Mahabaleshwar is home to some mind-blowing ancient temples that are a perfect blend of ancient architecture, elements of nature, geographic location, astrological alignments, mythological stories, and local history. These ancient temples in Mahabaleshwar are masterpieces, and they offer a spiritual experience that you won’t find anywhere else in Maharashtra, India, or perhaps the world!
Known for its strawberry farms and stunning landscapes, Mahabaleshwar is one of the most favourite hill towns in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. While most tourists visit here for its breathtaking natural beauty, many miss out on the ancient treasures hidden inside the old town of Mahabaleshwar.
Do you like exploring Shiva temples? Check out: 108 Shiva Temples in Pune
A peek into the history of Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar has a fascinating local history that was greatly influenced by the Marathas and the British. The Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was captivated by Mahabaleshwar’s natural beauty and strategic location. It is said that he once visited and prayed at the Panchaganga temple in Mahabaleshwar’s old town. In the 16th century, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj constructed the Pratapgad fort at this strategic location to establish his control over this region. This is the fort where he defeated Afzal Khan, declaring the glorious victory of the Marathas over the Mughals, thus changing the history of Maharashtra forever.
After the decline of the Maratha Empire, Mahabaleshwar was a favourite among the British. They loved the cooler temperatures of this hill town and thus declared it their summer capital. During their colonial rule, they developed Mahabaleshwar further by adding roads, churches, and colonial bungalows. They also introduced strawberry farming, and today, Mahabaleshwar is known as the ‘Strawberry capital of India.’
Mythological story of temples in Mahabaleshwar
In the Skanda Purana, there is a story about two demon brothers, Mahabal (Maha – great, Bal – power) and Atibal (Ati – excessive, Bal – power), who once lived in the forests of Mahabaleshwar. They were strong and wicked, and they caused a lot of trouble. So, the common people prayed to the Gods – Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva) – to get rid of them and thus end their tortures. The gods were pleased by the prayers of the common people and decided to kill both of these demons.
God Vishnu first killed the demon Atibal. Then, God Shiva proceeded to kill the demon Mahabal. But the demon Mahabal had a boon of Icha Mrityu – death by choice, and hence, God Shiva couldn’t kill him. So, God Brahma called upon Mahamaya, and she enticed the demon Mahabal to kill himself. Mahabal then agreed to die, but on one condition – the Gods should stay at this place forever by the names of these two demons. Thus, the demons Mahabal and Atibal became immortal. And God Vishnu manifested himself here as Atibaleshwar, God Shiva as Mahabaleshwar, and God Brahma as Koteshwar. You will physically find these temples in Mahabaleshwar even today.
Do you like exploring Shiva temples? Check out: 108 Shiva Temples in Pune
The Ancient Temples in Mahabaleshwar
Below are the 5 temples in Mahabaleshwar that will give you a powerful spiritual experience!
Mahabaleshwar Temple
The Mahabaleshwar Mandir is home to a magnificent Swayambhu or self-manifested Shiv Linga. It has a rough texture which resembles a giant Rudraksha bead emerging out of the ground. The main Mahabaleshwar Shiva Linga in this temple is very ancient. This temple was reconstructed in the 16th century by Chandra Rao More of Jawali. You can feel the powerful divine energy at this temple. Moreover, you will be captivated by the serene beauty of the Sahyadri mountains surrounding the Mahabaleshwar temple. This is Mahabaleshwar’s most popular temple, so be prepared for some crowds and queues during your visit, or visit as early as possible in the morning.
Atibaleshwar Temple
Tucked away near the main Mahabaleshwar Temple, this serene and lesser-known temple houses a unique Shivalinga. According to legend, Lord Vishnu manifested here as a Linga after defeating the demon Atibal. Hidden in plain sight, the temple lies at the end of a narrow passage amidst Mahabaleshwar’s bustling tourist shops. Its small entrance is nestled between two shops, just 200 meters from the main Mahabaleshwar temple. This temple offers a calm atmosphere, and it is away from the tourist crowds.
