Bhuleshwar Temple is a Hindu temple of Shiva, situated around 45 kilometres from Pune and 10 km from Pune Solapur highway from Yawat. The temple is situated on a hill and was built in the 13th century.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. There are classical carvings on the walls. It has been declared as a protected monument.
Bhuleshwar has a mythological & historical significance. Originally, it was a fort which was called as ‘Mangalgadh’. It is said that Parvati danced for Shiva and from here they went to Kailash and got married. This place is crowded during Mahashivratri.
The temple is also known for the folk-tale about it, when a bowl of sweet (pedhas) is offered to the Shiva Ling, one or more of the sweets disappear. Actor-travel writer Milind Gunaji writes about his experience with this in his book Mystical, Magical Maharashtra.
The temple also has an idol of Ganesha in female attire. It is popular as Ganeshwari or Lambodari or Ganeshyani. This temple is said to be built in 1200 century by King Krishnadevray.
According to the Hindu mythology the temple was built by Panch Pandava. Also another temple of king Bharata is built at Bhartgaon near Bhuleshwar temple. Jirnodhar of the Bhuleshwar temple is done during the period of 1230 AD during Yadava Rulers.
The fort on which the temple is situated is called as Daulatmangal fort, also at times referred as Mangalgad. Black basalt (AA type) rock was brought to construct this temple which is different as compared to surrounding brownish color basalt which has high percentage of calcium (lime – Chuna). The fort was constructed in 1629 by Murar Jagdev who, in 1630, looted Pune. He then built the fort to keep a watch on the city.
