Amid the lush green areas of Khadakwasla Dam and Panshet dam lies the less known Shiv Temple called Neelkantheshwar. The temple was established by Sarjemama a former forest ranger and spiritual leader after he found a Shivling on top of this hill. The location provides a very scenic view of the Panshet dam and the nearby areas. The intriguing feature of this place is not the main temple but the hundreds of statues of gods and goddesses, enactments of events from Hindu mythology.
An interesting thing that I observed here was a statue of Jesus. In fact this is the only temple I have seen having a statue of Jesus. The place is very placid and free from heavy crowds. A perfect place to feel relieved from stressful city life.
The place is very close to Pune. To reach this place there are two approach roads as shown in the route map. I have been to this place twice but on these two occassions have traveled along the route A shown below. Travel on to Sinhagad road and just before you reach Khadakwasla Dam, there is a diversion. The road through the village is one way and a separate by-pass road is available but most of the traffic goes through this no-entry. Take the road to left that is the by-pass road and this road ends up joining the main road after about 1.5kms. While joining the main road, do not take a left to go but travel straight and cross the Khadakwasla dam to the other side. Once on the other side, take a left and continue on this road. There are certain landmarks on the way like the Peacock Bay and Lakewood resort. Continue on this road till you cross Sangrun Phata. After this there is a left turn for Neelkantheshwar. There is a board indicating 'Shetra Neelkantheshwar'. This is the left turn which will lead to the temple road. Once this road touches the main road, again take a left and continue on this road till you reach junction where a uphill road shows sign for the temple. Take this uphill road. Few people opt to park their cars just about a km from the start of uphill and walk all the way up. But you can drive ahead up to the base. The climb is pretty steep and during monsoon can be muddy and slippery.Once to the base, there is a parking place, an open are and the village panchayat has a fee of Rs.10 per four wheeler and Rs.5 per two-wheeler.
From this base, one has to walk all the way up. For the initial few meters there are stairs provided, but there onward is a dirt road all the way to the temple. During monsoon the road become slippery with mud all around. Also the steep gradient add to the efforts. For fit individual it should take 20-30 mins to walk all the way to the top. Children and the elderly would find it a bit tasking and should avoid this climb. There is no other alternative available as vehicle are not allowed right to the top. My latest visit was in Jan 2013 and till then, no vehicles were allowed to the top. Better carry water at hand. There are locals selling fresh buttermilk and lemon juice on the way up but not always. During my monsoon visit the place was pretty isolated.
The climb uphill to the temple would be a bit tiring but the first glance of the main entrance should be equally rewarding. This is where you can start counting the statues. The whole temple surrounding is full of these. Also there was work in progress on the adjacent side of the temple with another set of hundreds of statues being mounted there. The main temple is right in the centre and is very calm. Found some village folks meditating in the main hall. Was a very soothing place. On my visit I also found one of the sculptor creating a statue with complete dedciation. I did ask him about the total number and the answer was a staggerring 500+ then. From the top one can get a magnificient view of Panshet Dam . The beautiful surrounding is just mesmerizing. The temple surrounding a very clean mostly because of less number of visitors and I do hope that as the visitors do increase people do keep in mind the beauty and tranquility of this place and keep it as clean and beautiful as it is.
Some of the click during my visit in June 2012:
An interesting thing that I observed here was a statue of Jesus. In fact this is the only temple I have seen having a statue of Jesus. The place is very placid and free from heavy crowds. A perfect place to feel relieved from stressful city life.
The place is very close to Pune. To reach this place there are two approach roads as shown in the route map. I have been to this place twice but on these two occassions have traveled along the route A shown below. Travel on to Sinhagad road and just before you reach Khadakwasla Dam, there is a diversion. The road through the village is one way and a separate by-pass road is available but most of the traffic goes through this no-entry. Take the road to left that is the by-pass road and this road ends up joining the main road after about 1.5kms. While joining the main road, do not take a left to go but travel straight and cross the Khadakwasla dam to the other side. Once on the other side, take a left and continue on this road. There are certain landmarks on the way like the Peacock Bay and Lakewood resort. Continue on this road till you cross Sangrun Phata. After this there is a left turn for Neelkantheshwar. There is a board indicating 'Shetra Neelkantheshwar'. This is the left turn which will lead to the temple road. Once this road touches the main road, again take a left and continue on this road till you reach junction where a uphill road shows sign for the temple. Take this uphill road. Few people opt to park their cars just about a km from the start of uphill and walk all the way up. But you can drive ahead up to the base. The climb is pretty steep and during monsoon can be muddy and slippery.Once to the base, there is a parking place, an open are and the village panchayat has a fee of Rs.10 per four wheeler and Rs.5 per two-wheeler.
From this base, one has to walk all the way up. For the initial few meters there are stairs provided, but there onward is a dirt road all the way to the temple. During monsoon the road become slippery with mud all around. Also the steep gradient add to the efforts. For fit individual it should take 20-30 mins to walk all the way to the top. Children and the elderly would find it a bit tasking and should avoid this climb. There is no other alternative available as vehicle are not allowed right to the top. My latest visit was in Jan 2013 and till then, no vehicles were allowed to the top. Better carry water at hand. There are locals selling fresh buttermilk and lemon juice on the way up but not always. During my monsoon visit the place was pretty isolated.
The climb uphill to the temple would be a bit tiring but the first glance of the main entrance should be equally rewarding. This is where you can start counting the statues. The whole temple surrounding is full of these. Also there was work in progress on the adjacent side of the temple with another set of hundreds of statues being mounted there. The main temple is right in the centre and is very calm. Found some village folks meditating in the main hall. Was a very soothing place. On my visit I also found one of the sculptor creating a statue with complete dedciation. I did ask him about the total number and the answer was a staggerring 500+ then. From the top one can get a magnificient view of Panshet Dam . The beautiful surrounding is just mesmerizing. The temple surrounding a very clean mostly because of less number of visitors and I do hope that as the visitors do increase people do keep in mind the beauty and tranquility of this place and keep it as clean and beautiful as it is.
Photos:
View from top of Neelkantheshwar shot in Jan 2013:
Some of the click during my visit in June 2012:
Route Map:
Route A:
Route B:
experience of heaven..........
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ReplyDeleteThanks Sanket for such an informative blog. Must have been a heavenly experience. I've been to Neelkantheshwar temple and it was a great experience.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the blog...we are planning to visit neelkantheshwar tomorrow..hope it will be a wonderful experience...
ReplyDeleteHello!
ReplyDeleteNice information. I am planning to visit this place very soon. I would be happy to receive your comments about my travelogue. Do check my blog on http://questraveler.com/