Yavateshwar Temple, Yavateshwar, Maharashtra

Yavateshwar Temple, Yavateshwar, Maharashtra

Yavateshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Yavateshwar Village in Satara Taluk in Satara District in Maharashtra, India. The temple is situated in the western ghats mountain range. The temple is situated at about 2500 feet above the mean sea level.

History

The temple is believed to be built in 13^th century CE by the Seuna Yadav Dynasty of Devagiri. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Maharashtra declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east with an entrance arch. The temple can be accessed by climbing down flight of steps from the entrance arch. There is a deepa sthamba situated on the left side immediately after reaching the floor level of the temple. The temple follows Hemadpanthi style of architecture. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala, sabha mandapa and mukha mandapa.

The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Yavateshwar in the form of Shiva Linga. Lord is a Swayambhu Moorthy (self-manifested). It is unique to notice two idols of Nandi in the nandi mandapa facing towards the sanctum. There are shrines for Kala Bhairavnath, Ganesha and Parvati in the temple premises. There is a kund (water tank) accessed by steps behind the temple.

Festivals

Maha Shivaratri and Mondays on Shravan month are celebrated here with much fanfare.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 9 Kms from Satara Bus Stand, 10 Kms from Satara, 15 Kms from Satara Railway Station, 19 Kms from Kaas, 54 Kms from Mahabaleshwar, 120 Kms from Pune, 129 Kms from Pune Airport and 263 Kms from Mumbai. The temple is situated on Satara to Kaas route.

Location