Jagdishwara Temple, Raigad, Maharashtra

Jagdishwara Temple, Raigad, Maharashtra

Jagdishwara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located inside Raigad Fort in Mahad Taluk in Raigad District in Maharashtra, India. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Maharashtra declared by Archaeological Survey of India. Raigad was the capital of Marathas under the Maratha Emperor Chatrapathi Shivaji.

History

The temple was built by Hiroji Indulkar in 1674 CE during the reign of Maratha Emperor Chatrapathi Shivaji. Hiroji Indulkar was the chief architect of this temple and many structures in Raigad. Chatrapathi Shivaji was pleased with his works and asked him what reward he wants. The chief architect wanted his name to etched on the step outside the temple so that his name would be touched by the feet of his king daily. It is said that Shivaji visited this temple daily during his stay in Raigad.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and enclosed completely within a fort like structure. The main entrance is from the eastern side of the enclosure and there is another smaller entrance on the western side also. The structure is square on plan and measures 50 metres in length and 50 metres in breadth. The temple consists of sanctum and mandapa. The sanctum is square on plan. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Jagdishwara in the form of Shiva Linga. Nandi can be found in the courtyard facing towards the sanctum. The temple shows Islamic influence having domical shikara and six minarets.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 3 Kms from Pachad, 26 Kms from Mahad, 26 Kms from Mahad Bus Stand, 29 Kms from Mangaon Railway Station, 133 Kms from Pune and 144 Kms from Pune Airport. The Raigad fort is well connected via roadways as frequent buses are run by Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC).

Location