Pataleshwar Cave Temple Historical Facts and Pictures

Pataleshwar Cave Temple, also known as Panchaleshvara or Bamburde, was carved in 8th century during the Rashtrakuta period. It is located on Jangli Maharaj Road in Pune, Maharashtra and is a monument of national importance.

The cave temple, cut out of a single block of Basalt rock, is primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva and bears a subtle resemblance to some of the temples of Ellora. A brass bell hangs at the entry to the doorway while the long corridors house massive pillars. There is a cube shaped room at the centre of the temple where the Shiva Linga is located. In front of the cave is a peculiar circular canopy which houses Nandi- Lord Shiva’s mount.

Pataleshwar Cave Temple

Pataleshwar Cave Temple Images

Pataleshwar Cave Temple Photos

Pataleshwar Cave Temple Pictures

Pataleshwar Cave Temple

Pataleshwar Cave Temple Inside

Inside of Pataleshwar Cave Temple

Pataleshwar Cave Temple Inside Corridors

Pataleshwar Cave Temple Inside View

Pataleshwar Cave Temple Inside

Pataleshwar Cave Temple Nandi

Shivalinga Inside Pataleshwar Cave Temple

The temple was never completed and one of the reasons cited for this is the presence of a fault line at the back of the cave that might have made further sculpting dangerous. Beside the temple is a museum that has entered the Guinness Book of World Records for housing a grain of rice having 5000 characters inscribed on it.