Mangalgadh'. It is said that Devi Parvati danced for Lord Shiva and from here they went to Kailash and got married. This place is very crowded during Mahashivratri. It has been declared as a protected monument.
Tawny Eagles migrate here from Pakistan and Indian Himalayan areas during winter in Himalayas but summer in Maharashtra. Temple was built during the period of 1230 AD during Yadava Rulers. It is believed that the temple was ruined by invaders and reconstructed later (because the entrance of the temple is hidden like Gaimukhi Buruj construction of Shivaji's time & In 13th century there was no need to hide entrance ). The fort on which the temple is situated is called as Daulatmangal fort some times referred as Mangalgad. Black basalt (`AA type') rock was brought to construct this temple it is far superior as compared to surrounding brownish color basalt which has high percentage of calcium (lime - Chuna). The fort was constructed in 1634 by Murar Jagdev who, in 1630, looted Pune. He then built the fort to keep a watch on the city.

  This place has a shivaling below which you put Indian Sweets. It is said if they disappear your wish will be granted. Mostly it has been observed that no matter how much amount of sweets you put, it disappears.

The place has been named so, because you will forget the way (forget = bhulna) and you will come out from a different way.
How to reach:
There are two ways to approach this fort. First from on Pune-Solapur highway, just before Yawat take right turn along eastern bank of canal. On this way at ghat section road is steep so vehicle break must be in good condition. When you start observing temple by this way there are steps going towards fort. This must be the old way of fort. Second way At Saswad chowk instead of going towards Jejuri take again left turn next to high school. Road goes via village called Singapur. You can see Jejuri on south, Purandar on south-west and Dhavaleshwar on West. The road from Pune up to Yevat is in very good condition. From Yevat it is approximately 8 km of hilly ride, the road from Yevat till the hill top is in good condition (enough for driving).

 

Birla Mandir, Shahad, Maharashtra

Birla Mandir is a Hindu temple for Vithoba located in the vicinity of the Century Factory in Shahad, Maharashtra, India. It has also serve as a shooting location for Bollywood films like Tere Naam. It is on the National Highway to titvala and beyond.Kalyan city.

How to get there

Catch a train to Asangao, Titwala or Kasara from Mumbai or kalyan,. There are rickshaws available from kalyan city to Birla mandir. Birla mandir is very scenic & peaceful place. For kids in the garden there is mini train which gets operats in evenings

Chakreshwar Mahadev Mandir, Maharashtra

The Chakreshwar Mahadev Mandir is a very ancient shrine of Lord Śiva. This is a relatively small temple and is noted as the holy place where Svāmi Samarth performed dhyānam, pratiṣhṭha of a Rām Mandir near-by and blessed a śiṣhya who undertook a sajīva samādhi at this very place.

History

The era of construction is not clearly known. However this is a siddha pradeśa, where many great sages attained mokṣha by serving the Lord. The temple was attacked by invaders and many of the idols were thrown into the near-by Chakreśvar Talao (lake). Many such old and rare idols were recovered later and put up in the current temple structure. The present structure is relatively new and small.

 

Dand Maruti Jagrut Hanuman Mandir, Mumbai

Jagrut Hanuman

Dand Maruti Jagrut Hanuman Mandir is one of the oldest temple in NERUL(EAST) situated in Sector-9, Nerul. This temple has its presence since 1980s when Nerul township was developed by CIDCO and that time Nerul township comprises just only of Sector -1,3,9,11,15.
Dand Maruti Jagrut Hanuman Mandir has its special importance. Devotees from nearby and faraway places visit this temple. There is huge crowd of devotees seen on Tuesday and Saturday. A special Puja is performed on Hanuman Jayanti festival.
Donation can be forwarded by devotees by cheque in favour of "NERUL NAGAR MANDIR PRATISHTHAN"
Address:
Jagrut Hanuman Mandir,
(Nerul Nagar Mandir Pratishthan),
Behind Bharatratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Udyan,
Sector - 9, Phase - 1,Nerul(E), Navi Mumbai -400706.

 

Durga Devi temple, Guhagar, Maharashtra

Shri Durga Devi, Guhagar (देवनागरी: श्री दुर्गादेवी, गुहागर) is an ancient Temple located at Guhagar, a well known Taluka place in Ratnagiri District of Maharashtra State in India. It is considered to be the Kuladevata or clan goddess of many Chitpavan Families from Konkan region.

 

Om Tat Sat

                                                        

(Continued...)                                                                                                                              

(My humble  salutations to the great devotees ,  wikisources  and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the collection )