Kukdeshwar Temple, Pur, Maharashtra

Kukdeshwar Temple, Pur, Maharashtra

Kukdeshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Pur Village in Junnar Taluk in Pune District in Maharashtra, India. The temple is situated on the banks of Kukadi river. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Maharashtra declared by Archaeological Survey of India. Chavand fort, also known as Prasannagad, is situated at about 5 Kms from this temple.

History

It is said that the King Jhanjha of Silhara dynasty had built twelve Shiva temples at the source of rivers in 10^th century CE. This temple is considered one among them. The place came to be called as Kukdeshwar as the place is considered as the source of the Kukadi river.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards west. Nandi can be found outside the sabha mandapa facing towards the sanctum. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and sabha mandapa. The superstructure over the sanctum, antrala and sabha mandapa have been lost completely. The remains of the base of the superstructure can be seen over the sanctum.

The sanctum might have had a nagara style shikara. There is a niche enshrining an image of Ganesha on the front right side of the sabha mandapa. The interior and the exterior of the temple are carved with sculptures, kirtimukhas, floral motifs and geometrical patterns. The exterior walls have niches enshrining images of Varaha, Thandava Shiva, Bhairava, Chamunda and Uma.

There is a small shrine on the right side of the temple guarded by goblins. Sculptures of various Hindu deities, hero stones and architectural fragments can be found scattered in the temple premises. There is a temple pond situated next to the temple. It is considered as the origin of Kukadi river.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 19 Kms from Junnar Bus Stand, 19 Kms from Junnar, 34 Kms from Narayangaon, 106 Kms from Pune Airport, 100 Kms from Murbad, 111 Kms from Pune, 172 Kms from Nashik and 172 Kms from Mumbai. The temple is situated at about 19 Kms from Junnar on Narayangaon to Murbad route.

Location