Bhuleshwar is a Hindu temple
of Lord Shiva constructed in an Islamic style. The temple is situated on a hill,
around 50 kilometres from Pune. The temple is of historical significance with beautiful
architecture and carvings and was built in 13th century. What’s surprising is
that the temple tower portrays Islamic construction and resembles a
tomb. But once we get inside, one can see a great influence of South Indian construction style. The temple is mainly known for beautiful art work on the pillars
and walls of the temple.
The temple is unique as its
architecture is Islamic from outside and appears more as a mosque than a temple
due to its resemblance of circular tomb and minarets. The reason for this
unique design is said to be done to protect the temple from being destroyed by
invaders. It has been declared as a protected monument.
History
The place got its name from a
story. As per the ancient stoies, Lord Shiva came here to meditate. Then Devi
Parvati, dressed as a tribal woman danced to fascinate Shiva and he got
attracted to her beauty. Finally, they went to Kailash Parbat and got married. “Bhul'' is a Marathi word which means "To
sedate''. As Shiva got attracted towards Paravati, hence Shiva got another name
- Bhuleshwar. Hence the name of the temple.
Bhuleshwar Temple has lately
been acknowledged as a protected shrine. The temple was constructed during the
reign of the Yadava rulers. Bhuleshwar temple was built in 13th century (1230
AD). The temple was originally a fort by the name Mangalgadh and is also known
as Daulatmangal Fort. Later the temple was invaded by Aurangzeb, a Muslim ruler
and was reconstructed again. The fort was constructed by Murar Jagdev in 17th
century. He built the fort on the hill of Bhuleshwar Temple to keep a watch and
get a view of the city. The entrance of temple is called “Gaimukhi'' which
dates back to Shivaji Maharaj’s era.
The babrbarity of Aurangazeb
and Muslim invaders is still visible inside the temple, We can see many
disfigured statues, aurangzebs men performed this act of damage. It was an
attempt to challenge the Hindu Art. Later, muslim workers reconstructed the
sculptures during Chatrapati Shivaji’s tenure as a ruler. The effect of
invasion can be felt till today as we can see hidden entrances and steps to
reach the top form either side, there’s also a very narrow passage that takes
you into the depths of the temple. These small nuances show the measures taken
by the then rulers of the temple to prevent another Mughal invasion. Sculptures
can be seen at every wall. Unfortunately, all these sculptures bear the marks
of hammers. The Muslim invaders left a negative stench all around the temple in
the form of their scars on the beautiful statues.Architecture:
The whole temple is loaded
with beautiful carvings - at the entrance, on the inner walls, outer walls,
pillars etc. - with such a complexity and precision that one wonders if the
temple is really built by humans!
Bhuleshwar Temple is made
from black basalt rock (of kailasanatha temple at ellora) which was brought
especially to construct the temple. The rock is different from the other rock
brownish basalt that is seen in the surroundings. The structure of the temple
is traditional and the walls feature beautiful carvings. Figurines of several
deities and mythological characters can be seen carved on the walls of the
temple. Right from the entrance of the temple. The exterior of the temple
surprisingly features Mughal style of architecture. The tower of the temple
resembles a Mughal tomb. An influence of southern architecture can also be seen
in interior of the temple.
The temple is made in two
layers. The first layer i.e the temple wall structure which is Yadav kaalin is
made from black Basalt stone, while the second layer i.e the shikhara structure
is made in lime and gypsum. The spires/domes belong to the ‘nagara’ style,
while the original temple is distinctly 'hemadpanthi'. The main dome is bulbous and ribbed with a pointed
finial and is surrounded by several smaller spires. A style that has been
borrowed from Islamic architecture and assimilated in time with its Hindu
counterpart. There are several dextrously carved sculptures of
Apsaras/Surasundaris (celestial maidens), Gandharvas-Yakshas (demi gods),
bhaarvahakas (on pillar capitals) adorning the walls of the temple.
Upon entering the sanctum of
the temple one can see a huge statue of Nandi carved completely out of stone.
The main deity worshipped in the temple is Lord Shiva. The walls inside the
temple are also sculpted beautifully. Many of the sculptures inside the temple
are broken. The surroundings of the temple have various small and large
structures which are remains of the fort.
There is the antarala joining the sabhamandapa
with the garbhagriha or the sanctum sanctorum. The sanctum houses the sacred
Shiva linga, the phallic representation of Lord Shiva. The doorframe of the
garbhagriha is intricately carved and has some apsaras sculpted on either side
of the frame's base. The mandovara or the walls of the sabhamandap and gabhara
are corrugated in structure and deftly sculpted with statuetes of nymphs and other
celestial beings, besides several Gods and Godesses. There are statuetes of
Parvati aai, Lord Ganesha and also a daunting sculpture of Chamundi dancing
over a corpse.
The other walls have stories
from the hindu epics of Ramayana and the
Mahabharata etched in mural form. Three such scenes were identifiable. The
first being ‘Bharat bhet’(meeting between Ram and his brother Bharat) from Ramayana or perhaps being the scene
where Arjuna confers with Lord Krishna at the Kurukshetra battlefield, the
second being the scene from Mahabharata where ‘Bheeshma pitamaha is lying
wounded on the battlefield on a Sharapanjari
(bed of grass) created for him by the Pandavas, who are seen attending
to him’ .
Also present are murals
depicting dancing elephants, Vyals (mythical lion like creatures), soldiers,
chariots carved on the plinth .Then there is one figurine of Arjuna piercing
the fish's eye with his arrow.
Many of the wall sections
have Apsaras or nymphs dancing , dressing up, carrying a garland that resembles
a snake etc. The overhead wall panels in different sections outside the
sabhamandap are particularly interesting. One such panel displays figurines of
Ganesha in a female form as Lambodari, Ganeshwari and Ganeshyani, Shiva /
Maheshwari and a third deity, all flanked by dragon like creatures from either
side . The fire emited from the dragon forms a torana like design over the
deities.There are similar panels with Vishnu (carried by a Garuda) in a feminne
form as Vaishnavi, Brahma or Brahmi (carried by a swan), Kartikeya -
Kartikeyani/Kaumari (carried by a peacock), Indra (Indrani) carried by his
elephant Airavata, Chamundi on a corpse etc. All the Gods are shown in feminine
form (a part of the Sapta or Ashta matrika / 7-8 mother goddess pantheon).
One also notices minor
temples, one such dedicated to Lord Vitthal-Rakhumai. There is also a dark room
which has a figurine of Lord Vishnu with a conch resting on the coiled
Sheshanaga (multi headed serpent king), besides some aedicules with idols. The
entire temple complex is surrounded by a fortified stone wall. There are also
some minor temples present in the premises.
The carvings inside the
temple can be compared to the one’s at Ajanta and ellora. Scenes from Ramayana
and Mahabharatha are depicted on the walls.
One famous thing about this
temple is that all the sweets offered by the devotees to the God disappear
almost immediately, no matters what amount is offered!
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