Panchganga Temple is a holy Hindu temple dedicated to the confluence of five rivers, namely Krishna, Venna, Savitri, Koyna and Gayatri. The temple is located in the Old Mahabaleshwar area, near the Mahabaleshwar Temple. The temple is also known as Panchganga Mandir or Panchganga Ghat. The temple is a place of worship and pilgrimage for devotees who believe that the five rivers have their origin from the mouth of a stone-carved cow in the temple. Visit during Mahabaleshwar One day tour by cab
Panchganga Temple Location/ Timing and Entry Fees
The temple is situated about 6 km from the Mahabaleshwar market and bus stand. It is easily accessible by road from Pune (120 km) and Mumbai (260 km). The nearest railway station is Satara (60 km) and the nearest airport is Pune (120 km).
The temple is open for visitors from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm every day. There is no entry fee for visiting the temple. However, devotees can make donations or perform rituals at the temple premises.
How to Reach Panchganga Temple
There are various modes of transport available to reach Panchganga Temple from different parts of Maharashtra and India. Some of the options are:
- By Bus: There are regular state-run and private buses that connect Mahabaleshwar with Pune, Mumbai and other nearby cities. The bus fare ranges from Rs. 200 to Rs. 500 depending on the type of bus and the distance.
- By Car: One can also drive to Mahabaleshwar by car via NH 48 or NH 66. The road journey takes about 3 to 4 hours from Pune and about 5 to 6 hours from Mumbai. The toll charges are around Rs. 200 to Rs. 300 for a round trip.
- By Train: The nearest railway station to Mahabaleshwar is Satara, which is well-connected with major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Delhi. From Satara, one can take a bus or a taxi to Mahabaleshwar, which takes about an hour and costs around Rs. 100 to Rs. 200.
- By Air: The nearest airport to Mahabaleshwar is Pune, which has domestic flights from various cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata. From Pune airport, one can take a bus or a taxi to Mahabaleshwar, which takes about 2 to 3 hours and costs around Rs. 1000 to Rs. 2000.
Things to Do/Must See Panchganga Temple
Panchganga Temple is not only a place of worship but also a place of historical and cultural significance. There are many things to do and see in and around the temple complex, such as:
- Witnessing the miraculous confluence of five rivers that emerge from the mouth of a stone-carved cow in the temple. The cow statue is said to be installed by Raja Singhandeo of Devgiri in the 13th century. The five rivers are considered sacred and have different names and colors.
- Offering prayers and seeking blessings from the Panchganga Ghat, which is a stone platform where the five rivers meet. Devotees believe that bathing in the holy water can wash away their sins and cure their diseases.
- Exploring the temple premises, which house various idols and sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses, such as Shiva, Parvati, Ganesh, Hanuman and Nandi. The temple also has a Shivalinga that was installed by Shivaji Maharaj in the 17th century.
- Visiting the nearby attractions, such as Mahabaleshwar Temple, Krishnabai Temple, Arthur’s Seat Point, Wilson Point and Venna Lake. These places offer scenic views of the valley and the hills.
Significance of Panchganga Temple
Panchganga Temple is one of the most important religious sites in Mahabaleshwar, holding paramount spiritual significance. The temple is built at the confluence of five rivers, namely Krishna, Venna, Savitri, Koyna and Gayatri. These rivers are considered sacred and have different names and colors. The temple is also known as Panchganga Mandir or Panchganga Ghat.
The temple was built by Raja Singhandeo, the king of the Yadav of Devgiri in the 13th century. He installed a stone-carved cow statue in the temple, from whose mouth the five rivers emerge. The cow statue is said to be a representation of Lord Vishnu, who is the preserver of life. The temple was later improved by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the great Maratha warrior king, in the 17th century. He installed a Shivalinga in the temple and performed rituals there.
The temple is a place of immense spiritual power and grace. Devotees believe that bathing in the holy water of the Panchganga Ghat can wash away their sins and cure their diseases. The temple also attracts tourists who come to admire its ancient architecture and scenic surroundings.
FAQ’s
Q: How far is Panchganga Temple from Mahabaleshwar market?
A: Panchganga Temple is about 6 km from Mahabaleshwar market. It takes about 15 minutes by car or 30 minutes by bus to reach the temple.
Q: What are the timings of Panchganga Temple?
A: Panchganga Temple is open for visitors from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm every day.
Q: Is there any dress code for Panchganga Temple?
A: There is no strict dress code for Panchganga Temple, but visitors are advised to wear decent and respectful clothes while visiting the temple.
Q: What are the festivals celebrated at Panchganga Temple?
A: Panchganga Temple celebrates various Hindu festivals throughout the year, such as Navaratri, Maha Shivaratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, Kartik Purnima and Shravan Maas. The temple is decorated with lights and flowers during these occasions and special rituals are performed.
Q: What are some other attractions near Panchganga Temple?
A: Some other attractions near Panchganga Temple are: Mahabaleshwar Temple:
A highly revered Shiva Temple that houses a unique Rudraksha Linga.
Krishnabai Temple: A temple dedicated to Goddess Krishnabai, who is considered to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati.
Pratapgad Fort: A historical fort where Shivaji defeated Afzal Khan in a famous battle.
Arthur’s Seat Point: A viewpoint that offers a panoramic view of the valley and the Savitri River.
Venna Lake: A scenic lake that offers boating and horse riding facilities.
Conclusion
Panchganga Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the divine presence of Lord Vishnu and witness the beauty of nature. The temple is a perfect blend of spirituality, history and culture that will leave you spellbound. Whether you are a devotee or a tourist, you will find something to cherish at this sacred shrine.
