Krishnabai Temple: Famous Historical Shrine of Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna

Krishnabai Temple is a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna, located in the hill station of Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra. The temple is one of the oldest and most historical shrines in India, as it is believed to be the source of the Krishna River, one of the major rivers of India. The temple is also known as Krishnadevi Temple or Krishna Mandir. Visit during Mahabaleshwar Sightseeing tour By cab

Krishnabai Temple Location/ Timing and Entry Fees

The temple is situated in the Old Mahabaleshwar area, near the Mahabaleshwar Temple and the Panchganga Temple. 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 6:00 am to 8:00 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 Krishnabai Temple

There are various modes of transport available to reach Krishnabai 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 Krishnabai Temple

Krishnabai 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 origin of the Krishna River from the mouth of a stone-carved cow in the temple. The cow statue is said to be installed by Raja Singhandeo of Devgiri (now Daulatabad) in the 13th century. The river is considered sacred and has different names and colors along its course.
Offering prayers and seeking blessings from the Shiva Linga and the statue of Lord Krishna in the temple. The Shiva Linga was installed by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the 17th century. The statue of Lord Krishna depicts him playing his flute with his cows around him.
Exploring the temple premises, which house various idols and sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses, such as Ganesh, Hanuman, Nandi and Parvati. The temple also has stone-carved columns and ceilings that showcase the ancient Hemadpanti architectural style.
Visiting the nearby attractions, such as Mahabaleshwar Temple, Panchganga Temple, Arthur’s Seat Point, Wilson Point and Venna Lake. These places offer scenic views of the valley and the hills.

Significance of Krishnabai Temple

Krishnabai Temple is one of the most important and historical temples of Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna in India. It has a religious significance that is linked to the origin of the Krishna River, one of the major rivers of India. The temple is also known as Krishnadevi Temple or Krishna Mandir.

The temple was built by Raja Singhandeo, the king of the Yadav of Devgiri (now Daulatabad) in the 13th century. He installed a stone-carved cow statue in the temple, from whose mouth the Krishna River emerges. 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 Shiva Linga 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 Krishna River 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 Krishnabai Temple from Mahabaleshwar market?

A: Krishnabai 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 Krishnabai Temple?

A: Krishnabai Temple is open for visitors from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm every day.

Q: Is there any dress code for Krishnabai Temple?

A: There is no strict dress code for Krishnabai Temple, but visitors are advised to wear decent and respectful clothes while visiting the temple.

Q: What are the festivals celebrated at Krishnabai Temple?

A: Krishnabai 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 Krishnabai Temple?

A: Some other attractions near Krishnabai Temple are:
Mahabaleshwar Temple: A highly revered Shiva Temple that houses a unique Rudraksha Linga.
Panchganga Temple: A temple dedicated to the confluence of five rivers that originate from here.
Arthur’s Seat Point: A viewpoint that offers a panoramic view of the valley and the Savitri River.
Wilson Point: The highest point in Mahabaleshwar that offers a spectacular view of sunrise and sunset.
Venna Lake: A scenic lake that offers boating and horse riding facilities.

Conclusion

Krishnabai Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the divine presence of Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna 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.