Pataleshwar
Cave Temple, dedicated to Lord Pataleshwar - God of the Underworld,
dates back to the eighth century. It is situated on the Jangali Maharaj
Road in Shivaji Nagar. One of the major attractions of the Pataleshwar
Cave Temple of Pune is its exquisite rock-cut architecture. The cave
temple was modeled on the rock temple of Elephanta. However, the
construction of the temple never got fully completed and the resemblance
remained partial only. There is a cave in the vicinity of the temple,
the reason for the temple getting its name as the 'Pataleshwar Cave
Temple'.
The cave temple also comprises of a shrine, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The rocks of the cave, cut into pillars, seating areas and akin rooms,
are as old as 700-800 AD. The Shiva lingam is situated in a cube-shaped
room, located in the middle of the Pataleshwar Temple of Puna, India.
Adorned with ornate carvings, the temple also houses the idols of Lord
Rama, Sita, Laxmana, Lord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi. The brass bell
hanging outside the basalt entryway of the temple adds to its
magnificence.
AFMC Pune