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Koteshwar Temple (Rudreshwar)
This small yet charming temple is located slightly far from the Atibaleshwar and Mahabaleshwar temples. It is situated right outside the place of origin of the Panchaganga (5 holy rivers). Though it’s one of the oldest temples in Mahabaleshwar, it remains well-preserved. While many visitors flock to the nearby Panchaganga Temple, they often overlook this temple—don’t miss the chance to visit it!
Panchaganga Temple – origin of 5 holy Rivers
The Panchaganga Temple is believed to be over 4,500 years old and stands at the confluence of five holy rivers: Krishna, Koyna, Venna, Gayatri, and Savitri. These rivers flow continuously from separate outlets at the back of the temple complex. Strangely, there are 2 more outlets for additional 2 rivers at the back of the temple. The Saraswati River is believed to appear here once every 60 years, and the Bhagirathi River once every 12 years. Their dedicated outlets remain closed and dry until their arrival. Together, all seven rivers flow out through a sacred cow statue – the Gomukh, which is placed at the centre of this temple. Take a moment to sit, meditate here, and soak in the purity of this place.
The Rare Gomukh (water fountain) at Panchaganga Temple
The Panchaganga Temple features a unique Gomukh where water from five holy rivers flows into the back of a beautifully crafted cow statue and emerges from its mouth. Unlike the usual Gomukh designs in India, this one depicts the entire cow statue along with its calf (vasru), shown nursing below, while water cascades from the cow’s mouth! The sacred water flows into a rock-cut kunda (pond) before overflowing into the second kunda.
In ancient times, the first kunda was used for puja rituals and drinking water, while the second served for bathing and cleaning purposes. This ingenious design ensures the purest water, flowing directly from the mountains, meets various spiritual and practical needs. Even today, visitors often gather here to collect or drink this holy water, which is believed to be extremely pure and has health benefits.
Do you like exploring Shiva temples? Check out: 108 Shiva Temples in Pune
Krishnabai temple – origin of the Krishna River
Many significant rivers flowing through Maharashtra and southern India originate in Mahabaleshwar, including the Krishna River. The Krishnabai Temple marks the exact spot where the Krishna River emerges from the earth and begins its journey into the valleys below. This ancient temple features unique architecture: a raised platform shaped like a damru (Shiva’s drum) sits over the source of the Krishna River. A Shivalinga is installed on top of this Damru-shaped platform. Water continuously flows from beneath this Shivalinga. Then it flows outside into a small rock-cut kunda (pond) in the courtyard, falling out from a Gomukh (cow’s mouth).
This water then flows into the valleys down below, in the form of the Krishna River. The Krishna River flows further through the towns of Wai, Satara, Karad, and Kolhapur before entering Karnataka. Known as a temple of the river goddess KrishnaBai and God Shiva, this sacred site is not just an architectural marvel but a living source of purity and divinity. This temple is more than 5,000-year-old treasure and it needs to be preserved from decay. At present, it stands strong while battling the overgrowth of plants on its roof and the harsh weather conditions of Mahabaleshwar – constant rain & fog.
How to Reach the Temples in Mahabaleshwar
- Pune to Mahabaleshwar distance: 125 km, 3 to 4 hours journey
- Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar distance: 231 km, 5 to 6 hours journey
- Satara to Mahabaleshwar distance: 57 Km, 1 hour journey
- Best time to visit: Monsoon is the best time to experience the natural beauty of Mahabaleshwar, but summer or winter are equally beautiful.
Exact Locations of Temples in Mahabaleshwar
- Mahabaleshwar Temple: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6R4QxrwutJJNQYAt7
- Atibaleshwar Temple: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RpWoBxdPkj82LvyZ8
- Koteshwar Temple: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FtnRpTToGvt39NyKA
- Panchaganga Temple: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZsZQjgMsrTjZp6ud9
- Krishnabai Temple: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jvdr3QQN77UQSvjy8
Other places to visit near Mahabaleshwar Mandir
- Dholya Ganpati temple and Shiva temples in Wai
- Siddheshwar Shiva temple near Dhom dam
- Mahabaleshwar’s old markets & Pratapgad fort
- Mapro Garden, Panchgani – the best place to have fresh Strawberries with cream 🙂
Do you like exploring Shiva temples? Check out: 108 Shiva Temples in Pune
