Koteshwar
Temple, Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
Koteshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Mahabaleshwar Town, a famous
Hill Station in Satara District in Maharashtra, India. The Temple is situated
in Old Mahabaleshwar. It is one of the popular Mahabaleshwar tourist places. The Temple is situated close to Pancha Ganga Temple.
Legends
As per legend, it is said that
there were two demons brothers namely Mahabal and Atibal. Both of them were
creating trouble for common people, devas and sages. All of them prayed to Lord
Brahma, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu to get rid of these demons. Lord Vishnu
killed Adibaleshwar and Lord Shiva was not able to kill Mahabal as he was
having the boon of will death. Hence, Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma
prayed to Goddess Mahamaya for help.
The Goddess lured Mahabal and
brought him to the Gods. She asked the gods to request for boon from Mahabal.
The Gods asked Mahabal for his death. Mahabal granted the boon but requested
Lord Vishnu to take the name of his brother as Adibaleshwar, Lord Brahma to
take the name as Kotishwar and Lord Shiva to take the name as Mahabaleshwar and
requested three of them to stay at Mahabaleshwar forever. The gods granted his
wish.
The Temple
It is a small Temple situated
close to Pancha Ganga Temple. The Temple consists of frontal porch and sanctum.
Presiding Deity is called as Koteshwar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form
of Lingam. Nandi can be found in the porch facing the Sanctum.
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 7
Kms from Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand. Mahabaleshwar is located at about 33 Kms from
Wai, 66 Kms from Satara, 71 Kms from Satara Railway Station, 120 Kms from Pune,
130 Kms from Pune Airport and 231 Kms from Mumbai. Mahabaleshwar is connected
by the National Highway 4. Bus services by state-run MSRTC and
private organizations connect Pune, Miraj,
Mumbai, Sangli and
Satara to Mahabaleshwar.
Location
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