Harneshwar Temple, Velapur, Maharashtra

Harneshwar Temple, Velapur, Maharashtra

Harneshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Velapur Village in Malshiras Taluk in Solapur District in Maharashtra, India. The temple is also known as Ardhanari Nateshwar Temple. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Maharashtra declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

This temple was constructed in 12^th century by the two brothers namely Bramhadev Raina and Baidev Raina during the reign of King Ramchandra (1271 – 1311 CE) of Seuna Yadava Dynasty of Devagiri.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east with a mahadwara. The temple follows Hemadpanti style of architecture. There is a stepwell immediately after the mahadwara. The stepwell is completely enclosed and can be entered from the eastern and the western sides. Nandi housed in a four pillared mandapa can be seen in front of the temple facing towards the sanctum. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala, ardha mandapa and mukha mandapa.

The mukha mandapa is a pillared open hall. The entrance portion of the mukha mandapa is provided with a parapet wall with a seating arrangement in the interior. Another Nandi housed in a pedestal can be seen immediately after the mukha mandapa facing towards the sanctum. An image of Gaja Lakshmi is carved on the lintel of the sanctum doorway. The sanctum enshrines an image of Ardhanareeswara.

This image is housed in a square avudaiyar. The right part of the image represents Lord Shiva and left part represents goddess Parvati. The sanctum is crowned with a curvilinear shikara. The Goshala is situated on the left side of the stepwell. Shrines and idols of Ganesha, Khandoba, Nagdevata, Bhairav, Hanuman, and Amba can be seen in the temple premises.

Festivals

The month of Shravan is considered auspicious. Devotees throng this temple during this month to worship the lord Shiva.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 500 metres from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk, 1 Km from Velapur Bus Stop, 12 Kms from Akluj, 19 Kms from Malshiras, 32 Kms from Pandharpur, 73 Kms from Phaltan, 105 Kms from Solapur and 175 Kms from Pune Airport. The temple is situated at about 500 metres to the south of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk on Pandharpur to Malshiras route.

Location