Pataleshwar Cave

The glorious Pataleshwar Cave, Pune, built in the ancient 8th century, and is the finest testament of India’s diverse and rich history. Nestled in the heart of Pune, in Maharashtra, the cave holds importance and garners popularity for being carved out of a single rock. Pataleshwar cave is entirely dedicated to the underworld God-Lord Pataleshwar. Besides being clothed in historical significance, the cave temple also oozes with architectural brilliance that makes it a tourism hotspot, attracting thousands of tourists from across the world.

Additionally, it is the river encircling it and the multiple tropics which makes it an extravagant adventure hub, and a favourite spot amongst devotees and travellers who prefer serenity over the city’s hustle and bustle.

Traveller Tips to Know When Visiting Pataleshwar Cave

• The travellers are expected to dress modestly, to upkeep the temple’s decorum and tradition.

• The cave is a Hindu place of worship and is expected to be treated with due respect.

• Loitering without purpose and defecating inside the cave is held as an offense.

• No visiting charges are levied on the travellers or tourists who come to visit it.

Things to Do at Pataleshwar Cave

• When at Pataleshwar Cave, Pune, there are a few interesting tourist spots in and around the place which calls for a visit.

• Treat your Eyes at Darshan Museum- What attracts more and more people to this museum is its special technique of narrating stories of modern Indian saints using 3D holographic imaging.

• Marvel at the Antiquities at Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum- The famous museum is adorned with some alluring items and is home to some jaw-dropping statues, utensils, paintings, and instruments, all of which holds immense historical value and dates back to hundreds of years.

• Unwinding at Mulshi Dam- The Mulshi Dam is a must-visit to catch up with the best sunsets in Pune. The dam also serves as the favourite hotspot amongst travellers who love gazing into the sparkling blue waters of the dam and de-stress.

• Shopping Spree at the Laxmi Road- The popular Laxmi road is a shopping haven for shopaholics around the world and offers a vast-universe of items like stylish apparel, beautiful ornaments, and dainty souvenirs.

The Availability of Pataleshwar Cave

The Pataleshwar Cave, Pune is open from 8.00 in the morning to 5.30 in the evening.

The Historical Significance of Pataleshwar Cave

The term 'Patal' denotes to the underworld and 'Ishwar' means God. The cave is said to be dedicated to the underworld God-Lord Pataleshwar. However, the name is commemorated to Lord Shiva. The stones helping with the temple’s construction dates back between 700 to 800AD. With the temple being one of the oldest in India, there is a multiple folklore associated with it. Some believe that the cave has been built within 2 hours by the Pandavas who desperately needed shelter.

There happen to be multiple temples in the interiors of the cave inclusive of statues and carvings of Lord Shiva, which is said to have been carved out from a time-worn rock during the period of Rashtrakuta Dynasty, who reigned supreme over the majority of Indian land in the 8th century BC.

The fact that the cave still lies incomplete, has surprised quite a lot of researchers and historians who upon examining have discovered a line of defect towards the structure’s end. This line of defect hints at the fact that the structure's construction was left incomplete, either due to the prioritization of development over temples or because of political instability.

The Extraordinary Architecture of Pataleshwar Cave

The Pataleshwar Cave, Pune is marvellously constructed out of a single rock. The entrance of the cave offers gigantic yet spellbinding perfect pillars serving as the cave’s foundation. The interior of the cave also has the statues of Lord Shiva and Nandi etched in an atypical rock form. The cave walls are decked with diverse inscriptions and designs that spark appreciation.

Just a few inches closer to the cave, you can bask in serenity on the expansive seating area. The temple also offers a striking display of incarnations and scriptures of Lord Ram, Laxman, and Sita. Backed with a mandap and multiple Allies, the cave is a traveller’s delight, followed by a shivling sitting pretty inside the temple which is worshipped with milk and yogurt by the frequenting devotees and tourists.

The important Festivals Celebrated in Pataleshwar Cave

The Tripuri Purnima is a pious festival which is celebrated with great pomp and show on the Kartik month I-e between November to December, on a full moon night. The festival is majorly celebrated by the Jains and the Hindus and is also termed as the Tripuri Purnima or Kartik Purnima.

Also called as Deva-Deepawali or Dewa-Diwali, the festival is celebrated annually at the Pataleshwar Cave, Pune, which decks up with hundreds of diyas. Mahashivaratri and Deepavali are also considered as noteworthy spiritual days and are celebrated with true glory.

Learn About Popular Culture of Pataleshwar Cave

India's monolithic masterpiece- Pataleshwar Cave, Pune is one of the few architectural signs of brilliance that is carved out of a single rock. The site derived its name from Lord Shiva and is also popular amidst localities as the Bamburde Temple o Panchaleshvara temple. A gigantic basalt rock helped in the construction of massive circular pillars, Nandi Bull’s statue, and the shivling. Pune’s rich and diverse heritage is known by a few; however, its remnants still stand strong like the Pataleshwar Cave. The temple is also known to house the Samadhi of Jungli Mahar, a disciple, and yogi.

Which is the best time to visit Pataleshwar Cave?

While Pune can be visited all around the year, thanks to its agreeable temperature and climate which varies between 19-33 degrees Celsius. You can plan a trip to the Pataleswar Cave, Pune any time of the year. However, the months between October-March is considered apt for experiencing the best climate in Pune, with little or no pouring, making it apt weather to explore the best of the cave.

How to Reach Pataleshwar Cave?

After reaching the Pune airport, book a cab or taxi directly to Pataleshwar temple. You can also expect bus and shuttle services operating between the airport to Shaniwar Wada. Upon reaching Shaniwar Wada you can hire a cab or a local taxi to reach the cave.

Know About the Interesting Facts and Trivia About Pataleshwar Cave

• Pataleshwar Cave, Pune earned its entry into the Guinness Book of World Records for the containment of 5000 characters inside a single grain of sand.

• The architectural excellence of the Pataleshwar Cave has a striking resemblance to Mumbai's Elephanta Caves.

• The cave is Pune's oldest architectural extravaganza and dates back to 1300 years.

• The structures are constructed in a way, so they can serve as soundproofing barriers. So, even if the cave is situated right on the road, you can soak up ultimate peace when inside.

• The cave has been declared as a secured monument by the Maharashtra Government.

• The temple complex is lit up with more than a thousand oil lamps during the grand festival of Tripuri Purnima.

FAQ's

Q1) Is taking snaps allowed at the Pataleshwar Cave?

A1) Yes, photography is allowed. Try visiting the temple during the morning hours, for the best shots of the cave and its architectural magnificence. Thanks to the upkeep, the tall trees all around the cave offers a picturesque background.

Q2) Will I be charged for entering the Pataleshwar Cave?

A2) No, there aren’t any entry charges for the tourists or devotees.

Q3) Is Pataleshwar Cave one of the famous architectures in Pune?

A3) Pataleshwar Cave, Pune is one of the popular and the most prettifying temples. When in Pune, you must visit the cave temple to unwind and marvel at some extraordinary architecture.

Q4) What is the distance between Pataleshwar Cave and Pune Junction?

A4) The distance between the cave and Pune Junction is 3kms.