Palasnath Temple is located in the backwater of Ujjani Dam, which is 120 km from Pune. Ujjani Dam is a dam built on Bhima River near Ujjani village of Madha Tehshil in Solapur district of Maharashtra. The temple is submerged in Ujjani dam backwater and it can be visited only during summer or in case of heavy drought.
 |
| Ancient Palasnath(Palasdeo) Temple |
How to reach Palasnath Temple from Pune?
Drive through Solapur Highway - Cross Bhigwan - After a few kms, there is Palasdev village arch on left - Take a left in Village - Follow the road and park your vehicle. You may have to take a small boat ride to cross the backwater and Boats are available when the temple is accessible.
Drive through Solapur Highway - Cross Bhigwan - Cross Dalaj (both No. 1 and No. 2) - Reach to Kalewadi No. 1 and take left - drive through backwater towards temple.
This route is preferred during May when there is no water in the dam in this area. But before driving through this area please check if it is completely dry.
The temple is dedicated to lord Shiva as Palasnath and it is situated near Palasdeo village. The temple has 1000-year-old history and its a masterpiece of architectural style. This ancient structure created in a Hemadpanthi style in 11th century, was built by Chalukya Kings. The temple has beautiful stone carvings and temple structure is very similar to Kopeshwar temple at Khidrapur, Sangameshwar temple and Bhuleshwar temple near Pune.
The temple is west facing and there is Lord Hanuman idol kept at the entrance of main temple (Garbhgruh - inner room where the idol is kept).
 |
| Lord Hanuman |
 |
| Way to enter Mandap |
 |
| Palasnath Temple |
There is no Shivpindi(Shivlinga idol) in the temple, it was relocated in the village and new temple was built there during Ujjani Dam construction.
 |
| Entrance of Garbhgruh |
 |
| Garbhgruh |
As per the pillar structure, temple was built under Yadav era.
 |
| Pillar |
 |
| Pillars |
 |
| Carving on the pillar |
You can see the beautiful carving on the walls.
 |
| Carving on the wall |
 |
| Ceiling |
Due to the water of the dam, the temple has been damaged a lot but still this temple in the water looks very attractive. If you look closely, you can see that the temple has been renovated during different times, during any of the renovation the 'Sharbh Shilp' sculpture made in limestone is placed there.
The kalasa of the temple is also seen to have been renovated and newly built and so looks different than base temple.
 |
| Sharbh Shilp |
 |
| Kalas |
Palasnath temple is known for its serene ambiance and intricate carvings. This temple is also mentioned in Dnyaneshwari, is a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita written by the Sant Dnyaneshwar in 1290.
The backwaters of Ujjain Dam is also famous for bird watching, it is home to various migratory birds such as the Greater Flamingo, Eurasian Spoonbill, Bar Headed Goose, Collared Pratincole, and the Osprey, bird of prey. Bhigwan is also home to the many birds, one can find more than 230 species of birds here.
We took blessing of Siddhivinayak from Siddhetek village. It is third Ganapati from Ashtavinayak. After darshan we had lunch at Siddhivinayk hotel, its a small shack in which they serve you maharatrian thali which includes Pithale, Bhakri, Batata Rassa, Thecha, Pickle and Dal Rice at Rs.150. Food was very tasty. There are many such hotel close to bank of Bhima river, and all of those nearly serve same menu.
We reached home around 5pm.
 |
| Maharashtrian Veg Thali |
