Like humans, temples might also have a destiny. Some temples have welcomed devotees for centuries, while others have stood for thousands of years, waiting for visitors and even their Gods. One such temple, near the Palasadev or Palasnath temple, shares a similar fate.
The Pune-Solapur highway cuts through a dry area. To help this land, the government built the massive Ujni dam, which transformed the region into fertile land. When the dam was constructed, it submerged a few ancient temples, including the Palasdev temple.
During droughts, the Palasnath temple, usually submerged, rises from the water as if checking on its devotees. The sight of the Palasnath peak, the desolate Dharamshala ramparts around it, the island of Palasnath emerging from Ujni’s waters like a turtle’s back, and the vast blue sky above is indescribable.
As the sun sets, the shadow of Palasnath’s summit, about thirty feet high, stretches across the water to a solitary structure in the thicket. Like the Palasnath temple, this temple’s sanctum sanctorum is also empty. However, this temple’s fate may not be as fortunate as Palasnath’s. Among the tourists visiting Palasnath, very few come here. This temple, known as the Ram/Vishnu temple, has many other names.
Temple Tales:
This temple is known by many names: Ramayan, Kashinath, Somnath, Suryadev Mandir, Vishnu Mandir, Ram or Ramnath Mandir, Vaishnava Mandir, and Sardeshwar. According to legend, Indra once had to fight a demon named Vritrasura. During the battle, Vritrasura begged for mercy, and Indra granted it. However, Indra later broke his promise and killed Vritrasura.
This act caused Indra to commit the sin of breaking a promise. To atone for his sin, Indra went into penance for a thousand years. During this time, the pious King Nahusha, son of Pururavas, was appointed as the temporary Lord of the Heavens. Nahusha ruled for many years, but eventually, pride and lust consumed him. Drunk with power, he began making strange demands from the pious people. He even tried to flirt with Sachi, the queen of Indra.
As a result, Indrani cursed him, turning him into a lizard. Nahusha fell into the Palasadeva temple precincts and performed penance there, begging for forgiveness. Since then, the temple has been called the Sardeshwar temple. (Lizard is called as Sarda in Marathi, hence the name Saradeshwar, or the Lord of the Lizards)…
Palasdev Shri Ram Temple in a Nutshell:
Architectural Style: Designed in the exquisite Early Yadava architectural style.
Building Material: Constructed using hard black basalt, showcasing the temple’s enduring strength.
Entrances: The temple boasts three entrances, or Mukha-Mandapas, each offering a grand welcome.
Shikhara: The temple tower, or Shikhara, has either collapsed due to the ravages of time and weather or has been destroyed by invaders, adding a sense of ancient grandeur to the site.
Platform: The temple is majestically perched on an elevated platform known as Peetha or Jagati.
Base Layers: While the base layers, such as Gaja, Ashva, and Nara thara, are not visible, their absence adds to the temple’s enigmatic allure.
Vedibandha: The Vedibandha portion, marking the base moldings, is visible and intricate.
Devakoshta: The intricate Devakoshta, or outer wall structure above the platform, remains intact and finely carved, inspiring awe.
Mandovara: The Mandovara, or upper outer wall, is completely covered with exquisite sculptures. The temple’s exterior walls are adorned with intricate scenes from the Ramayana, offering a glimpse into historical tales.
Vishnu Avataras: Numerous depictions of Vishnu Avataras highlight the temple’s unique connection to the Vaishnava sect of Hinduism.
Garbhagrihas: The temple features three empty Garbhagrihas, or sanctum sanctorums, each steeped in ancient mystery.
Central Hall: The primary central hall, or Mandapa, contains a circular Rangashila visible through the rubble, inspiring thoughts of ancient performances.
Rangashila: Rangashila, or performance platform, graces the temple’s interior.
StambhaShirsha: The StambhaShirsha, or upper capital of the pillars, features inverted cobras, a unique characteristic of Yadava period architecture.
Bhairava Depiction: One Sub-Garbhagriha Lalatbimba depicts Bhairava, suggesting the presence of a Shiva deity and adding to the temple’s historical intrigue.
Other Garbhagrihas: The other 2 sanctum sanctorums, without specific deity identity, invite curious exploration.
Ghat: The temple includes a ghat with steps descending to the river, inviting serene contemplation.
Scattered Sculptures: Numerous scattered sculptures around the temple beckon visitors to explore its rich history.
ASI Neglect: Despite the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) neglect, the temple’s historical and architectural significance remains inspiring and worthy of a visit.
The Shri Ram Temple at Palasdev is a hidden gem that stands as a testament to India’s glorious architectural past and rich mythological heritage. Its exquisite Early Yadava architectural style, crafted from enduring black basalt, showcases our ancestors’ incredible skill and artistry. Each intricate carving, from the detailed Devakoshtha to the scenes from the Ramayana adorning the Mandovara, tells stories from the Puranas passed down through millennia.
With its three empty Garbhagrihas, evocative Rangashila, and the majestic but decimated Shikhara, this temple is a silent storyteller of an era where spirituality and artistry intertwine seamlessly. The depictions of Vishnu Avataras, the fascinating legend of King Nahusha, and the Bhairava depiction in the Sub-garbhagriha are not just architectural elements but our connection to a 4000-year-old unbreakable civilization.
Despite the evident neglect by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the Shri Ram Temple’s historical and architectural significance remains inspiring. This temple deserves more than just a fleeting glance; it calls for a deeper exploration and appreciation. As travelers and history enthusiasts, it is our duty to ensure such treasures are not lost to the oblivion of neglect. By visiting and promoting this beautiful temple, we can contribute to its preservation and honor the legacy of our ancestors.
Let us celebrate the Shri Ram Temple at Palasdev as a destination and a vibrant thread in the tapestry of India’s rich cultural heritage. Urge your fellow travelers, history buffs, and devotees to visit this awe-inspiring site. In doing so, we keep the stories alive, preserve our history, and ensure that this temple’s beauty and significance endure for future generations.
How to reach Palasdev Shri Ram Temple
By Car: Palasdev Temple is accessible by road via the Pune-Solapur highway. Take the highway towards Solapur from Pune and follow the signs to Palasdev Temple. The journey by car takes approximately 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
By Bus: From Pune, one can catch a bus towards Solapur and alight on the highway, as Palasdv town is adjacent to the Pune-Solapur Highway. Pune-Indapur bus is also a good choice. When you alight on the highway, you can catch a local transport to reach the temple, located around 3.5 kilometers from the highway.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Palasdev Ram Temple is Daund, located approximately 50 kilometers away. From the railway station, travelers can hire a taxi or use local transport to reach Palasdev Temple.
By Air: The nearest airport to Palasdev Temple is Pune, located approximately 130 kilometers away. From the airport, travelers can hire a taxi or use other transport options to reach Palasdev Temple.
For most of the year, Palasdev Shri Ram Temple remains submerged in the backwaters of the Ujni dam. The ideal time to visit is from April to June when the water levels recede, revealing the temple’s splendor. It’s advisable to check with locals before planning your trip, especially if visiting during early May, when a boat may be required to access the temple.
Palasdev Boat Service Contact:
For boat services to Palasdev Shri Ram Temple, contact:
Shri Mangesh Dhondiram Golande.
Phone: 9604115553.
This boat service contact information is a convenient resource that will help you arrange your visit to ensure you can explore this historic temple site during the best time of the year.
Here is the precise location for the temple.
