The Pataleshwar Caves, also referred to as the Panchaleshvara temple or Bhamburde Pandav cave temple, are a 8th century rock-cut Hindu temple from the Rashtrakuta period located in Pune, Maharashtra.
This monolithic wonder is carved out of a single rock and the architecture of this temple is exuberant, to say the least. The walls are covered in elaborate carvings and miniature paintings, and it’s not just Lord Shiva who’s getting all the attention here. You’ll also find idols of other Hindu gods and goddesses, like Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshmi, Lakshman, and even Ganesh.
The temple was actually inspired by the majestic Elephanta Caves, but it was left incomplete. That’s why you won’t find a real entrance here – the only way in is through a sneaky side entrance next to a banyan tree in the courtyard. Sneaky, sneaky!
But wait, there’s more! Inside the temple, you’ll be blown away by the massive Shivalingam, a statue of Nandi the bull, and the beautiful rotunda roof backed by finely crafted pillars. There’s even a Nandi Mandapa, which is where you’ll find the vehicle of Lord Shiva – the bull with the same name.
But the real kicker? The Pataleshwar Temple has a make-believe museum that’s home to a single grain of rice. That’s right, just one grain of rice. But here’s the kicker – this grain of rice has 5000 letters inscribed on it. That’s one chatty little grain! No wonder it made it into the Guinness Book of Records.
So, if you’re in Pune, don’t miss the chance to visit the Pataleshwar Cave Temple.
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