Baneshwar Temple, Nasarpur – Overview
Baneshwar Mahadev Temple is a famous old medieval temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Nasarpur village on the Pune-Bangalore highway. This famous temple is situated at a distance of about 36 km from the south west of Pune district in the state of Maharashtra. Lord Shiva is the presiding deity of the Baneshwar Shiva Temple.
History of this Temple
The Baneshwar Temple was built in 1749 by Balaji Baji Rao (Nana Saheb), the son of the great Peshwa Baji Rao I. He was the Peshwa (prime minister) of the Maratha Empire in India that existed from 1674 to 1818. Baneshwar Temple resembles the architecture of the medieval period. In Marathi language, “Ban” means forest and “Ishwar” means ruler (Lord). Hence, Baneshwar means “god of the forest”.
Baneshwar area is a forest protected area and wildlife sanctuary where a variety of rare birds, plants and flowers can be seen. A beautiful waterfall is present behind the Baneshwar temple complex. The temple has an important ancient bell with the year 1683 and a cross mentioned on it. It was captured as a symbol of victory by Chimaji Appa (Shrimant Chimaji Ballal Peshwa) after his major victory over the Portuguese in the Battle of Bassein Fort in 1739.
It is also believed that Baneshwar Temple was built in the 5th century and later renovated by Rajmata Ahilyabai Holkar. Local people say that Ahilyabai used to come early in the morning in a special boat to worship Lord Shiva. The temple is a one room structure built in stone.
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Best time to visit this Temple
The best time to visit this temple is in between the month of August and February. It is one of the best places to visit in winter and rainy season.
Baneshwar Temple Timings
This temple opens at 8:00 am in the morning and close at 06:00pm in the evening.
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Place to visit near Baneshwar Temple
Baneshwar Bird Sanctuary
Baneshwar is not only about the temple. Rather it is a place where whey trekkers and tourists go for the exemplary garden known naturally with its flora and fauna. A good number of amphibian species congregate there. And hornbills are one of the most common birds that you get to see there. The bird sanctuary has a nice bird watching tower where you can sit for hours together and enjoy the natural beauty of the place.
Baneshwar Waterfall
The waterfall is the main attraction in Baneshwar. The waterfall does not fall much from the height, but breaks down and takes the form of a river. The amount of water reduces in summer and winter and the whole place becomes an ideal picnic spot where you can sit on the rocks and listen to the melodious chirping of birds that visit here throughout the year.
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How to reach Baneshwar Temple
There are not many options to reach Baneshwar, but by choosing your mode of transport, you also choose the route. You can reach this temple by Swargate Junction towards Katraj. Continue along the adjacent NH4 coming from Mumbai. After crossing your first toll booth, 11 kms will take you to a junction from where you need to cross only 3 kms to reach Sri Baneshwar. You can also take one of the Pune government’s MSRTC buses which are available from Swargate bus stand.
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